My old in-car radio was wired using an off the shelf microphone and speaker-bud. For the new car, Im finally stepping up with a professional harness.

It seems there are two styles of connectors (NASCAR and IMSA). What are most teams (like Grand-Am) using? I would like my helmet to be compatible with the most popular setup.

Bob

It seems there are two styles of connectors (NASCAR and IMSA). What are most teams (like Grand-Am) using? I would like my helmet to be compatible with the most popular setup.


Oh, I wish it were that simple.
Having run into this problem before, I found there are at least *8* setups.
Firstly there are the 2 plug styles you mentioned.
There are also 4 internal wiring 'standards'.
- off-road, military, 'WestCoast', and CompCom.

It's all how the 3 (or 4) wires from the speaker and microphone are wired to the plug. My advice is to check what everyone else *you* know is using, as these seem regional, or at least supplier dependant.
It *really* matter if you intend to do enduros, or share a car. Luckily there are convertors you can buy. At the past Thunderhill 25-hr we eventually bought every convertor, an extra wiring harness and a spare helmet set from Sampson Communications to get every driver correctly wired.

Grand-Am and most other road racing drivers use the IMSA connectors.

Anyone have any suggestions for a simple, easy to install & use, cost effective system?

Anyone have any suggestions for a simple, easy to install & use, cost effective system?

Since you are in SoCal, Give Shawn at Sampson a call. They have Kenwood-based systems for around $1200, IIRC.
Most folks I know use Motorola-based (Motorola or clones) systems.
You get 2 radios, a crew headset, basic car harness and 1 helmet kit.

Cell phone, FRS, GMRS based sytems are junk.

.......cough cough **cost effective** cough cough......:eek:

lordy are these things $$.

.......cough cough **cost effective** cough cough......:eek:

lordy are these things $$.

I wonder how much the digital comms system the Corvette factory team uses costs. Only folks outside the military with that setup. Hmmm..

Only folks outside the military with that setup. Hmmm..


BS

Just use your cell phone ;)

i think mine is called Racing Electronics. works great get decent signal even at oak tree in VIR.

i think mine is called Racing Electronics. works great get decent signal even at oak tree in VIR.
www.RacingElectronics.com right? How much power/which of their systems?

www.RacingElectronics.com right? How much power/which of their systems?

i use a 4W motorolla system (cp200 radios, i think) from RE...no dead spots at vir...

Like Dave said most road racers use the IMSA type setup. Since I sold the racecar I think I am going to sell my Motorola p1225s. 5watt radios that work around the longest tracks. 2 radios and a headset. Keeping my helmet kit though. Figured I sell the radios since my new racecar won't be coming until 2007:evil2 Pm if interested

Simple. Hardware the IMSA setup, then keep a NASCAR adapter in your helmet bag at all times. Problem solved.

Simple. Hardware the IMSA setup, then keep a NASCAR adapter in your helmet bag at all times. Problem solved.

Does it? I feel like I've been through problems in the past that Fiery mentions where the inputs/outputs from the helmet harness don't match the input/outputs from the car harness. It all has to do with the little junction box that ties the car harness together. Even if the plug fits, the system may not always function.

I've got a setup from RaceComVirginia. http://www.racecomofvirginia.com/ It works pretty well, the only thing is that sometimes the earplugs hurt my ears if I put them in wrong. Otherwise reception is GREAT and they are really easy to use.
-Ted

If you live on the west coast at least, I echo the recommendation for Sampson Communications. Out here it seems to be the harnesses are usually the same and you need either the IMSA/NASCAR setup but you can get the adapter.

The good thing about Shawn is that he supports the races. At the 25 hour this last year, we bought an entire setup from him piecemeal between 11pm and 3am trying to diagnose and fix our radio setup in the WRX STI. He's a class act to step away from the track and support his fellow racers in the middle of a contest.

Also, get the molded ear plugs from him (or anyone else that sells them) that you make a mold in your ear and send away for. It totally quiets the racecar and will save your hearing. It's the best $120 you'll spend if you have a loud exhaust. I don't know how anyone can use a radio and hear anything without these plugs.


Brian

im not sure which system it is but yes racing electronics in the one. we've had it for a while so its a little dated but works great no problems except when you dont charge them they tend to not work well then.

