Race Radio Questions
 

I mentioned this on the Watkins Glen Club Race thread, but thought I should put it out on it's own. I will be purchasing a radio, hopefully by VIR. While some of the drivers in the Intersport crew use UHF, Charley is recommending VHF and that's what I'm going with (hopefully some of the others will switch to the same frequency).

In addition to the radio, my understanding is that I need the following (please correct me if I'm wrong):

• Push-to-talk button
• Harness
• Microphone set (includes earpiece jack--does anybody have a kit with helmet-mounted earpieces?)
• Earpiece (do most people use the foam ones?)
• Antenna (roof mount, low-profile or short whip)

Finally, does anybody know the VHF frequency Charley is using? Where do you get a radio programmed (if you buy one used)?

Here's my 2 cents....

Sampson Communications sells a nice affordable radio package using Vertex radios. I also purchased the software to program the Vertex radios.

When we got the LeMons car, wanted to use the Chatterbox headsets but had some issues; when Chatterbox headset was plugged in, the mike stayed open, so crew could only hear the driver. Have been working with RaceCom of VA trying to resolve the issue. Ended up buying a Motorola radio from him, believing that the Vertex radios might be having an issue with the Chatterbox microphone impedence. But that didn't solve the problem. Subsequently got a portable harness (crew harness) with a Push-to-Talk on a belt clip so that fully suited pit crew could more easily communicate with the drivers during pit stop. I discovered that the Chatterbox headsets worked with this setup. So having RaceCom make a similarly wired harness for the LeMons car. It appears the harness sold by Sampson Comm is wired a bit differently, something about the grounds, that makes it incompatible with the Chatterbox headsets.

Unfortunately, the software to program the Motorola radio is very expensive. But if you purchased Vertex radios, and knew the frequencies to use, I believe I can program with my software.

Either antenna should work fine. Have the "fin" on my 944Cup and the short whip on the LeMons car. The whip more easily unscrews if you want to put on a car cover. I end up putting a plastic cup over the "fin" antenna when I use a cover.

I think earbud style speakers probably work best, but they don't seem to fit everyone's ears the same. I can't get them to stay put in my ears, but others like them just fine. I've pre-wired my helmet with speakers and mike that always stay in the helmet. The ear speakers can be a bit tricky. Velcroed/glued to the outer surface of the liner works, but they sometimes come loose. Some helmet's padding allows you to move the speakers to behind the liner, but then they're not as loud. And then there's the Chatterbox headsets, too, if you get the right wiring.

Or, if you plan to do a lot of racing, you may want to consider investing in a Stilo helmet. They cost more, but they're pre-built with communication equipment, and the sound quality is better than anything else available. Plus all the liner parts are replaceable, so you could actually use it for 10 years if you buy it at the right time. If you haven't already purchase comm gear for your helmet, the price looks even better, but still not cheap.

Great informative response Tony - Thanks!

Is the Chatterbox headset (when wired correctly) loud enough? I've got the Chatterbox helmet set (not currently installed since the cyanoacrylate glue job failed) and had considered reinstalling it behind the fabric, but it won't be worth it if I can't hear in my loud race car. I wouldn't consider it but my current helmet is a 2005, so only good for another couple of years and upgrading to a Stilo sounds interesting -- albeit expensive (we'll see if DrFirst goes public by 2015).

Unfortunately, the Sampson systems are all UHF, and Intersport wants VHF. I looked at those yesterday (even with the radio set for pit crew, quite affordable).

A helmet kit is $100 you can DIY and probably should be able to move it to a new helmet later.

Most places that sell you a radio provide free programming but you have to tell them the frequencies you want.

True, but the ear "muffs" in the Stilo sound neat - not to have to bother with earbuds (provided they work as well)

I was thinking of buying a used radio (LOADS on ebay). Many ads specify they don't program. Now buying a used Vertex might be a solution...

I've only been using UHF. From what I've read, VHF may have longer range, but needs to be more line-of-sight. Whereas UHF does better through trees, around hills, etc.

In my experience, UHF works ok at most tracks, but better when closer, so you sorta figure out where's the best spots to communicate. Also a function of what the driver's doing, too, so most comm by the driver tends to be on straightaways.

I do think that antenna placement on the car is important. On my 944Cup its been on the roof, and had reasonably good reception around all of Summit Point. LeMons RX7 was less good reception, but had mounted antenna on the rear fender, where the OEM radio antenna used to be. I've recently moved the antenna to the roof; curious to see if its any better.

Also, as already mentioned, noise in the car is an issue. If comm is important, you want to figure out a way for the driver to best hear incoming messages. Stilo helmet is probably best. Foam ear inserts is prolly #2, but I understand they do need to be replaced periodically because of wax build-up in the tiny speaker opening. The remaining near-ear located speakers will work, but car noise will be more of an issue.

I have a set of Motorola SP50 Radius radios (commercial grade) with helmet kit, chargers, David Clark push-to-talk switch, in-car aluminum radio box, two earphones (I think), crew chief headset, belt and antenna that I've been thinking of selling. Batteries were replaced a couple of years ago and have no issues holding a charge when I used them last year. Comes with a programmable scanner, too. The scanner is great for your crew chief to monitor the track frequency to see if a full course yellow will be thrown during an enduro.

The clarity and range are amazing. Pete Tremper said that they were the best radios he had ever used.

Shoot me a PM if interested. I'd like to get $525 for the set.

Are they UHF or VHF? SP50 apparently available both ways.

Charlie doesn't give that out to many people (actually I doubt he even knows them.) Too many drivers on same channel makes it difficult for everyone. We had 3 on it during the enduro. A real pain...listening to Evan cry for about 10 minutes while he was stuck in the kitty litter, while I'm trying to lay down some flyers.

LOL