Originally Posted By Roger55 <<Wireless signals would set off the pyro for the show and be VERY unsafe.>> First of all, there is such a thing as different radio frequncies. You know, the same little concept that allows us not all have to listen to one single radio station. It also allows us to have multiple types of wireless devices from radios,cell phone, cordless phones,walkie talkies, wireless internet, garage door openers, remote control toys, anda whole lot more, all not interfering with each other. Then there is this other concept of encoding wireless signals. You cant just connect to anyone's wireless network or open anyone's garage door. Encoding provides selective use or ignoring of wireless signals that share the same frequency. If you are talking about RF crosstalk or interference, there is also something called RF shielding to prevent or minimize it from happening. If as you say, wireless communication would set off the pyrotechnics, why doesn't all the cell phones, radios, etc. also set them off? So if you use any or all of these techniques, it is easy to prevent any unwanted pyro from going off. And if wireless interference is such a big saftey concern, why use them at all for controlling the pyrotechnics?
Originally Posted By Roger55 <<LEAST EXPENSIVE? Really. REALLY? C'mon.>> OK, I admit you are right. Trained monkeys would be cheaper.
Originally Posted By jaycub <<Why not simply enjoy the new magic and appreciate the incredible performances of these hardworking and dedicated performers? There is, truly, only ONE Mickey...and he loves creating magic for each and every guest, no matter which park you visit or in what context you see him.>> BRAVO! Hydra, that's well put. I will enjoy this show when I see it next week!
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I saw this show last month before the new characters debuted. I thought it was fine for a castle stage show, definitely better than the last two shows that were on that stage. And I really liked the blue costumes. That said, I didn't find it earthshaking entertainment or anything remotely on par with shows like Nemo or Lion King at DAK. It's just a typical foamhead show with the same tired themes. Fun enough, especially for kids, but not much more.
Originally Posted By kennect You know it is a pretty cheap shot to try to attack a performer at the WDW resort here on this board...They have no control over what they are asked to do...
Originally Posted By kennect Sorry I should have thrown this in...What was said was presented as a question not really an attack...I simply just personally felt it was an attack...Therefore my response...I love the idea that we have people complain about lack of respect in the parks and yet we have people around here that show no respect to other members who post here...
Originally Posted By HydraLing <<Roger55: If as you say, wireless communication would set off the pyrotechnics, why doesn't all the cell phones, radios, etc. also set them off?>> In fact, we are not allowed to have any of those items near pyro. Since I'm not a pyro-tech, I don't the mechanics behind the what and why, but since I was directly informed by the pyro-techs that wireless signals can set off the pyro, I tend to listen to the experts. If you're truly curious and not just being argumentative, I can ask them for you the next time I see them.
Originally Posted By HydraLing <<Spirit of 74: I didn't find it earthshaking entertainment or anything remotely on par with shows like Nemo or Lion King at DAK.>> Oddly enough, Dream Along..., Festival... and Nemo ALL have the same show director. He admitted that he created Dream Along...using parts of Tokyo shows that he'd created. My guess is that location (middle of the park and in the sun) dictates show content and length. I'm sure WDW also didn't provide him with the budget that TDL did.
Originally Posted By HydraLing kennect: If you're refering to the comments made to me by TDLFAN, yes, you're right that it was presented as a question but since the question was "...are you ASHAMED about the cheap production values of the shows you guys perform at the MK," I saw it as an attack as well. I don't think I'd ever be ashamed of performing here at WDW. Not everything we do is up to even our own standards, but we're paid to perform, so we do it to the best of our abilities. We don't choose the material, nor do we set the budgets. I honestly don't understand why TDLFAN would even participate in a site like this if they had such strong negative feelings about WDW's MK. I've worked here for 15 years and I still love performing and entertaining. People (Guests) PAY to watch me and my friends play all day. =)
Originally Posted By kennect Hydra, I understand exactly what you are saying...I have worked a lot of jobs over the years but I have never been asked if I was ashamed of what I did...That was not called for and an apology should be offered in regards to it...I have no idea how you guys do what you do....The one thing that sticks out in my mind there in FL. is the brutal weather...I have no clue as to how you can keep a smile on your face with those conditions...I know I couldn't...I think all of the live performers at WDW deserve a great deal of applause for their efforts to entertain thousands on a daily basis...It can't be an easy task to do....But is always looks like all of you are having a good time!
