History of the Radio Group
The official announcement of the formation of
the SMMC Motorsport Radio Group was made in Marshals Post (No 51) back in August 1986
and an inaugural meeting was held in March 1987. However, the history of the
Radio Group goes back somewhat further, in that radio training was included as
part of a SMMC Marshals Training day at Blair Castle in March 1984, while
individual operators used 86 sets on the Scottish and RAC rallies from around
1979. In those days, radios were delivered to stage starts and finishes to
provide some form of communication coverage, before Controlling of the 86 net
and mobile telephone links to Rally HQ were even contemplated.
The Tartan callsign was adopted by the Group in early 1987 and Club records
indicate that our first official engagement was at the Charterhall Stages Rally
in May of that year. From humble beginnings, the Radio Group has grown
significantly over the last 15 - 20 years. We now have a significant member base and extensive number of radio crews licensed under the Tartan callsign. Of course, not all of the
members of the Group use Tartan, but all are welcome to work with us on those
events where we operate together as the SMMC Motorsport Radio Group.
For several years now, we have provided a complete communications service for
most rounds of the Scottish Rally Championship and of course a number of single
venue rallies. In addition, we have encouraged experienced radio operators to
take up Control duties, such that we now boast several fully licensed and
probationary Controllers. On many events, we provide a Controller in Rally HQ to
help event organisers and ensure the flow of information to and from the stages
is carried out efficiently.
It should also be noted that most of our radio crews are experienced rally
marshals and regularly help with time controls and other duties on those events
where we do not provide communication services, or radios are not required. In
this way, our crews maintain a close association with marshals and understand
the duties of all stage officials.
The Radio Group has always demonstrated a firm commitment to training - since
1999, we have trained in excess of 70 individuals, many of whom are not members of SMMC.
Naturally, there is no substitute for being out on the stages and learning in a
live radio environment, so please contact us if you wish to become involved
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Radio