StarFleet Network runs an mp3 audio stream. It is powered by the IceCast streaming mp3 server. Audio data is streamed by the ices player (part of the icecast suite) and its audio source is controlled by a custom perl module that deals with track cueing.

Here's how it works: You click on Search above, and then enter a string to search for. Mp3s who's name contains that string will be returned in a list. Next to each mp3 in the list is a checkbox. Click on the checkbox next to each mp3 that you want to hear. Then click on "Queue checked mp3s". The selected mp3s will then be added to the playlist, and will be played as soon as the stream finishes the current mp3.

When there are no mp3s in the playlist, ices will play random mp3s to fill time. There is only one global playlist, you cannot have your own private stream. The first mp3 in the playlist will not be played until the current mp3 is finished playing.

The mp3 store in on Reliant, the Central Server, and the web interface operates from Praxxis, the web server. Praxxis communicates with Reliant using a propietary server and protocol called AudioServ, written by Richard Gellman.

AudioServ supports 4 functions: Search, Submit, Playlist, and Current Track. The first two functions are fairly self explanatory. Playlist requests the playlist contents, and Current Track requests the information on the currently playing mp3. This information is displayed in the Now Playing window.

The Now Playing window uses JavaScript to operate an image-based countdown/countup timer giving a constant update on the time remaining on the current mp3. The window will automatically update when the mp3 is finished playing.

Playlist/track cueing is handled by a perl module written by Richard Gellman that checks for playlist mp3s, and cues them if available. If not, the perl module will pick and mp3 at random from a list generated by searching for all available mp3s. This means no databases need to be updated when new mp3s are added.