Observed arrival · 2026-10-09
Switchback Radio: aid-station timing for trail ultras
A proposed radio-based system sends runner check-ins from remote ultramarathon aid stations to race HQ.
○Open
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$Paid
†Ads
✦Pretty
●Pro
◎Niche
◉Human
⚑Risk
ƒJS
- For
- Ultramarathon race directors and communications teams
- Worth noticing
- The site describes 915 MHz unlicensed radio, separate from ham bands, with unconfirmed entries sent again after an outage.
Field notes
The described setup moves bib entry off the voice channel: volunteers type check-ins at the station, while radio operators can focus on medical, safety, and logistics traffic. The page says stations communicate over the radio network and HQ posts to OpenSplitTime when internet is available. It also specifies a 10-key keypad, status light, and laminated quick-start card for each station.
Observed signals
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Editorial observations of this landing page, not a rating.
○OpenPublic substance visible
✦PrettyNotable craft visible
●ProPolished or operationally mature
◎NicheUnusually specific use
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