After pitting the Baja 1000 and reading the KOH threads, I'm convinced that 2-meter (like the Icoms and Yeasu's) radios are the way to go for trail rig radios. I'm wondering if a helmet wired to a dash radio would be the way to go for the driver, and use a headset/boom mic for the spotter on a handheld radio?

I figured it would be one less system to buy and maintain, and would also be more useable on the trail.

Any thoughts?

Pro's:
Already going to buy a 2m system for trail use
Great reception
Could get a wired helmet and use it while co-driving in the future
Off-the-shelf parts
Would be stupid easy for friends/pit to listen in (I'm not worried about privacy..this is the FToy class! :D)

Con's:
Have to use a push-to-talk button on the steering wheel or shifter
Spotter would have to push-to-talk
Not full duplex (have to take turns talking --like a CB; not both talk/listen at once--like a phone)
SA (desert racing class-approved) helmets are overkill for WERock, and less visiblity..but safer

Push-to-talk seems like the biggest drawback, but I'll be using this for a single comp at this time. I also like the idea of having to put the helmet on to use it....if I had a spotter using a radio with me on the trail, it would force me to put the helmet on before trying something stupid!!

Having both hands free is a must for driver and spotter, As far as comps go

I have been researching this alot recently. I have a friend that works for PCI Race Radios and another friend that owns "procommraceradios.com".

I can't get either one to seem to put together a system that will work good for both. The full duplex is ok for comps, but check out the prerunner helmet kits at procomm. They are sweet.

That's funny. I was just talking to a buddy of mine last night (he pits for the #35 TT) and he said, why didn't you just ask PCI? They do all the desert race helmet wiring and truck radio systems. :laughing:

Do any of the prerunner radios run wireless, or are they typically wired systems?

The full duplex systems (actively talking) are the only way to go. You don't realize it usually, but a regular radio (like a 2 meter) has a delay. When you and your spotter try to communicate while on course, you not only have to deal with "push to talk", but you also have to deal with a delay. It's a huge PITA. I even tried an open cell phone connection before. It didn't work because of the delay. There is a reason that companies like PCI haven't come out with a good competition Rock crawling radio. It's because it is a completely different kind of radio.
I am pretty sure that the military has a really cool setup that would work well using throat mics. I haven't been able to figure out where to get them though.

Thanks guys.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love a good full duplex radio, but at this time, I won't be competing in the full Western series. Just trying to make do---and I'd use the 2m way more frequently.

And I'd rather spend the extra couple hundred on a decent firesuit! ha! :D

You can find the rock talk radios for a good price used. If I rember right their about $400.00 new, we got ours for $200.00 used and had to buy a mic set for $75.00

Thanks. where did you find yours? Another WE-Rock competitor?

Thanks. where did you find yours? Another WE-Rock competitor?

Yeah My son found an add in the for sell section here on the board

Sometimes the higher wattage mobile radios suffer from desense when too close to each other. Feedback, noise or silence can be the product. Hand held portables seem to be less affected.

random thought, baby monitors modded?

BTT.

Here's a new radio that might "do it all" for a comp/trail FToy:
http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0813.html

2m/70cm (VHF/UHF), BlueTooth capability, intercom capability, AM/FM receiver, Ipod/MP3 input jack. Use the BT as an intercom, and you've got driver/spotter radio. Music input combined with 2-way radio monitoring for prerunning or trail use. 2-way radio for a longer comp like KOH to stay in touch with your pit team.

The Yaesu FTM-10R dual bander operates on 2 meters and 70 centimeters. And it is just the ticket for outdoor motor sports communications! High power output is featured with 50 watts on 2 meters and 40 watts on 430 MHz. Three power levels are available for 2M/440: 50/40, 20/20 and 5/5 watts. Very extended receive includes: 0.5-1.8 [AM band], 76-108 [FM band], 108-137, 137-174, 174-222, 300-420, 420-470, 470-800 MHz and 800-999 MHz (less USA cellular blocked). And the FTM-10R features a rugged die cast chassis that can take punishment. Requires 13.8 VDC at 8.5 amps. 4.5 x 1.6 x 7 inches 2.9 lbs. (112x38x178mm). Your FTM-10R comes with: Mobile Mounting Bracket, Angle Adapter, Spare Fuses, Separation Cable (10 foot), DC Power Cord, Magnet, Front Panel Bracket, Speaker Cable and Hex Wrench (4/3 mm). Please note that this radio has a built-in mic that is activated by the PTT button on top of the radio. If a conventional hand mic is desired, it must be ordered separately. There are many options available for different mounting applications.

The Yaesu FTM-10SR lower power version is 10 watts on 2 meters and 7 watts on 440 MHz. The case of the FTM-10SR is more aerodynamic and completely waterproof. It can be mounted right on the bike/boat rain or shine (see optional mounts). It requires 13.8 VDC.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0813.jpg

Features
CTCSS & DCS
500 Alpha Memories
Clock with Event Timer
Bluetooth Ready
Dual Receive
Club Channel Monitor
VOX with automatic audio delay
Extended Receive
AM & FM Broadcast Band
Smart Search
Built in mic
Intercom Feature (requires options)
High Power 8W Audio Amp for PA
WIRES™ Ready

Found one used for $200---going to give it a shot. I'll add external speakers and run my Sirius satellite head unit through it, and also try out the intercom features.

Just one thing, to legaly transmit using that radio, you. and anyone transmitting, must be a licensed Amateur Radio Operator.

Didja see the amateur radio call sign in my .sig?

KF7EFX
:flipoff2:



If my co-driver were operating the radio to transmit out, I would still be the control operator. If we're using the intercom function, we're not transmitting.

I have used the kit from rugged below before, and a helmet setup with the same handheld unit for SAE baja races. Great stuff and great company, but I can see where full duplex would be useful for comp crawling.

http://www.ruggedradios.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,flypage.tpl/product_id,289/category_id,57/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,26/

Full duplex sounds like it's pretty useful, and no PTT (Push-To-Talk) is probably a must-have for comp crawling--ask the guys above who commented and who have competed in a lot of comps.

Full Duplex is needed...what if you don't have full duplex and either driver or spotter sits on their PTT or engine noise locks the VOX on?

No PTT is probably more useful for spotter than driver..otherwise your spotter can't talk while he's lugging a heavy rock.

Didja see the amateur radio call sign in my .sig?

KF7EFX
:flipoff2:

If my co-driver were operating the radio to transmit out, I would still be the control operator. If we're using the intercom function, we're not transmitting.

Doh! KE5GDK here. I completely missed your call. My bad, carry on.