Originally Posted By kennect Hydra, Sorry I missed one thing...You said "play all day". Now if that is the way you feel about your job then you have the most perfect job in the world...I to am paid to play all day and it is the greatest thing to experience....
Originally Posted By Roger55 Wireless technology Part B... In all applications that incorporate wireless technology, there are two main components. There is the transmitter, and there is the receiver. Transmitters generate and send out the wireless signal. Receivers do exactly that, they "receive" the "transmitted" signals. There are some wireless devices that receive, and some that transmit. Radios, televisions, GPS navigators, and garage door openers are all examples of receivers. They do not have any need to send out any signals to operate. Radio and TV broadcast stations, GPS satellite and garage door remote controlls are all examples of transmitters. They generate signals that are sent to the receivers. A third type are devices that have both transmit and receive capabilities. These are transceivers. Examples of transceivers are cell phones, WiFi servers and computers, and Blackberries. Receivers are "passive". They do not emit any significant power. They just "listen" for the signal being sent to it. On the other hand, transmitters are "active". Depending on the distance the wireless signal has to travel, power emitted may be very strong. If there are concerns about pyro being set off by wireless devices, I sure it is because they are concerned power coming from a transmitter/transceiver close by could trigger the pyro circuits setting them off. Two way radios and cell phones are transceiver devices and most likely are the concerns if they are transmitting in close proximity to the pyro circuits. This is the same reasons airlines want you to turn off your cell phones and two-way pagers during flight. They don't want signals coming from those types of devices interfering with the aircrafts electronic circuitry. <<takes a deep breath>> OK, so back to the talking character heads. In order to operate properly, they would just have to receive commands that would control the movements of the eyes and mouth. There is no need for the character head to send out/transmit any signal. Therefore they would be receivers and would not be sending out any power that could interfere with the pyro circuits. Bottom line... Wireless receiver technology in the character heads receiving pre-programmed control signals synchronized to the show script IS a possible way that these talking character heads could have been implemented. And it would not cause any safety issues with the pyros because the transmitters could be placed in locations far enough away to avoid any interferences issues. If there is some other "magic" is being used instead, that is all that was needed to be said. My speculation on a possible way the heads could be controlled did not have to be "proved" wrong with the use of an invalid reason about safety concerns about pyros being set off. I don't mind being told I am mistaken, but I do mind being told I am mistaken using invalid and uninformed reasoning. I apologize to all for this long rant. I feel better now.
Originally Posted By HydraLing Roger55: Whether you feel the information I stated is "invalid and uninformed" is unimportant to me. I have been told by the technicians directly responsible for the pyro and who have intimate knowledge about how these characters operate (and who have read on-line speculation such as yours) that it would create an undo safety risk near the pyro. Now, I don't know how the pyro works. I don't know what kind of signal is being sent to them to fire them, but I specifically ASKED them the feasiblity of wireless technology. Again, if you like, I can ask them for a detailed explanation or I can put you in touch with them so they can explain it to you directly. <<If there is some other "magic" is being used instead, that is all that was needed to be said.>> In fact, if you'd pause your in ranting and review, I specifically STATED that that's not how they're done. I don't need for you to agree with what I was told by the technicians and designers. Personally, I don't care. For some reason, they felt it was a safety risk around pyro. End of story. Now, if you feel that you have such in-depth knowledge on this particular issue, I invite you to contact the company and explain to our technicians and designers how misguided they are about their safety concerns. If you like, I can give you names and numbers of people to contact, so you can rant to THEM and prove just how much more you know on the topic than they do.
Originally Posted By Roger55 If there is some other "magic" is being used instead, that is ALL that was needed to be said. You did state I am mistaken, but for what ever reason felt it necessary to go beyond that and tell me WHY my speculation was wrong. Whether it was your explanation (obviously not) or a pyro/show tech, the blanket statement that wireless technology implementation would set off the pyros is absolutely wrong. Go to your tech co-workers that actually understand the "science" behind RF technology and ask them. Ask them to explain what type of RFI/EMI could set off the pyros. Ask them what the dB level of such signals would have to be, and within what proximity to the pyros would there be a problem. And please ask them how those type of interference signals would be present coming from a passive RF receiver inside a character head. And if they still say the presence of any wireless signals alone could accidentaly set off the pyros, Disney has a HUGE saftey issue on their hands and it should be reported to the proper authorities.