Does it? I feel like I've been through problems in the past that Fiery mentions where the inputs/outputs from the helmet harness don't match the input/outputs from the car harness. It all has to do with the little junction box that ties the car harness together. Even if the plug fits, the system may not always function.

Well, I can only speak from my experience, but yeah, it's always worked for me. I've never had the plugs fit but the system not work. But, of course, I suppose there's always the exceptions that prove the rule.

Since I plan to eventually pull double-duty as an instructor, in addition to racing, are there any driver-to-passenger communicators that will plug into either of the standard helmet connections? (Chatterbox seems to use a DIN plug setup.)

Since I plan to eventually pull double-duty as an instructor, in addition to racing, are there any driver-to-passenger communicators that will plug into either of the standard helmet connections? (Chatterbox seems to use a DIN plug setup.)

Not that I've ever seen "cheaply" available on the market. I'm sure the Pro-rally setups would work, but you'd be paying $1000+ more than likely.

I've never had the plugs fit but the system not work. But, of course, I suppose there's always the exceptions that prove the rule.

I remember now. My helmet was wired for my Star Mazda setup. When we transferred the radios into the M3 (using a harness that came in the car), they wouldn't work. Had to change the harness out. All of the plugs fit just fine.

Just use your cell phone ;)

I know Steve said this jokingly... but couldnt you just use a bluetooth headset, "call" your pitcrew and just leave the call open for the duration of the race?

Actually, the funny thing is/was at the time there was a similar discussion going on if Cell Phones were being allowed to be continued to be used in Club racing, as several SCCA guys were doing it with the Walkie talkie feature on thier cell phones. I think maybe Geo was part of it, it was a while ago now.

There are a lot of "unexpensive" ways to get communication...it wont be the most professional or 100% reliable, but it'll do the job, and for most club racers on a budget, thats enough :)

There are a lot of "unexpensive" ways to get communication...it wont be the most professional or 100% reliable, but it'll do the job, and for most club racers on a budget, thats enough :)

Actually that is key... around VIR there prolly would be no issues.. but at Summit Point, I BARELY get a signal with Verizon. Where's my network?! :rolleyes

Get some 5 mile radios, or a Cb scanner and a 6 foot antenna ;) lol

I know Steve said this jokingly... but couldnt you just use a bluetooth headset, "call" your pitcrew and just leave the call open for the duration of the race?

A typical Bluetooth headset isn't going to be loud enough.

I know Steve said this jokingly... but couldnt you just use a bluetooth headset, "call" your pitcrew and just leave the call open for the duration of the race?

I did that once for a 90 minute enduro...had earbuds wired to a celphone. Free weekends baby.

It really didn't work out so well. Funny thing is I went with a nice radio setup and have used it only once since.

I think a cheaper setup could be had with these FRS radios. Some have a 12 mile range now (realistically 5 miles, good enough for racing) and are voice activated. No buttons to push. No idea how effective they would be but seems like a nice solution for under $100.

I think a cheaper setup could be had with these FRS radios. Some have a 12 mile range now (realistically 5 miles, good enough for racing) and are voice activated. No buttons to push. No idea how effective they would be but seems like a nice solution for under $100.

What about a GMRS type model?

http://www.hjc-chatterbox.com/gmrs_x1.htm

this is an interesting discussion...I also am planning on installing a radio/comms at some point...it certainly would help in races longer than 30 mins.

I've heard some folks here mention RE.com as a source and it seems like the motorola kits are quite popular...

Damion I may be interested in your set up...if I can get the other parts and make it a complete system once again...did you get yours from racerelectronics.com? so what's the new race car gonna be??:evil2 :devillook

What about a GMRS type model?

Yeah, GMRS has 14 mile capability while FRS is limited to 2 or 3 miles by the FCC.

That seems like a fancy deal by chatterbox but what I had in mind is something much cheaper with better range.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00081PSIA/ref=pd_cp_e_title/002-6011266-1883250?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282

That seems like a fancy deal by chatterbox but what I had in mind is something much cheaper with better range.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00081PSIA/ref=pd_cp_e_title/002-6011266-1883250?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=172282

hehe... $200 for helmet mount capability :stickoutt

sync speed set me up over the winter a 5watt radios for a realy good price and had great service http://classifieds.specmiata.com/detail.php?id=25