Major teams, like those in...
Major teams, like those in Winston Cup, can spend as much as $3,500 for top-of-the-line systems that work best with multiple users.
Racetech's Miller says the power and accessories account for a lot of the cost in the more expensive systems. Things like purpose-built carrying cases, an external antenna, customized earpieces, and quick battery charging units can quickly bump the cost up. Longer tracks and road courses will require more power still. Sams recommends at least four watts of power and possibly a tower for tracks such as Sears Point or Watkins Glen, where the cars can disappear from view for long periods.
"The pro teams use a repeater to be sure they have contact all around the track," Sams says.
When you begin shopping for a radio system, check first that the tracks you are going to race at allow them (some don't) and that they are legal in your class. Ask other teams about their radios, what they like about them and how well they work at all the tracks where you may race. Ask to try on different styles of headsets to see which type is most comfortable for the crew chief. Installation in the car is just as important as the equipment, and all the major outlets have a tech line for questions to help troubleshoot problems.
If you have an FRS budget but need a more powerful radio, ask vendors about used equipment (some teams trade in systems when they upgrade to new gear) or if the supplier has a rent-to-own plan (many do) that lets you pay for the system you need over time, and still leave you with enough money to go racing.
Bells And Whistles
When it is time to move up, the difference between the moderately priced systems and the professional grade is like comparing Morse Code to high-speed Internet. Some of it is the radios; most of the difference is in the plug-ins.
The latest generation of headsets employs noise-canceling technology. Developed for the aerospace and military, noise canceling units use a device that detects the level of background noise and uses electronic technology to create sounds directly opposite the noise. In essence, it makes noise to cancel out noise. The result is a headset that is almost silent until the driver or crew chief presses the push-to-talk button.
High-dollar systems also may include "talk through" headsets so members of a pit crew can talk to one another without disturbing the rest of the team. For example, it would allow a conversation between two crew members readying tires or filling gas cans without involving other people also doing their jobs.
None of it comes cheap. A best-of-everything radio system from an outfit such as Racing Electronics can set you back as much as $3,500. "That gets you the ultimate radio system," says Bean Hankins, general manager of the company. "Not many teams really need that level of sophistication but, because it is available, some of them want it."
Included in that package would be a 128-channel Motorola radio/scanner that also allows the crew chief to listen to other teams or race officials, and a high-tech, noise-canceling QT1 headset, developed and built by Racing Electronics. The driver gets a tiny mike in the helmet and speakers that are custom-molded to his ears for a comfortable and secure fit. The molds are identical to the type of earpieces created for hearing aid users.
"A lot of the teams combine elements," Hankins says. "They will go with the best headsets available, but buy a less-expensive radio. For them, that's all they need. For most teams, all the rest of the stuff is gingerbread."
Buying Tips
Here are some tips from the pros on picking and installing a racing radio system:* Check for the length of the warranty. Generally, the longer a manufacturer is willing to warranty a product, the better it is made.
* Wires should be shielded to minimize interference.
* The headsets should be noise canceling. They will pick up the loudest sound they hear.
* Check connections to be sure they are water- and dust-proof, and won't come loose during a race.