"Streetly One"

Motorsports Association
Authorised Safety & Medical Frequency
Radio Operator

How to get started in rally radio

Being a rally radio operator can be a rewarding experience as you are more involved with an event, being able to here what is going on - you know why there are delays etc.

Having marshalled on a number of events, I wanted to enhance my marshaling experience and so got involved in rally radio. Whilst a lot of information here is duplicated on other websites, it is included here to assist the inquisitive.

The first bit of advise I can give is to make contact with an existing (preferably experienced) radio operator and arrange to sit in with them on an event. This will give you a better understanding of what the roll actually entails.

Get a license.

At the end of May 2003, the motorsport Safety and Medical radio changed to a new frequency.

The process, in my experience, in setting yourself up as a radio operator is:

• Get in touch with existing experience radio operators and arrange to sit in with them for a few events (I managed to sit in with two different operators and managed to cover mid-stage, start and finish radio duties).

• Contact the MSA and request the appropriate forms

• Complete forms and post to MSA (this is essentially a list of call signs you wish to register). You should receive back your call signs with an associated ID number - this number needs to be programmed into you radio(s)

• Find a suitable supplier and provide them with the paperwork provided by the MSA (this includes a technical specification)

• Purchase radio, aerial and leads. Your radio supplier must supply a certificate of conformity

• Post off the Authorisation to Use and the certificate to the MSA, you should then receive a letter giving you authorisation to use your radio on the MSA's Safety and Medical frequency (the MSA hold the license)

Out of courtesy, give your Regional Coordinator a call, so you are then on their books.

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