Good afternoon all!
Sorry if this topic has been brought up here before - I had a search but couldn't find anything really similar, on here or the 'net in general.
I'm looking into adding a radio system to my Formula Ford and I'm a little bit confused by my options and how it all works.
To start with; my helmet currently has an IMSA style kit installed in it, from a few years back when I ran with a team - https://www.racingradios.com/collect...elmet-kit-coil
The goal, really, is to have clear, private communications from pit to driver (and vice versa) that works the whole way around the track. Cheaper the better, too. I would like push-to-talk (PTT), especially on the crew side and but ideally on the driver's side too. Lastly, I would also ideally like others to be able to listen in (such as any family supporters at the track!), if I give them access - but this is also not required, just a desirable.
The couple of options I can think of are to go with a standard complete kit which includes two two-way radios, the specific car harness for the radio I choose, push-to-talk button, antenna, and a headset for the crew which also incorporates the connector for the radio of choice (sort of like this one https://www.racingradios.com/product...-system-cp100d). However, I am sceptical for a few reasons. Firstly, when I ran with the team, we simply could never get the radio to work properly at a distance further than leaving the pits for whatever reason. In addition, I don't want all my comms to be broadcast publicly or have to battle for interference, but don't want to pay for a license or anything like that. Lastly... it can get pretty expensive, and it'd especially suck if it didn't end up working properly!
The other option I was considering was somehow building a mobile phone system, and potentially using a VoIP service (or a standard voice call). Of course, this relies on phone service, but I cannot think of a track I visit that doesn't have this. However, I have no idea how I'd be able to set this up in the car and also utilise PTT. I could mount a phone in the cockpit and connect my helmet directly to it using an adapter such as this (I think!) - https://www.ruggedradios.com/product...-adapter-cable - but then I wouldn't have PTT in the car. Not a deal breaker, but would be nice to have.
I'd appreciate any thoughts you guys have on this topic - with all the different proprietary connectors and whatnot, and no info that I can really find on the 'net, it's rather challenging to figure out what the best route is!
Thanks!