The scanner mega-thread

[ascarmarshal]

Originally Posted by thepits!

And I assume the Pits & Startline will be on a completely separate system - encrypted using a Japanese Purple Cipher

No they will be on the Fish Cipher

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by ascarmarshal

No they will be on the Fish Cipher

okay, so it's paddock using the Japanese Purple Cipher then?

[ascarmarshal]

Originally Posted by thepits!

okay, so it's paddock using the Japanese Purple Cipher then?

No they will using Brown

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by ascarmarshal

No they will using Brown

So no Japanese Purple, Blue, or Red Cipher in use then?

What about Magic? Anyone using that??

Or, how about we use the D'Agapeyeff cipher? That'll confuse them


p.s. to mods - we far enough yet OT?

[ascarmarshal]

Magic was the Ultra of the Pacific War. We could use Red for Assemby

[thepits!]

So to recap: -

Circuit = M3 Enigma
Stewards = Lorenz
Pits/S'line = Fish
Paddock = Brown
Assembly = [Japanese] Red

Just like a normal meeting then, no-one will have a clue what is going on

[ascarmarshal]

Originally Posted by thepits!

So to recap: -

Circuit = M3 Enigma
Stewards = Lorenz
Pits/S'line = Fish
Paddock = Brown
Assembly = [Japanese] Red

Just like a normal meeting then, no-one will have a clue what is going on

I was actually thinking of the Red Luftwaffe key

[Woolley]

You could try semaphore, but it might clash with the flag signals?

[yellowspanner]

Originally Posted by ascarmarshal

I was actually thinking of the Red Luftwaffe key

Just use plain language, no one will understand anyway.

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by yellowspanner

Just use plain language, no one will understand anyway.

I'm sorry? What did you say??

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by ascarmarshal

I was actually thinking of the Red Luftwaffe key

For whom?

[khisanth]

Hi all

I am sorry in advance if this has already been covered in an earlier post

My sister has just started marshaling. I would like to buy her a scanner for Christmas so she can listen to the marshals radio and maybe the commentaries. Someone advised that circuits are now starting to go digital.

Any advice on scanners or what other marshals use would be greatly appreciated

[Tim Neill]

Yes, this subject has been discussed at various times. Just do a search for 'scanners' in this Forum.

The 'AR108' is probably the most popular scanner in use, easy to find second hand on ebay and is reasonably priced. Maplin sometimes stock it. It's small, easy to use but is analogue so if (eventually) circuits move to all digital transmissions (e.g.: Goodwood) it won't be of much use.

Tim

[morwenna]

Which circuit(s) is your sister marshalling at? As you say, some now use digital transmissions, so a scanner is no use at them.

[deley]

If your sister has only recently started then I would suggest she focused on what is happening near her when marshalling rather than listening to a scanner.
Dave

[khisanth]

ok thanks a lot now i know what sort of thing i am looking for and that i am in the right place

She currently does oulton park but is hoping todo others like silverstone in near future

[katrina.kershaw.7]

Silverstone is digital I'm afraid I just have a little earpiece that picks up commentary so I can find out lap etc

[Matthews Dad]

Post chiefs at Oulton are on digital radios, but all other radio traffic is on analogue so is available to scanners

I don't think there are plans to change all to digital in the near future but as earlier poster said if the scanner user is a new marshal I would prefer hem not to be distracted by a scanner for a while,

At Oulton a lot use them and most are willing to share what is heard with fellow marshals in the team

[EmileNaus]

As a relatively new marshal, I would echo most of the comments. In most cases, you can follow the races without a scanner, and particularly to begin with there are enough other things to look out for. I have also yet to find someone not happy to share what is being said on the radio.
Having said that, a scanner is helpful when you find yourself in a team of 1 flagging with no headset...
A number of tracks have gone digital, and as far as I know you cannot use a scanner. Equally some tracks have FM radio commentary which can be useful.
Finally, make sure it is a scanner (receiver) only; you need a licence for anything that can transmit.

[FRENCHIE44T]

Originally Posted by deley

If your sister has only recently started then I would suggest she focused on what is happening near her when marshalling rather than listening to a scanner.
Dave

Yes I agree. Don't bother buying one. Use your eyes & ears. They will tell you more than a scanner.

[canamman]

Though I am not a marshal, I have been using a scanner since the
late 80's. I currently use a Uniden BC125AT. I don't leave home without
it. You can get the safety frequencies to most tracks.

[telf]

I have a Tait 2000 radio licenced onto the MSA system for Rally events if any one has a need for one let me know, I know Wales Rally GB soon and someone may have a need for one or looking for a spare

[Mark Noble]

Personally I don't see the issue, having a scanner as a new marshal is fine. It enhances your understanding of what is going on.

I'm sure your sister has bags of common sense. If somebody can't have an occasional voice in their ear and pay attention at the same time, they shouldn't be marshalling! It's no different to discussing the race etc with your partner on post.

Go out on get one!

[Woolley]

Originally Posted by Mark Noble

Personally I don't see the issue, having a scanner as a new marshal is fine. It enhances your understanding of what is going on.

That very much depends on the new marshal.

Some do gain extra understanding. Others get distracted by it, have no idea what's happening in front of them because they're listening to what's happening the other side of the circuit and then get so transfixed by it they not only don't learn from the scanner but don't learn from the colleagues they're with either. Sure, they're in the minority, but they do exist.

Much better to learn how to handle what's in your sector first and then you can add the scanner if you feel it helps. But remember, even then you're not there to deal with what's going on elsewhere and your priority must be what's in front of you. Other than some flagging information, the only real relevance is cars who missed the chequer and cars being released when you're trackside and so which might become a risk to you.

[jase]

Originally Posted by deley

If your sister has only recently started then I would suggest she focused on what is happening near her when marshalling rather than listening to a scanner.
Dave

THIS!
I have seen enough marshals distracted by radio, or act on what they hear. If you NEED to Know, your post chief will be telling you.
In year 1, concentrate on the job, not what is happening elsewhere