Originally Posted By mrichmondj Roger55: I think you are pretty much correct in your assessment. Otherwise, Disney had pretty much stop the sale and use of all the Pal Mickey dolls that operate on wireless signals throughout the park. And let's not mention that there doesn't seem to be any prohibition on cell phone use in the parks, either.
Originally Posted By Roger55 Absolutely right. There is no restrictions I have heard of by Disney at WDW on where Guests can use their cell phones, common courtesy aside. TDR has had problems before on Pooh's Hunny Hunt where it is presumed that cellphone signals from Guests on the ride caused the attraction to malfunction. But again, cellphones transmit a strong signal, and the only problems were with Guests in close proximity(i.e. in thr ride). Transmitted signals are always the concern when dealing with RF interferance issues, not receivers. Transmitted signals are strongest at the point of transmission. Properly encoded signals from a transmitter located at a safe distance away from the pyro, to a passive receiver on a character on stage SHOULD be of no concern. Now, if the character's receivers were not properly designed to prevent interference, that would be very intersting. Someone in the near vicinity would make a cellphone call and Mickey's head goes out of control! Disney's electrical designers are very aware of all the causes and effects of RF interference. It is BASIC RF knowledge. If they find a problem, there are ways to fix them like for Pooh's at TDL. For the most part, Disney parks are safe from such concerns as long as proper procedures are followed. And on a side note, Pal Mickey's use a combination of infrared and RF wireless technology. It is a whole different discussion I will spare you all from. <<as you all COLLECTIVELY say "THANK GOD!">> LoL!!!
Originally Posted By HydraLing Roger55: Wow...you really have a driving need to be RIGHT, don't you? Perhaps you should seek counciling about that. Just a thought. Your ego seems a bit fragile to be speculating in here. If you truly have a NEED to know how this technology works and WHY it works the way it was designed, I suggest you apply for our Tech' department.
Originally Posted By Roger55 First, if you could comprehend anything I have been writing, you would see that I am not arguing about what technology is used for the characters. You say it isn't wireless, and I haven't disputed that at all. Did you even read what I wrote??? However, as I said several times before, in telling me my speculation was incorrect, you felt the need to go ONE STEP FURTHER and incorrectly tell me that a wireless application would cause a safety issue. You are the one that seems to want to discredit me, when in fact, I am not even disputing how the character heads work. My whole futile attempt here was to show that wireless technology COULD be used and that there does not have to be any concern about it intefering with the pyrotechnics. This is something that for obvious reasons, you don't want to seem to challenge me on. You just seem to want to attack me personally. Why is it that you feel the need to tell I am wrong? Take everything I have written here and ask your techie friends if anything I have said is wrong. And as far as applying for a tech job, it wouldn't interest me because my line of work is designing, engineering and developing electronics. I leave the installing, operating and maintaining to the techs.
Originally Posted By jaycub <<First, if you could comprehend anything I have been writing, you would see that I am not arguing about what technology is used for the characters. You say it isn't wireless, and I haven't disputed that at all. Did you even read what I wrote??? > Actually ROger55, you are arguing. YOu speculated a question, Hydra answered you based on what the tech guys at Disney said, and you seem insistent that HE provide you with an explanation, or tell DIsney tech guys that you are right and they are wrong. Instead, why not take up the offer to contact Disney's tech department and inquire about their system yourself, rather than attacking Hydra for a response that you feel is wrong.
Originally Posted By Roger55 <<Instead, why not take up the offer to contact Disney's tech department and inquire about their system yourself, rather than attacking Hydra for a response that you feel is wrong.>> And what system would I be inquiring about? If you read my posts, you would see I NEVER argue about how the character heads actually work. Nor do I even try to argue that my speculation on how they COULD have been implemented is the real way they ARE implemented. My "argument" is that wireless RECEIVERS can not interfere with the pyrotechnics. Wireless TRANSMITTERS can interfere with circuits that are not properly designed to shield them from wireless transmitters in close proximity. So please explain to me what system I should be asking Disney techs about.
