Using new headsets and microphones, the T. B. Simon Power Plant now offers enhanced tours to groups interested in learning more about Michigan State University’s energy source.

Tour guides wear a transmitter and microphone that connect to headsets provided for guests.

“Power plants are usually quite noisy, and there is usually not a lot of room to gather around the tour guide close enough to hear what is said,” said Engineer IV/Supervisor Rick Johnson.

That is where the headsets come in.

The headsets allow for larger groups to tour, since guests do not have to huddle near the guide to hear what is said. According to Johnson, an average group is now around 10 people, as opposed to the six or seven they usually toured before the headsets.

“A normal tour consists of about an hour of conference room discussion about the plant and another hour of in-plant talking,” he said.

The power plant got the idea from other universities at a Big 10 and Friends Utility Conference. “We thought that the units worked very well, so we researched them and found a supplier. We bought 30 receivers and three transmitters,” said Johnson.

So far, the tours have been a success. “The response from the groups so far has been very good,” said Johnson.

Dr. David Johnson, a professor at the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, was impressed by the new technology after taking a class on a tour. “The new radios dramatically improve the communication between the tour guide and the audience,” he said.

 

October 29, 2009