• From: Atlanta, GA
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 102

Topic: Motorola Radios and Headsets

I've searched using a number of key words and read most of the radio threads.  I would like to keep this thread specific to Motorola radios.  We picked up a set of SX800R single pin radios for the team.  I realize opinions abound on the benefits of these FRS/GMRS are pretty mixed, but CMP is flat and we should be able to to receive over all the track.  We picked up the radios from this ebay store at $75 for 6 units:

http://stores.ebay.com/aopcsystems

In all the threads I've read this is the only helmet mounted headset I've seen for the Motorola radios.  Has anyone found any others?

http://www.buytwowayradios.com/products … 00-mt.aspx

http://grrsports.blogspot.com/
#6 1991 Ford Escort

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  • FJ40Jim
  • FJ40Jim
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  • From: Lancaster OH
  • Registered: 2009-05-02
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Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

We use Motorola FRS/GMRS radios, along with Motocomm MC5x headsets for full face helmets:
http://www.handsfreedirect.com/motocomm … ium=Cro...

Jim C.
If God meant for us to race, we'd all have baggy Nomex skin.
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  • Registered: 2009-10-25
  • Posts: 1,993

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

I tried using the helmet kits designed for closed face motorcycles...they kinda worked,  since the PTT (push to talk) worked great and the pits could hear you really well...but the speakers over your ear flat didn't work...even at full volume you can't hear a damm thing and the pressure of the speakers on your ears sucks

We went to the security style earpieces that stick in 1 ear.....allows the driver to hear the team pretty good, but its hard for the team to hear the driver..so we mount the mic very close to the drivers helmet (think on the foam collar or hans) and tell the driver to yell.....you can see an example of the setup here in the beginning of this video

http://www.vimeo.com/14401254

We use Midland radios and "security" kits

Richard Doty
1984 Porsche 928 "Estate"
Porsche- "there is A substitute" Racing
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  • Troy
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  • Registered: 2009-04-30
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Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

We use Motorola GP300s.

We have used the cheaper Closed face helmets kits that are around $30 and they are okay.

We have one open face set up I turned into something like a chatter box headset.  It worked but wasn't very comfortable.

For the last couple of races we have been using the higher end race style car harness with Nascar helmet wiring.

I used the cheaper helmet kits as donor parts to make Nascar style helmet kits.

Both methods have worked with varying success.

The cheaper mini-din sets can be plugged int he wrong way and they won't work.  So I suggest setting it up and taping the PTT and wiring to the radio together so you can only easily unplug the helmet.

I believe the more professional style car harnesses have an amplifier for the speakers so I think it's easier to hear.

If you get your mic into the front of your helmet it should significantly cut down on outside noise.

I made most our our helmet kits for the last race and use a few different mics.  They all seemed to perform fine but we didn't really get to try them all sine we had some communication issue a few hours int he race.

At this point, I think our car harness has an intermittent issue.

I think you will have better luck with the closed face helmet stuff or just make sure the mic is in the helmet and facing the right direction.  If the mic faces away from the driver it picks up more outside noise than it does the driver.

Troy

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  • Raydoc
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Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

www.gadgetinfinity.com

They have a variety of headsets and you pick the plug you need.

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6 Reply by Michael Rennick (edited by Michael Rennick 2010-09-17 07:17 PM)

  • From: Atlanta, GA
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 102

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

I just ordered three HM200-MT from buytwowayradios.com after e-mailing them to verify fit and function.  We'll see how they work in a week and a half.  I will post back my impressions.

------------
9/17 Edit
Recieved the headsets and they seem to work.  Going to try them in the car tomorrow.

http://grrsports.blogspot.com/
#6 1991 Ford Escort

Michael Rennick's Website

  • From: Richmond VA
  • Registered: 2010-06-03
  • Posts: 5

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

We will be trying the following at CMP:

Motorola EM1000 frs radios:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN … adio-US-EN

Motorola 56320 earpieces w/boom mics:
http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN … 6320_US_EN

Radios = clipped and tethered somewhere within reach.

Headsets = either taped into helmet or taped outside balaclava?

We'll see if it works... the radios were like $42/pair and earpieces like $12ea, all on Amazon.

  • From: Charleston, SC
  • Registered: 2009-08-08
  • Posts: 466

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

There should be (he's been at all the past ones) a vendor at CMP with all kind of adapters and headsets. Be prepared to spend some $$$ though... He wanted $70 for a switch...

____________________________________
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Bonedriver's Website

  • From: Atlanta, GA
  • Registered: 2009-05-01
  • Posts: 102

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

We tested our rig last weekend and it all seemed to work pretty well.  Good sound quality to and from the car.  The headset seemed comfortable on the ears once we got them adjusted.  Volume could be louder, but I think we will be ok. We had a range of about 0.6 miles in wooded, hilly terrain.

http://grrsports.blogspot.com/
#6 1991 Ford Escort

Michael Rennick's Website

  • From: Richmond VA
  • Registered: 2010-06-03
  • Posts: 5

Re: Motorola Radios and Headsets

getfast wrote:

We'll see if it works... the radios were like $42/pair and earpieces like $12ea, all on Amazon.

Pic of the exact setup we'll be using at CMP:

http://www.airsoftlab.com/wp-content/up … out_06.jpg

So far so good, they worked great in testing today but that's obviously not as loud as a racecar.

Most irritating feature is that the earpieces can ONLY be plugged in when the radio is off, and then you MUST press the ptt button to disable "VOX" mode.  Gotta remember that during pit stops.