The scanner mega-thread

[Steven Humphrey]

Originally Posted by haystacks

No paperwork has been issued yet, to my knowledge. Go on someone say you have recieved yours.

I had an email from Chris Logan yesterday (responding to a camping query) & was told that paperwork should arrive in the next few days

[numbersix]

Originally Posted by FATNACKER

[I]Hi Phil, Very kind To Offer to force Stella down my throat, However im not a stella drinker! More on the lines of a real ale drinker really, I dont do larger of any sort!Two fizzy and it gives me a banging head in the morning? No mate im glad to be of help, I am doing the revival, And i do know which post im on! I will tell you later, As i dont think its fair to divulge it before the paperwork and passes are issued out . But yes i look forward to meeting you and have a natter, I wont be in orange or white but in period dress as im a flaggie.

PM me when you're ready.

[Norbert]

Originally Posted by FATNACKER

[I]Hi Phil, Very kind To Offer to force Stella down my throat, However im not a stella drinker! More on the lines of a real ale drinker really, I dont do larger of any sort!

Lager is for youngsters!

[numbersix]

Originally Posted by Norbert

Lager is for youngsters!

Actually I am very much a fresh pulled pint man. But I have found that after a hot sweaty day, a chilled bottle of EU Gnatpee is both handy and very refreshing. But it has to be from the bottle, and preferably without a crown-top opener to hand. (This is so I can display my Olympian talent at taking off bottle tops with the use of incorrect equipment.)

As for being a youngster - I wish! (As long as I can retain what's between the ears.)

[FATNACKER]

Originally Posted by Norbert

Lager is for youngsters!

And your point is Nigel??

[Norbert]

Originally Posted by FATNACKER

And your point is Nigel??

That you are old!!!!!!!

But then again I can't stand lager and drink real ale too!

[Nighthawk]

Tickets are out....Mine arrived this morning

[Kangaroo75]

There's loads of confusion over this, are we (as Marshals) officially allowed to use Scanners at Oulton park ?

[Red_08]

A simple answer is yes, but never act on what you hear.
I've never had a problem using one, but some post chiefs may not be a fan of them. Always ask them if you are not sure.

[Mike Kelly 1]

I dont actually own a scanner but i have no problem with anyone in my team using one. It can actually help me if i know why things are happening on track (safety car, race stops etc). As with a lot of things that can be used wisely they are an aid.

A favourite phrase of an old Sergeant Major of mine was "Fore warned is fore armed!" A scanner can provide the warning!

[SRPhoto]

I IO at Oulton and use a scanner, I also have no problem with others using scanners but as said already I would not want anyone reacting to messages they hear e.g. Red flag. However it can be useful to get ready for a incident e.g. Car circulating but on fire.

[Greem]

I've used a scanner at Oulton - but checked with my IO first who was fine, in fact pointed out that as we had a big area to cover it was good to have at least one in each group on post. I have always asked the PC/IO on my post (at various tracks) if they mind me using a scanner and they have always said "no, go ahead". It was particularly useful at one meeting (not at Oulton) where the PC didn't like the radio headset and subsequently spent the day being prompted that the last call was for us!

I think they're really useful but they are an additional tool - the Mk. 1 Human Eyeball is the most important bit of kit I carry, IMO. There's no substitute for careful observation.

[Darren Holmes]

Originally Posted by DaveJones

There's loads of confusion over this, are we (as Marshals) officially allowed to use Scanners at Oulton park ?

Dave, I think the key word you use here is "Offcially" as strictly speaking, and there was a massive thread a few months ago about the very same subject but at Silverstone, its a licencing issue!

Are you allowed to eaves drop on the broadcasts of a private business radio channel when you are not the intended recipient, if you were the intended recipient, Oulton would give you a radio headset!

Personally speaking as a Flag Marshal (and previously as incident) I find scanners invaluable, to have the Safety Card board ready or Red Flag in hand is valuable and saves that odd moment of panic if you see a Red at the next post then have to locate yours (put safely away as to avoid picking it up by mistake)

Listen, not react is the soundest advice you will get about scanners.

Have you had a particular issue at Outlon Dave, has someone told you that scanners are banned?

[Richard Duvall]

Don't know about Oulton, but more and more often at Brands, we hear Race Control putting out messages like "anyone with a scanner on post so and so, can you do whatever". It seems to be assumed that we have scanners these days. Adds to the argument that communications facilities need improving!

[Paul Newns]

I always use a scanner wherever I marshal. As a flaggie I find it invaluable.

At Oulton, Race Control often put messages out knowing that someone with a scanner will pick them up, such as at the end of the day, "Can all flag marshals make sure they bring the flags back to the store room".

As others have said, use it with caution, and don't act on what you hear. One other thing, either use an earpiece or keep the volume down so the speccies don't hear. Sometimes things are said which we dont' always want them to hear.

[flying muppet]

Originally Posted by DaveJones

There's loads of confusion over this

Is there really confusion about this???

[Tall Chris]

Originally Posted by flying muppet

Is there really confusion about this???

Now we're going to get confused as to whether there is confusion or not.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by flying muppet

Is there really confusion about this???

No.

[warweezil]

Originally Posted by Tall Chris

Now we're going to get confused as to whether there is confusion or not.

But now one might be confused regarding the confusion about any confusion

[Ubique]

It doesn't look like we will be able to use scanners at Donington seeing as from my understanding the new comms kit is digital. Will have to see if scanners work at the masters meeting.

[Matthews Dad]

Oulton specific: Several times over the weekend there were broadcasts made that relied upon the use of scanners by flag marshals or others to tell the flaggies, such as post x display oil flags,

Also used to warn of cars taking the chequered flag twice. so warning anyone trackside doing track inspection after the course car had gone past that there was a racing car coming past

As others have said listen, but dont act unless it is in your own or others safety to react to a message received

If all circuits go the digital way I can only hope that more people will have access to the systems, and those in the know will communicate to those who cant hear what is happening

Richard

[PapaJuliet]

Originally Posted by Paul Newns

At Oulton, Race Control often put messages out knowing that someone with a scanner will pick them up, such as at the end of the day, "Can all flag marshals make sure they bring the flags back to the store room".

As others have said, use it with caution, and don't act on what you hear.

Hmmm...

So in the above case you wouldn't take the flags back to the store room...


PJ

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by PapaJuliet

Hmmm...

So in the above case you wouldn't take the flags back to the store room...


PJ

Even worse - you wouldn't go for a drink at the end of the meeting!

[Red_08]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

Even worse - you wouldn't go for a drink at the end of the meeting!

I think that was why I got my scanner in the first place, lol.

[numbersix]

Wrong end of season, I know, but can anyone help me with choosing a better aerial/antenna for my scanner?

I don't know the jargon, but my current antenna has thread connection, and when I look on the net they start talking about BNC connectors, bi-poles, etc. They may as well talk to me in Klingon.

I've converted from a cheap and cheerful Maycom to a more expensive Icom and the reception on 169.3375 is worse.

Any help much appreciated.

Phil