Communications, I need your help!

[Stoowert]

I can't think of better place to ask, so could you tell me which communication methods are used at our circuits.

Brands uses phones, along with Castle Combe and Silverstone used a combination of both phones and radios.

This is an attempt to understand what is considered to be the minimum standard at British racing circuits. I'm assuming rallies and hill climbs use radios.

Thanks for your help.

[JimW]

Donington, phones mostly (loop not yet equipped). Some clubs use radios.

Jim

[Dave Brand]

Oulton uses phones, Anglesey uses radios. Mallory uses phones at the posts where they are installed & actually working, other posts use radios - some clubs use radios for all posts.

[Chigley]

Thruxton uses radio, the phones have gone. hurray.

[flagwaver]

Croft uses radio's
Cadwell Park Uses phones and radio's

[EvilPumpkin]

Kirkistown is radios only.

[mattt]

Rockingham is radio's mostly on the normal circuit iirc

Oval - landline?

[NotLordPercy]

Com be are experimenting this year and using radios on three out of 14posts. These are the posts where the observer is some way from the usual scene of action. And phones are often not working due to rabbit activity!
Judgement seems reserved at present but I want it to work!
Good wood is all on radios.

[Woolley]

Shelsley, Prescott, Loton and Gurston are all on radio. Loton has a back up phone system, Shelsley has phone between Bottom Ess and Course Control.

[PabloTeK]

Originally Posted by mattt

Rockingham is radio's mostly on the normal circuit iirc

Oval - landline?

All radios on the circuit with the safety team and observers being on different frequencies.

The oval runs the landlines still!

[Stoowert]

Originally Posted by NotLordPercy

Com be are experimenting this year and using radios on three out of 14posts. These are the posts where the observer is some way from the usual scene of action. And phones are often not working due to rabbit activity!
Judgement seems reserved at present but I want it to work!

What circuit are we talking about?

At present, it seems about 50/50 split between phones and radios, depending on which club is at which circuit.

We have great work to do, Grasshopper!

[Dunc]

Only radio's up here at Knockhill

[The STIG]

Pembrey is a mix of Phones and radios. This is because some of the phones don't work or just aren't there.

[Shelagh]

I believe Silverstone ES teach their IOs the proper use of radios - language etc. Other clubs don't seem to bother which can lead to some amusement over the airwaves.

Whilst I appreciate the professionalism of the first, I think I prefer the latter.

And, when it comes down to it, all can be super serious when required.

[deley]

Originally Posted by NotLordPercy

Com be are experimenting this year and using radios on three out of 14posts. These are the posts where the observer is some way from the usual scene of action. And phones are often not working due to rabbit activity!
Judgement seems reserved at present but I want it to work!
Good wood is all on radios.

Originally Posted by Stoowert

What circuit are we talking about?

At present, it seems about 50/50 split between phones and radios, depending on which club is at which circuit.

We have great work to do, Grasshopper!

Stoowert..... I believe it referred to Castle Combe and Goodwood however minor typos probably threw you somewhat .....


Communications .... needing help ...... that'll be a yes then

Dave

[Stoowert]

Thanks to everyone for their input. Knowledge is power.

When I Post Chief'd at Castle Combe last year I had to dial "222" or "223" to get through to Race Control. Why experiment with 3 posts on radio? Do the radios have headsets?

My hearing has been ruined by too much noise from 30 years of motorcycling and 28 years of marshalling. I want to protect what hearing I have left and improve the communication system in general. I've seen how it can work and feel frustrated that very little seems to be done in this country, including a strange silence from the BMMC on this. And don't get me started on the MSA!

[NotLordPercy]

A number of Observers felt that on certain posts and especially 4, 6 and 14 it was difficult for verbal reports to be accurate enough. This was due the fact that the phone on these posts were 50 yards or so from the "normal" site of incidents and race control could not be up dated accurately and quickly. It also allows the Observer to control the incident ( in conjunction with the designated I.o or assistant observer who would be trackside ) and write accurate reports.

Hopefully Combe will Not be giving radios to anyone apart from Observers and next year will extend the use to all posts along with suitable training for all the usual observers.
Thruxton and Goodwood run meetings with Posts all on one frequency and it seems to work well with correct discipline.
Observers still ring 222 at Combe which 'hunts' for the others as necessary on all other posts. Rescue vehicles ,med cars, breakdowns all use radios so it seems strange how long it is taking for Observer's Posts to get them!!

[NotLordPercy]

Sorry, I meant to say that there are no headsets at the moment. Personally I prefer the use radios without headsets and keep my finger over the voice 'box' so I can feel it vibrate. Strange I know.
I have been on the bank for 50 years next year and can still hear OK ( when I want to) but the amount of hair in and about may assist in my case!!