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P. 6
INTER COMPANY CORRESPONDENCE
FILE DATE
October 16, 1968
CODE
TO - NAME DEPT. DIVISION PLANT/OFFICE
W. Wright 4800 Soace Huntsville
FROM - NAME DEPT. DIVISION4- PLANT/OFFICE
L. H. Scott 4743 Space Huntsville
SUBJECT: Race Car Communication System - Technical Re port
A two way communication system was operated at the International
Speedway, Daytona, Florida for the purpose of determining the feasibility
of incorporating a communication system between a race car driver and
the pit area.
The equipment used consisted primarily of two privately owned 27 mHz
Citizen Band transceivers, an Air Force helmet, a Bell crash helmet, and
miscellaneous items for race car adaption and installation.
One transceiver, Lafayette Model 555, had been previously installed in
a private automobile and was used as a base station in the pit area. The
other transceiver, Lafayette Model 600, was installed in the race car. The
bas D C station radio had been in operation for some time producing satisfactory
results. Therefore, all noted problems were of local, environmental, or
race car origin. The race car transceiver was mounted on four (4) sponge
rubber pads and tied down to the right side floor pan with aircraft shock
cords to prevent damage and promote safety. A thirty six inch, fiberglass,
taper loaded antenna was mounted on the rear deck of the race car and
connected to the transceiver with RG58A coax cable.
The Bell crash helmet was modified to incorporate a pair of earphones
and a microphone boom that had been removed from the Air Force helmet.
Low impedance crystal cartridges were used for both the earphones and the
microphone to match the impedances of the transceiver and a foot actuated
switch was mounted near the driver’s left foot to facilitate the activation of
the transmitter. The system was then tested and proven operational in a
non-race environment.
The problems that were encountered during simulated race conditions
are summarized below:
L The selection of a channel that had a minimum of local traffic
and " kip" interference*
2. Higher than normal ignition noise interference.
3. A transceiver power plug that vibrated loose.
