I have seen a few sets on ebay going for $200 and they dont appear to be walkie talkies.. Are there specifics to being a racing set?

Thanks

 

I'm going to guess that they are radios (maybe just receivers, or they may transmit as well) that operate over the frequencies used by professional racing teams for communications between their pit crews and their drivers. Just my guess though.

 

probably are the radios used by racing teams
Yes, you can program these radios to whatever frequency you want (within the available band usually a portion of the UHF radio band).

These radios are good because of the progammabilty, durability, and available accessories. It's also good not have the general public have access to your radio frequency and squelch code. These radios give you options on what frequencies you use. (you don't want some fool, or farm hand, or kid on the family radio telling you to stop, or that you are clear to pass)

For example I have the Motorola SP50.
I can have 10 seperate frequencies with 10 difference squelch codes programmed into it. this helps avoid being on someone elses frequency when there are 100 cars at the track and all have radios.

My radios can also be set to scan the 9 other fequencies, and I can talk back to which ever frequency I last heard from.
This was usefull when I was pit crew for 2 different cars (local track stock car racing). Both cars had their own frequency and spotter. But since I was one of the few people in the pits, I had to be available to help both cars. So I set the radio to scan those 2 channels, and talk back to the last transmitted channel. It worked great. Thank god both cars didn't have to come in at the same time.

These radios are built to last and work great. They are expensive, but compared to cheaper radios, they are worth every penny.

By the way expect to pay around $1000 for an incar and spotter radio set.
this will include 2 radios, 1 spotter head set, 1 helmet kit, and 1 in car harness.

for more info see:

http://www.racingradios.com

http://www.racingelectronics.com

 

I use a pair of Motorol CP200 4W UHF radios. They work pretty well at Mosport, even from down at the bottom of the hill. Great around the house, and particularly for the long drive home back from the racetrack when you're hauling with one or more vehicles. Sometimes one needs a spare battery or two if people are really chatty all the way home on a 4 hr+ drive.

Don't even think of trying to use FRS/GMRS radios... I really don't think they could be made to work well... particularly because the FRS radios can't roofmount the antenna.


Modified by JettaRacer at 12:27 PM 11/23/2005

 

It's also worth noting that if you're getting radios on which you will be transmitting on the UHF band, you will need to get a radio license from the FCC if you want to use them legally.

(That's one big difference between these and the small FRS walkie-talkies, which do not require a license.)

 

daNG..

FROM http://wireless.fcc.gov/servic...bile/:

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)

The General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is a land-mobile radio service available for short-distance two-way communications to facilitate the activities of an adult individual and his or her immediate family members, including a spouse, children, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and in-laws (47 CFR 95.179). Normally, as a GMRS system licensee, you and your family members would communicate among yourselves over the general area of your residence or during recreational group outings, such as camping or hiking.

The FCC grants five-year renewable licenses for GMRS Systems. The individual licensee is responsible for the proper operations of the licensed GMRS system at all times.

FRS/GMRS Dual Service Radios


Some manufacturers have received approval to market radios that are certified for use in both the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). Other manufacturers have received approval of their radios under the GMRS rules, but market them as FRS/GMRS radios on the basis that:

Some channels are authorized to both services, or
A user of the radio may communicate with stations in the other service.
Radios marketed as "FRS/GMRS" or "dual-service radios" are available from many manufacturers and many retail or discount stores. The manual that comes with the radio, or the label placed on it by the manufacturer, should indicate the service the unit is certified for. If you cannot determine what service the unit may be used in, contact the manufacturer.

If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas. The current fee for a new GMRS license is $80.

Licensing


Before any station transmits on any channel authorized in the GMRS from any point within or over the territorial limits of any area where the FCC regulates radio services, the responsible party must obtain a license. The FCC usually grants GMRS system licenses for a five-year term. To apply for a GMRS system license, you may file online through the Universal Licensing System (ULS), or file FCC Form 605 manually. New filers can learn more about ULS in its getting started tutorials. See Fee Requirements for FCC Form 605 for current licensing fee information.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It's also worth noting that if you're getting radios on which you will be transmitting on the UHF band, you will need to get a radio license from the FCC if you want to use them legally.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I didn't know you had to have a license... guess I'm breaking the law! That being said... can the FCC fine me for the use of foul language over the airwaves during a race???

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nsxtasy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
It's also worth noting that if you're getting radios on which you will be transmitting on the UHF band, you will need to get a radio license from the FCC if you want to use them legally.

(That's one big difference between these and the small FRS walkie-talkies, which do not require a license.)
</TD></TR></TABLE>

So what if you are operating at .5 watts on the FRS frequencies, do you still need the license?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MarkosMotorsports &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I didn't know you had to have a license... guess I'm breaking the law! That being said... can the FCC fine me for the use of foul language over the airwaves during a race??? </TD></TR></TABLE>

from the racing radios website

" Licensing
All FM Two-Way Radios sold by Racing Radios require an F.C.C. License. This license is the responsibility of the end user, however, we will assist you in obtaining a license. Necessary forms and other pertinent information can be obtained by clicking here. (link didn't work)."

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crazydave &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So what if you are operating at .5 watts on the FRS frequencies, do you still need the license?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good question. Check out this paragraph that you quoted:

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crazydave &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you operate a radio that has been approved exclusively under the rules that apply to FRS, you are not required to have a license. FRS radios have a maximum power of ½ watt (500 milliwatt) effective radiated power and integral (non-detachable) antennas. If you operate a radio under the rules that apply to GMRS, you must have a GMRS license. GMRS radios generally transmit at higher power levels (1 to 5 watts is typical) and may have detachable antennas. The current fee for a new GMRS license is $80.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Your question goes to the fact that the paragraph does not address all contingencies for an FRS/GMRS radio. It says that if it's an FRS-only radio, you don't need a license, but if you use it under GMRS rules, you do need a license. It doesn't say whether or not you need a license if it is capable of FRS and GMRS transmissions and you use it only under FRS rules.