Can I listen into the refs radio?

[Taff]

Evening all. I've just registered here and this is my first post, so if there's some wierd initiation thread I'm meant to start first I apologise.

I've just passed the Level 1 test and find that I'm enjoying watching games more, now that I'm more familiar with the laws. Anyway, I've got tickets for the Wales v Australia game and would like to listen in to the referees comments. Does anybody here know what frequency they transmit on?

I've a sneaking feeling I've put this in the wrong section. Bear with me, till I get the hang of it.

 

[ExHookah]

Taff,

At most stadiums you can buy a disposable radio for about 5 quid that is tuned in to the ref's frequency. I got one at Twickenham and I'm almost certain they do the same thing at the Millenium.

It's very educational to listen in. You pick up a lot more than you hear on the TV, including a lot of the grunting and roaring of the players, you hear a LOT of swearing, and you hear the annoying little s**theads in the #9 jerseys yapping at the esteemed referee all match.

 

[Dixie]

It's called RefLink. I'm sure it was available at the Millenium last time I was there.

 

[Taff]

At most stadiums you can buy a disposable radio for about 5 quid that is tuned in to the ref's frequency.

It's called RefLink.

Thanks gents. RefLink. I'll keep an eye open. I'll give that a go first, but given that you can buy some scanners for as cheap as £10 it may be worth getting one.

 

[stuart3826]

Thanks gents. RefLink. I'll keep an eye open. I'll give that a go first, but given that you can buy some scanners for as cheap as £10 it may be worth getting one.

That's maybe not the bast idea - the frequency can often change mid match. It certainly did at Sixways yesterday when Chris White was transmitting across the PA!

 

[OB..]

I have used RefLink for some time, and have never noticed the frequency changing.

However I was told once that there is some form of mild encryption used - I don't know if that is true.

 

[Dickie E]

if you can find out the ARs/TMO frequency you can give the ref some tips during the match

 

[Taff]

That's maybe not the bast idea - the frequency can often change mid match. It certainly did at Sixways yesterday when Chris White was transmitting across the PA!

Before I posted the question, I did a quick Google search before giving up in frustration. The only 2 frequencies I did find listed (both for English club matches) stated 96.8 Mhz from memory but neither said it would change. Both mentioned that they would only work in the ground, so the range must be very limited.

The lack of ref feedback or commentary is the only disadvantage of watching the game live and takes the shine off it a bit, so if I can get a scanner to work I'll certainly use it.

 

[stuart3826]

The reflink is set up for a specific frequency for each ground. Just occasionally, there may be a problem - for example as Saturday at Sixways when the PA and the reflink were interfereing with each other. They changed the reflink frequency.

I don't think the reflink was open for the public then because it was pre-season friendly and the ref wasn't using his usual comms

 

[Staybound]

Please post the frequency if you find out. I desperately want to be the TMO in the beer tent! I can do a nice french accent just like Berdos!

 

[BigDai]

I doubt if encryption is used that would make the kit more expensive. I would like to know the frequent range as shelling out a fiver at every match should be avoidable

 

[OB..]

You don't need a fiver every match - the batteries last for at least three matches.

 

[BigDai]

You don't need a fiver every match - the batteries last for at least three matches.

The last one didn't make it to the end of the game! I wouldn't mind if RFU used those like Cardiff or the Oval. You can change the batteries and listen to BBC five live too. Incidently, they cost <10p to manufacture apparently

 

[TheBFG]

Get ready for ST to get on soapbox about lack of income into the RFU:wink:

 

[Simon Thomas]

We had athread about RefLink back in January 2007
http://www.rugbyrefs.com/forums/showthread.php?p=19996

I suspect Ref!Link has proved to be a very profitable revenue stream for RFU both for it's own matches at Twickenham and in licensing the service elsewhere.

If you really want to know it wil cost you £4.99 at http://bizzy.info/uk/companies/rugby_reflink_limited/co_no/04106960/

some other stuff about RefLink is it is 92.1 in Lansdowne Road (Croke too ?)

OFCOM is no good see http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/rsls/sporting.htm

Bath RFC, Northampton RFC and Worcester RFC have their own versions http://www.bathrugby.com/7887.php


Also I stumbled across more info on losing the 800 mhz band which we currently all use for our Panel, Group and Society radio sets (most of which can't get the new proposed http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/pmse_funding/summary/

plus you may actually find doucments that list all the frequencies and what they are used for.

 

[Phil E]

plus you may actually find doucments that list all the frequencies and what they are used for.

Sorry ST, at my age I can't afford to waste that much time life's too short!

 

[The umpire]

For games where they sell the reflink radios, they actually use several frequencies, one for the ref, one for the ARs/TMO and then they broadcast the ref transmissions on an FM frequency at about the 92 Mhz end of the radio channel. Howewver that will change from location to location depending on the frequencies of local radio, taxis, PA etc. If you take your own scanner then you should be able to find it fairly easily, however they have also moved to digital technology, which is probably the low level encryption mentioned above, to make sure you have to pay for it, so without their kit you have no chance of hearing or advising from the touchline!

 

[hammer]

Can I bump up this old thread to ask if there's any progress with the technology and if there is a particular piece of equipment that can be recommended?

Don't want to do anything illegal or intefering with the game but a watching ref was happy to tell people about the frequency for that game and didn't seem to feel it was something to keep private so hopefully ok to ask.

Thanks

 

[Phil E]

I have one of these All Sport Radio

Used it at Twickenham yesterday. Could pick up the ref, the Sky commentary and loads of other stuff like 5Live, Test Match Special, etc, etc.

Has replaceable batteries so it doesn't die on you like the disposable ones and you can use it at almost all sports events.

 

[hammer]

Thanks Phil :clap: