Getting Started in MSA Radio Operating First Things First You will need to have a radio and a callsign. Chicken and egg here. You cannot have the radio without the callsign because your callsign is your licence to operate. But you cannot have your callsign without your radio because it is the radio that is licenced, not you! So, if you are a member of a motoring club ask the person responsible for communications if you could have a callsign from them when you have bought your radio. They might even have a Club radio you could use - but point out you must be able to use the same callsign wherever you go on events If you are not a motoring club member then try some of the links from this site in your search for someone who will agree to take you onto their licence. However, the best thing you could do is join your nearest motor club because the benefits are immense - not to mention the experience you can gain marshalling as a foot marshal before you turn your hand to radio marshalling and the fact that there will always be someone there who knows the answer to your question. Support, that's the thing. If all else fails you can approach the MSA and buy your own licence. You will have to choose a callsign for yourself and the MSA will guide you as to appropriate ones. Be careful in your choice, you want it to be clear and unmistakable over the air. It is amazing how alike "Stoke" and "Silk" can sound over the air when they sound nothing like each other in normal talking. My callsign is Stoke 3 and I have many times gone to answer a call for Silk 3 - actually did answer on one occasion! Although radios are available they are getting more and more scarce. Email Stoke 3 for a list of suppliers if you are stuck. Your Radio You will need a radio that operates on 86.4375 MHz, an AM lowband that is. To go with it you will need a mike, speaker and aerial. Your aerial is probably best on a magmount with good quality cable to join it to the radio. A CB shop is a good place to try for an aerial (whip), they will cut it to size for you as well. You should also get a mike holder which should be mounted in a convenient spot so you can store your mike safely while your radio is in use - pressing the transmit button stops anyone else using the air so you must avoid the possibility of sitting on the mike button!