Two-Way Radio Systems Essential In Today's Motorsports

[MajPat]

By Maj. Pat

The use of two-way radios in all forms of motorsports has become the norm rather than the exception. Driver safety is enhanced any time there is an additional set of eyes, a spotter, observing what’s happening on the track. The two-way radio allows that person acting as the spotter to convey to the driver information for avoidance of accidents as well as overall track conditions.

The old sales pitch that, “the first time the use of radios allows a driver to safely avoid an accident, the radio equipment will have paid for itself” is as valid today as ever. The purchase of two-way radio equipment for use in racing can be confusing for the first time buyer and equally confusing for seasoned racers, as well. This article will focus on some general tips to make that purchase a little more informed. Your knowledge of available brand names will come as you discuss radio purchases with dealers and fellow racers that already possess radio equipment.

Let’s start with the basic radio system. The word “system” means one radio for the car and one radio for at least one crew member. This “system” will also include the wiring that is installed in the car to interface the driver with the radio, and the driver's helmet kit and earpieces. The crew member’s accessories include the headset, the headset cable, a pouch to hold the crew member’s radio, and a belt for the pouch. Additionally, chargers for the radios should be a part of the “system”. This is the basic starting point and all additional radio equipment will build on this “system”. This is all that is needed for a driver and a crew member/spotter to be able to communicate. Additions to the “system” would be additional radio/headset combinations for more crew members, possibly an external antenna mounted on the car's roof for use at a track larger than a quarter-mile, and a case to protect your radio equipment while transporting it to-and-from the track.

Basic system prices usually start at around $700. There may be some “deals” for less, but $700 is a good rule of thumb. This $700 gets you entry level radios and accessories. That means non-brand name radios and inexpensive mass produced wiring and accessories that come from outside the United States. Some of the lower quality/priced equipment will work fine if you take good care of the things you purchase. This gear does not hold up well when subjected to abuse and, unfortunately, does not lend itself to being repaired. The rule here is buy it, take care of it, throw it away and replace it when it fails.

Basic systems that include brand name radios and higher quality, repairable accessories can be purchased for about $1,000 to $1,600, depending on the brand. You should make the decision based on the quality that you can afford. There is good, used equipment available on the used market, but some really bad junk as well. Most of the larger radio suppliers have moved away from selling used equipment because they can sell you one of the $700 systems mentioned above for less than the price of good, used equipment. Buying used equipment from someone you know in your racing community is probably your best approach when considering a used equipment purchase.

Next time, we’ll address radio installations in race cars and basic troubleshooting.