Anybody use a police type scanner?

[Jim Kosinski]

I'm thinking of getting a police type scanner to listen to the track workers at my local track (Moroso). During some road races when at the back of the track its hard to tell why there are delays, especially when the change the schedule and don't tell anyone.

So does anyone here use a handheld type scanner to listen to the workers/drivers (if used)?

Thanks in advance.

[Todd Corzett]

I have a scanner/radio (Uniden BC92 (http://www.racingelectronics.net/index.php?event=store&action=details&cat=handheld_scanners&item=BC92&xsid=8c60eb5973f3c9805c069a5641cfc1d2)), got it for xmas last year, but have had little success getting the corner workers. Most of the time I was stuck listening to SPEED TV. I kinda gave-up on using it at most tracks because I'll just ask a corner worker what is going on if there is a long delay. There are some companies (R/E Frequency Memberships (http://www.racingelectronics.com/downloads/default.html)) that will program the radios at the big events to the frequencies the teams are using... but they don't attend most of the races I do, so doesn't help other than NASCAR (which I can always hear the PA and/or watch a jumbo-tron).

I think my problem is that the race control/corner workers at my tracks use wired systems, so there is nothing for me to scan for... but I could be totally wrong (and if I am, please let me know what frequencies to use!).

-Todd...

[Jim Kosinski]

Thanks Todd, I have a NASA event this weekend and I'll ask the track workers if they know what frequency they use. Its a smaller track so maybe I'll just ask to use one of the track radios, it never hurts to ask.

[Jason Jenkins]

From my experience, the track workers never know what frequency they are on.

I have found the if your are shooting SCCA or other amateur or pro amateur events, a simple Family Service Radio (FSR) radio will suffice.

[Jason T. Barker]

Thanks Todd, I have a NASA event this weekend and I'll ask the track workers if they know what frequency they use. Its a smaller track so maybe I'll just ask to use one of the track radios, it never hurts to ask.They won't know the frequency, just using a multi-channel radio with numbers 1-5 for instance. You could easily do a little research on what model radio they use and scan the frequency range...actually nearly all handhelds like that will have a similiar range and you should be able to find it. I have both a handheld and base model (mounted in car) that i use for random things like that.

It's antenna is on the camera mount i fabricated...
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/470000-470999/470820_54_full.jpg

[Todd Corzett]

They won't know the frequency, just using a multi-channel radio with numbers 1-5 for instance. You could easily do a little research on what model radio they use and scan the frequency range...actually nearly all handhelds like that will have a similar range and you should be able to find it.
I tried that at Laguna Seca and Sears Point (looking-up the radio and scanning only those frequencies), but with no luck. For some reason I don't think they are using wireless radios for race control (I could be totally wrong though)... maybe it has something to do with all those wires I'm always tripping-over as I walk around Laguna Seca. Lately, I just gave-up and started to ask marshals what was is going-on.

-Todd...

[John Thawley]

I used to use a radio in Trans-Am... got tired of standing trackside looking stupid 5 laps after the checker. To be honest... it was one more piece of equipment to carry.. charge batteries for... and worry about.

Ask the corner marshall.

LOL

[Jason T. Barker]

I tried that at Laguna Seca and Sears Point (looking-up the radio and scanning only those frequencies), but with no luck. For some reason I don't think they are using wireless radios for race control (I could be totally wrong though)... maybe it has something to do with all those wires I'm always tripping-over as I walk around Laguna Seca. Lately, I just gave-up and started to ask marshals what was is going-on.

-Todd...even the low end scanners usually have a programmable range you can scan, instead spending X amount of time scanning baby monitors to helicopters to cellphones you should be able to pick for instance 150-180mhz range or whatever. I've found them pretty quickly that way, I'll do some research on them as soon as i can.