SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/590058
car, and so on. It does not matter if the team is large or small. We work with every type of team large or small from desert Trophy Truck to the weekend warrior. It really all comes down to the applications needed for each team." In an arena where equipment is so specialized, Rugged Radios has this take. "For the most part there really is a one size fits all," Gerardo said. "You can take an RRP6100 paired with a 50-watt Vertex Vx2200 and they will perform remarkably in most vehicles. The radio can be substituted for an 110-watt Vx6000 if more range is needed. If the vehicle generates a lot of noise Digital Speech Processors can be installed in the intercom to eliminate background noise that can be picked up through the microphones. So, no matter what the vehicle SXS to Trophy Truck our intercom can be tuned for them all." According to manufacturers, teams should focus on parity in a system. For example, if they have a 50-watt radio in the race car they should have a 50-watt radio in their pits and chase vehicles. Parity means they will communicate to each other at the same range. The power output is what determines what your range potential is and parity usually insures if they can hear you, then you will hear them. The next step manufacturers recommend, is maintaining your equipment in good operating order. They say it's important to make sure you have a good power source and make sure the antenna system is tuned and working properly. "If you have a bad antenna, it's like not having a radio at all, and it could possibly cause damage to your radio," says Gerardo. Helmet Set-Up Communications systems for pit crews and team members are different than those used to communicate directly with drivers. Microphones, speakers, and connections must be installed into helmets to work properly while remaining comfortable during long races. This is one of the reasons why radio manufacturers have a wide variety of methods to install microphones and speakers into modern racing helmets. "PCI prides itself on our helmet technologies," says Steinberger. "We can install communications in any helmet, and we make it easy by allowing you to send it to us. We can upgrade Extreme or Gentex microphones, install larger speakers than those available in do-it-yourself kits, add ear cups to certain helmets, add neck restraint hardware, drinker systems, as well as make sure your helmet is race ready." Helmet systems can also be customized to include ear cups that attenuate outside noise, protecting your ears and allowing you to communicate better. "We also have water resistant helmet plugs that will stop the helmet connector from getting wet and the dreaded intercom squeal," says Steinberger. "Installing communication systems in helmets has never been easier," says Gerardo. "At Rugged Radios, we offer kits that anyone can install. There really is no need to drill into a helmet to install radio communication system. Helmet manufacturers provide for communication systems as well as airflow, and all they need is one of the helmet kits that offer the Dura-link boot that was the first of its kind when it made its debut in 2014." No matter what type of communication system a team decides on, it all comes down to having the ability to be safe, and provide vital information that can allow a team to win. "Being out in some of the roughest terrain, in the middle of nowhere, can be a challenge," said Rob MacCachren. " And with little to no cell service, having a connection to the outside world is vital. Having access to a strong, good race radio is the only source to good communication. You never know when you are going to need it, especially if you or someone else's life depends on it!". SJ SOURCES: RUGGED RADIOS 1951 E Grand Ave Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 888 541-7223 WWW.RUGGEDRADIOS.COM RACER X MOTORSPORTS 9303 Bond Ave El Cajon, CA 92021 619 561-5000 WWW.RACERXMS.COM PCI RADIOS 2888 Gundry Ave. Signal Hill, CA 90755 562 427-8177 WWW.PCIRADIOS.COM 078 SCORE JOURNAL