The scanner mega-thread

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Stoowert

Land Line system

[alimcb]

Chris, if you're marshalling at Silverstone then probably not worth getting a scanner now, as the word is they're getting a new digital system next season, which ordinary scanners won't be able to decipher. You can buy trunking/digital scanners but they cost a fortune and still won't work if the signal is scrambled.

If you're circuits other than Silverstone, then as other people have said there has been plenty of discussion already on other threads about the risks and benefits of scanners.

[chriskench]

thanks eveyone as i mainley do silverstone it sounds like its not going to be worth it

[Andy Johns]

Skeee,
For the Thruxton BTCC we changed channels twice trying to avoid the pits to car radios of the teams, so 164.0750 is probably one of them, but can't guarantee it will be used in the future.

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by alimcb

the word is they're getting a new digital system next season

The word was they were getting that for this season, and then a few months into this season. Unless you hear something official, then you might not want to discount the idea...but it's a risk.

[beltanedeath]

opinion:


As i use both digital encrypted radio and analogue daily in my work, there is no reason what so ever for a race track to make a digital switch.

digital doesn't improve sound, which is the common misconception, digital makes encryption easier but why would you need that a race track? I would think it would be cost prohibitive just so you don't have to use the "k" code

Sean

[skeee]

Originally Posted by Andy Johns

Skeee,
For the Thruxton BTCC we changed channels twice trying to avoid the pits to car radios of the teams, so 164.0750 is probably one of them, but can't guarantee it will be used in the future.

So that's why the other scanner on post was receiving some interesting transmissions.

He ended up on the rescue/recovery channel also.

Thanks again for the info.

[White flag man]

Originally Posted by chriskench

thanks eveyone as i mainley do silverstone it sounds like its not going to be worth it

Chris, don't forget Radio Silverstone. get yourself a small/pocket radio and tune into 94.7FM (I think). It will give you much more information than a scanner.

[LandieLad]

Personally I would not consider a scanner. The cost is high relative to their function. That said of course they may be able to be used for AirBand listening etc which in itself can be fascinating.

I would opt for the Basic Ham Radio Licence, a weekend course, and then purchase one of the handie transceives from China which are enabled for extended receive. They cost around the £100UK.

Just a thought

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by beltanedeath

digital makes encryption easier but why would you need that a race track?

I'm led to believe that it will make it feasible / easier to run separate radio systems, when running two separate meetings at the same time.

We don't learn k codes anyway, if there's anything to be reported we go to the nearest land line.

[HairyDJ]

Originally Posted by Guinness2702

I'm led to believe that it will make it feasible / easier to run separate radio systems, when running two separate meetings at the same time.

Also has the potential for adjacent posts to discuss smaller issues point-to-point without clogging up the emergency channel. Plus the ability to identify & drop a set with open line problems. Reliability & clarity are crucial - achievable by upgrading old analogue kit.

Radio Silverstone is on 87.7 - great for commentary because all the speakers on circuit are pointed toward the crowd

[beltanedeath]

Originally Posted by HairyDJ

Also has the potential for adjacent posts to discuss smaller issues point-to-point without clogging up the emergency channel. Plus the ability to identify & drop a set with open line problems. Reliability & clarity are crucial - achievable by upgrading old analogue kit.

2 things here, yes you can "point to point" but when you do this you "drop off" the system. ie you control can't contact you and you can't hear control. (this is a bad thing)

don't know if you've ever used a Digital network, in any of it's forms (DAB Radio, Digital tv etc) but it's either on or off, so yes there is no fading or interference, but conversely the signal will drop altogether.

I'm in the Police and we now use Airwave radio, which is digital and encrypted, but believe me when I tell how much of a nightmare it is when there is something like a thunder head near. The analogue radio radio I also use to keep in touch with the shops, taxis and nightclubs, is the more consistent of the two over a city sized area.

Sean

[ellis1990]

hi could anyone please give me the scanner frequencies for race control at donnington, mallory and cadwell park please. and if they are am or fm.

many thanks

[Terrible-Tones]

PM'd you

[ellis1990]

hi thanks for the pm. really nappreciate it.

[illingd]

Originally Posted by Terrible-Tones

PM'd you

Any reason you couldn't post the freqs here?
I'd like to know the answers, as I was at Mallory last weekend expecting the "standard" 169.3375 to work but got nothing on that.

[flagwaver]

Not the norm to post frequencies on public forums.

[Terrible-Tones]

Originally Posted by illingd

Any reason you couldn't post the freqs here?
I'd like to know the answers, as I was at Mallory last weekend expecting the "standard" 169.3375 to work but got nothing on that.

Guess what? PM'd you There was a reason you didn't get anything

[illingd]

Thanks for the PM, Tony.
Since the frequencies can be found by actually scanning with a scanner (if you know how to do it!), it seems odd there is apparently a convention not to post them publicly.
There is a list posted somewhere -- actually on this site, I think -- but it gives Mallory as the "standard" one: hence my confusion.
However, now I know what to try next time.
Thanks again
Dave

[flagwaver]

Similar reason that just because you know someones address or now how to get hold of it. you wouldn't just put it on a forum (well most of us wouldn't)

[thepits!]

Blimey, what a thread, and I only read it to try and find out what scanner I should suggest as a birthday present to me

That would appear to be the Maycom AR-108 - yes?

Regarding the actual use of said scanner, I agree that it should be restricted to "listen only / do not act upon".

An earlier comment concerned use in the pits/startline area - IMHO they are an essential piece of kit there due to the normal lack of sufficent radios being provided

(and also as a nudge to the chief when he misses a call )

[AndyT]

Originally Posted by thepits!

(and also as a nudge to the chief when he misses a call )

Funny I've used it for that on numerous occaisions

[chriskench]

hi just like to know the scanner frequencies for silverstone thanks
and if its on air wave or one of the other ones thanks

[Terrible-Tones]

Originally Posted by chriskench

hi just like to knoe the scanner frequencies for silverstone thanks
and if its on air wave or one of the other ones thanks

PM'd

[Lrawlings]

Hi all, I'm posting this question instead of searching on forum as browsing via phone an won't let me search. What's the cheapest scanner to pick up all the marshal info on circuits ? My main one is going to be Thruxton. Looking to spend £50 max. If that means fleebay then so be it! Cheers lee