Aperture Science Radio

Radios can be found through the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. On March 1st, 2010, a Portal update expanded its role within the game, using it within an alternate reality game to promote Portal 2.

Overview

 * Always set on 85.2 FM, playing an upbeat, instrumental version of "Still Alive" when switched on, they can be found in Relaxation Vaults or maintenance areas.


 * Any radio will disintegrate when brought through an Aperture Science Material Emancipation Grid. Originally, the music would merely stop when doing so. After the March 1st, 2010, more sounds can be heard (this is "dinosaur_fizzle.wav"). However it will not be destroyed if thrown in toxic waste, and will sometimes float. Radios are not destroyed when being thrown into an Aperture Science Emergency Intelligence Incinerator either.

Behind the scenes



 * In the USA, the 85.2 MHz frequency actually does not exist as a FM radio frequency, as the latter does not start before 88.1 MHz. The frequencies set before 88.1 are reserved for the commercial broadcast televisions.


 * On March 1st, 2010, Portal was updated as part of the ARG to have a total of 26 radios (including the ones already present before the update) playing in the Test Chambers, always in an area more or less difficult to reach (but given to the player by the music playing), and with a red sprite added to the switch. The radio transmission frequency is also said to have been changed "to comply with federal and state spectrum management regulations", as said in the update. In-game, the radio must each time be moved in a particular spot of the Test Chamber. When doing so, the music will be scrambled by interferences, then Morse code or data transmission sounds will be heard, and the red sprite will turn green. To be made in each Test Chamber, finding all radios and jamming the transmission will unlock a new Achievement, "Transmission Received", although its description is simply "..?". The analysis of the Morse code and data transmission sounds led to many intriguing finds. The presence of these new radios seen through the Enrichment Center are likely non canonical, as they only serve the ARG. They may even be removed later.

List of appearances

 * Portal
 * Portal: First Slice
 * Portal: Still Alive
 * Portal ARG
 * Portal 2