Summary: 

The current practice at VRG/FFCS events for on-track incidents or disabled cars in harm’s way is to

use black flags at each corner station, indicating all drivers are to slow to 75-90% of race pace and return to pit lane so that emergency vehicles and on-track assistance can be dispatched.  In many instances, difficulty discerning the non-contrasting black flag from background clutter or drivers otherwise missing the black flag (as well as the Checkered Flag), cause additional loss of track time.  Drivers who have missed flags also must typically report to the Driver’s Committee, who often assess penalties.

 

A Radio Solution:

Many oval track racing organizations use in car radio receivers (Nitro Bee and Raceceiver) with earbuds to notify drivers of on-track emergency situations and other relevant information.   These receivers have limited range for road course use, and therefore a new style of receiver (Scan Ceiver X16) with an external antenna has been tested by FFCS at several tracks with successful results using a 5-watt handheld radio transmitter.  Use of these radios by FFCS participants will be voluntary at all events starting in 2023.

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Details:

The radio of choice for the series is:

• Scan Ceiver X16

• Compact design (2” x 4”), with external 1” antenna built in

• 3.7v battery with 24 hours life on full charge via USB

• Volume control and automatic squelch

• 16 channels with voice prompt and has a programmable scan function

• Channel frequency range: 400.000 to 470.000, programmable with downloadable software.

• Push to talk button is disabled

 

Use & Application method:

• FFCS is licensed to use two channels.  Channel 1 is 451.8000, and Channel 2 is 456.8000.

• We will use Channel 2 and when purchased you should request this frequency.

• An FFCS official will monitor the track’s flagnet (race control) frequency.

• The FFCS official will rebroadcast the following information from race control over the radio:

  • Green Flag

  • Double Yellow (Full Course Yellow)

  • Black Flag All

  • Black Flag (with car #)

  • Red Flag

  • Checkered Flag

• This information is advisory only; actual on-track flag conditions take precedent.

• While racers are on the false grid the FFCS official will conduct a radio test so that racers can confirm operation of the radio and confirm volume is set.

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Manufacturer / Supplier:

• Participation is voluntary and units may be purchased from the supplier.

• Contact them at:  ​Race Radios Direct  (813) 882-3227

• Order on-line and then send an e-mail to:  hotrodgers@tampabay.rr.com requesting the receiver be programmed for Channel 1 frequency 451.8000 and Channel 2 frequency 456.8000

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Radio cost: 

$44.95 with free USA shipping for the Scan Ceiver X16 radio, Challenger X16 mono 2.5mm earbuds, USB charging cord and belt clip.

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FFCS Loaner Radios:

A limited number will be made available on race weekends.  First come, first served.  It is strongly recommended you purchase your own earbuds for your personal use.

 

Known issues:

• Radio has built in antenna and must be located high in the cockpit of the car.  Clipping the radio to a shoulder belt may work, but if it slips off poor reception will result.

• Recommend securing the radio and clip with industrial strength Velcro to the cockpit sides with the antenna exposed.

• Visual access to the unit is helpful to set volume.  A small piece of tape on the volume control knob to maintain the setting is useful, as it can easily be disturbed, depending on mounting location.

• Uses 2.5 mm earphone jack.  If you want to use your own earbuds (more comfortable) you will need a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm adapter (we will have them on hand). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NSVBVQN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th+1 or Race Radios Direct has a 90-degree 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm adapter cord (Part #6352590; $9.99)

 

Drivers Affected:

• Any drivers competing in the FFCS events may voluntarily use the radio receiver during all on track sessions.

• Drivers with existing 2-way radios may tune/program their own radio receiver to the 456.8000 frequency used by FFCS.  Note: when using this frequency, push-to-talk transmissions will not be allowed, as they will interfere with FFCS communications to drivers.

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v4

03.13.2023

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