The scanner mega-thread

[jamier]

Hi folks,

I am thinking if getting myself a scanner.

I'm just looking for some advice good ones bad ones that kind of thing.

[SouthportFC Fan]

There's upteen threads on here re which/advantages/disadvantages of said devices.

[Slipstick]

Most people seem to use Maycom AR-108s. I'm told they're no longer made but you can still find them on EBay etc.

But be aware that more and more circuits are starting to move to digital radio. If they do then scanners will no longer be any use.

Steve

[motorsportmarshal61]

best one ive found and i have had mine for two years now
its a puxing px777

[deadsquirrel]

Google "Maycom Ar108" - Maplin have them for £45. Others up to £60
There's a good guide by Mr David Brand of this parish, he'll be along later to berate you for another thread on scanners (it is a popular subject) and provide the link.

If you're new to marshalling as well as this place, I'd really recommend holding off on the scanner purchase - you'll have enough to pay attention to, without the distraction of voices in your head (unless you have those already, in which case, you want no more!)

If you're still going ahead with it, you need a decent earpiece - Maplin do a good over the ear one, with reasonable cable length (you want to keep your scanner in a nice dry pocket on a wet day!). An 'in-ear' one will be uncomfortable to wear all day.

Batteries last quite a while, but keep a spare in your bag, 'cos you'll get bored if it dies during a day at the track.

And the caveat of digital radios is looming, scanners will have limited use in the future (and won't all the circuits rue this day - no-one can help out from scanner chatter and I'll say no more!)

[Woolley]

The search button is your friend - there are many, many threads on just this discussion. I'll close this one since Mr Squirrel has pretty much covered the essentials.

[snoz wanger]

Hello all,
In the last five years of Marshalling ive come across some fantastic folk, the best people ive met have been the ones who really cant afford the day to day cost of Marshalling {petrol etc} and yet still get the train, then bike it in to the circuit !. i always think that these people need a big thank you sometimes.
I would like to give away a Free Maycom 108 Scanner and a set of Peltor noise cancelling Head phones and a normal ear piece to a worthy person. can anyone out there suggest a person who would really deserve these and is maybe struggling to afford them?. Maybe PM me if we don't want to mention names?.

Thanks.

Dave T. x

[RCMADD]

what.. no-one offering names....

i would have liked one of these for the times i didnt have a radio....

but.. now i have retired from marshalling due to not being able to afford to run my transport...

[Mark Noble]

Dee diddly dee

[snoz wanger]

Originally Posted by Mark Noble

Dee diddly dee

Knew you'd say the dee diddly dee thing mate..........top your washer bottle up !.

[Ian Lewis]

Sounds like you are quitting?

You are a very naughty boy...........

[snoz wanger]

To tie this thread up now.....ive had no interest amazingly!....the items will go to my Friend Mr Ian Lewis and be auctioned to raise money for a worthy Cancer Charity which at the moment is very appropriate in both our lives. .

Thanks folks .

DT XX.

[Shelagh]

Dave,

A worthy cause and also close to my heart at the moment.

All the best.

[RCMADD]

good on you... hope it makes loads..

[motorsportmarshal61]

Anyone interested in a puxing px777 scanner/transceiver
c/w two aerials, spare battery,charger
freq VHF 136-174MHZ Radio
pm for price

[motorsportmarshal61]

now sold

[Marshal Greybeard]

I am looking to buy a scanner that can be used for both circuits and airband. Can anyone tell me the frequency range used for British Circuits?

[Richard Duvall]

Originally Posted by Marshal Greybeard

I am looking to buy a scanner that can be used for both circuits and airband. Can anyone tell me the frequency range used for British Circuits?

Do a search on here; there are countless threads on the subject!

[Stephen Green]

Many circuits have now gone over to digital communications which you will need to know before investing in a scanner

[cobra99]

Just wondering if anyone has used the Intek AR109 scanner and whether it is a suitable alternative to the Maycom AR108.

[yellowspanner]

Originally Posted by cobra99

Just wondering if anyone has used the Intek AR109 scanner and whether it is a suitable alternative to the Maycom AR108.

Look at the Baofeng UV-5 on ebay. Can be cheaper (and better) if you don't use the transmit option.

[motorsportmarshal61]

the baofeng uv 5 is brilliant ive got one paid 29.00 and a larger aerial for 3.99 and a extra bonus a fm radio on the scanner

[seanclarke]

I've got a Maycom Ar-108 scanner and I'm unable to change scanner step to get desired frequency.

Donington works best on 166.7375 so I'm reliably informed.

I can get my scanner to 166.7350 or 166.7400 but nothing in between.

Another marshal in the pits with me has EXACTLY the same scanner on the perfect frequency.

We've managed to work out how to change the increment step but it only goes down to 0.0050 - hence my problem.

It must be possible as the other marshal is proof - but we can't for the life of us work out how to get the right frequency.

Can any scanner geeks out there help please ?

[Postie]

Type the frequency you want straight in to it

[seanclarke]

that's the point - I can't

I have the following step options:
0.0050
0.0100
0.0125
0.0150
0.0200
0.0250
0.0500
1.0000

How do i get it to something else ???

when "typing" the number straight in I cannot change the number either