Teach me about Radios

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

I need to get my car wired for sound. I'm planning on doing some enduros next year that will require a crew chief and we need to communicate. Problem is there are so many options I don't know what to go with. I noticed the going rate for a basic system is $1K. What options are you guys using. Please teach me.

Thanks.

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

Call Shawn.

http://www.sampsonracing.com/sampson_racing_new/home_f.htm

Tom

Eric P · 07-30-2006, 05:05 AM

One thing, consider opting for custom molded ear pieces (for driver, in ear). The other types fall or get pulled out easily. Sometimes you can get local hearing specialists to make them for you.

(I use Racetech radio systems)

cstreit · cstreit's Garage

I used a throat mic. on mine because the regular mouth microphone picked up to much ambient noise from the racecar. Worked well and I didn't have to worrky about it staying on inside my helmet.

Programmability of channels is nice, at least have a selection of 6-10 because others could be on your frequency at any given track. Output power varies but I'd invest in the max transmission permissable if you're road-racing to ensure you're not out of range.

A remote antennae also helps extend range...

Bailey · Bailey's Garage

I got a nice package from www.trakradios.com.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

OK, so I see to stay away form the cheap systems. I guess things to look for are:

5watts
10 channel programmable

As far as radios, is there any preference?

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

Another question VHF, UHF. What's the difference? Does it matter?

RaceProEngineer · 07-31-2006, 07:40 PM

Motorola.

Kevin From Cali · 08-01-2006, 12:57 AM

I run The 5 Watt "Racer Package with a momo steering wheel that has the two buttons for the horn. I've wired those for the push to talk. Shawn's setup it perfect and works great.

Eric P · 08-01-2006, 06:21 AM

Generally Motorola and do UHF (VHF = Very High Freq. and UHF = Ultra High Frequency). My understanding UHF penetrates and carries better.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

Great thanks everyone! I'm looking at the Motorola SP50. Does anyone have any input on these? What about the older models? Is there a chance I can find a good deal on ebay?

RaceProEngineer · 09:54 AM

Armando,

Ebay is Ebay! Taking all the implied precautions, however, the older Motorolas are not only OK - in many cases they are PREFERRED. Just be certain to "mate" the race car hardware with the pit crew hardware.

Perhaps a better (more honest and reliable) source will be some of the SCCA / GT / Formula Car / Sports Racer forums.

Ed

jase007 · jase007's Garage

Armando:

We regularly run enduros in HSR / SVRA and have two of three cars wired for radios. Have used these guys for a while [from the beginning] and been pleased with their support, products, knowledge.

www.racingradios.com

Needed to upgrade a recent helmet with parts to mate to older radios ... not a problem.

Jason

freddyfastboy · 08-01-2006, 06:29 PM

UHF penetrates better
VHF carries further
UHF is the typical bandwidth for pro racing in the US. VHF is the norm for European teams. That said, I use VHF and never have any issues.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

I bringing this back to life because I'm still confused about what to get. I've narrowed it down to Motorollas but I see so many models and options. I've been looking through ebay and I see alot of P10, P50, P100, P200.
Are these all good for the track? I've been limiting my search to VHF. I've also seen they come in anything from 2 channel to 16 channel. Any help?

Eric P · 08-28-2006, 05:31 AM

I have Motorola P110. I think they are 5 watts. Maybe 4. UHF.

At MidOhio I can communicate clearly with my crew in the pits anywhere on the track. Including way back in turn 8 which is kinda behind a hill, far away, under a bridge...

I have a couple 2 channel and 16 channel radios. I've pretty much never needed more than one channel. 2 has been fine!

If I had to do it again, I'd: Buy USED (say, on ebay) Motorola 4-5 watt UHF radios and a NEW wiring harness from a place like RacingRadios or Racetech. Don't skimp on your wiring. It sucks to have that stuff mess up!

If you have someone to be on the other end, it is REALLY nice to have radios. Mostly to be able to say, "Crap, I'm strapped in on the false grid and dropped my glove out the window, HELP!" or just to know how many laps are left.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Eric Pickering

If I had to do it again, I'd: Buy USED (say, on ebay) Motorola 4-5 watt UHF radios and a NEW wiring harness from a place like RacingRadios or Racetech. Don't skimp on your wiring. It sucks to have that stuff mess up!

That's my plan. I figure about $450 for a startup kit (no radios) and about $100 for a pair of used radios.

Thanks for the info.

Eric P · 08-28-2006, 05:47 AM

Yep. Enjoy!

Oh, one other thing: on ebay you can usually find battery adapters that slide in where the batter goes and either plug or wire directly to the car's 12v system. This is GREAT! It is really, really nice to be able to just get into the car, plug in your helmet, turn the key, and have the radio beep on.

Otherwise, you have to take the radio in and out to charge the battery, make sure the charge is right, and (maybe the biggest deal) remember to turn it on and adjust the volume EVERY session.

Direct wired (via keyed fuse panel) I just leave it turned on with the volume set and when I turn the car on, the radio is good to go.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

Thanks for the advise Eric, I'll keep that in mind.

armandodiaz · armandodiaz's Garage

OK so I narrowed it down to the SP50 they are mostly 10 channel, 4-5watts and there seems to be plenty of them around.
Next question:
How hard is it to program? Some of the available radios state unknown frequency. Is this a problem?