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Good radio
communication can perform an essential function on many motorsport events.
It can provide the Clerk of the Course with vital information regarding both the
administration and safety of the event
as well as providing a link between
doctors, medical crews and rescue units.
The MSA has its own licensed
Safety and Medical frequency on 81.5750 Mhz FM which motor clubs can use on
their events and its use is set out in the Blue Book.
In order to be able
to use radios on an event a number of important points have to be taken into
consideration.
- Types of two way radio
communication
The Blue Book recommends that a secure
frequency is used to ensure the privacy of information and it is for this
reason the MSA has its own Safety and Medical frequency. This is also
the frequency that MSA licensed rescue, recovery units, and doctors use.
Other PMR hire frequencies can be used, however these sets are normally
available only as handheld units and for forest events are unsuitable.
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Information
Regional Co-ordinators are appointed by
the MSA and part of their function is to provide information and assistance
to motor clubs wishing to use radios on events.
The name of the person
that covers your area can be found in the MSA's Blue Book.or
via
- Obtaining radios
There are many MSA affiliated groups who
provide radios and equipment which meet the current Department of Trade and
Industry specifications
(now adminstered by
OFCOM) for use on motorsport events. Contacting your
local MSA Radio Co-ordinator will enable you to find the nearest group to
your event.
- Operators
The MSA affiliated groups mentioned above
can usually provide both radios and trained motorsport operators to assist
the organisers of events.
- Using your own operators
Radio groups always welcome new members
and can provide the necessary training to ensure that operators are
confident and competent in the use of radios on motorsport events.
However in the beginning it may be advisable to use their expertise and
personnel since it may not be possible for you to provide sufficient radio
operators as well as all the other functions of the event.
-
Radio controllers
Since the MSA frequency is a simplex
system, i.e. only one person can talk at any one time, the use of a radio
controller is recommended. This person acts as the link between all
the radios. In the case of rallies where there are hills between radio
locations, operators cannot always hear each other, but can always hear the
controller. The Regional Radio Co-ordinators can also provide a list
of licenced radio controllers, some of whom will be able to assist in the
provision of the radios and personnel
- Rules and regulations
It is a condition of the licence which
the MSA holds that the DTI is informed of all the locations, call signs and
usage of the MSA Safety and Medical frequency. It is important to
inform both the Regional Radio Coordinator in whose area your event takes
place as well as the DTI a minimum of fourteen days before the event.
Once again your local Regional Radio Co-ordinator will be able to help you
with these formalities.
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