The following information was included in the packet sent to participants at NSXPO 2002. I do not know how much of it is still up to date regarding the availability of models and the vendors listed; I think the Radio Shack 19-1208 may be discontinued. But here it is anyway...
We have found at our NSX Club of America events that the use of two-way radios in our cars can be a significant benefit and enjoyment. This is true not only for group drives during an event, but also for those who are driving in a convoy of NSXs to and from NSXPO 2002. Using a two-way radio between cars during a long drive can make the time seem to fly by. They can also be used around the house, or when your kids go out to play, etc.
The NSX Club of America has a FCC license for its use by all club members. The frequency of 464.55 MHz is the standard to be used at its events, including NSXPO 2002. This is one of the frequencies in a group commonly referred to as "business band UHF". There are several radios on the market, which transmit and receive on this frequency, with various power ratings. The higher the power, the longer the range, but also the greater the cost of the radio. We have found that radios with at least two watts transmit and receive up to two miles, and are a good compromise between range and cost. We do not recommend radios with power less than two watts.
Included with these radios are a rechargeable battery pack and a battery charger. When you open the box, do NOT take apart the batteries in the battery pack inside; they are designed to be installed as a unit in the radio. The radio can operate up to eight hours on one charge, but if the radio is used for transmitting, the duration is reduced considerably. Those planning on using the radio for an all-day drive are advised to purchase an additional battery pack (around $35) so they can be replaced en route. Different models of radio may use different size battery packs.
Numerous models of the radios which can operate on 464.55 MHz include:
· Radio Shack 19-1208 (5 watts)
· Jobcom JMX-452
· Maxon SP-100
· Maxon SP-120U
· Motorola SP-21
· Motorola Spirit MU21CV
· Motorola Sport SP-10 (Business Band UHF version)
· TEKK NT-40
· TEKK T-40
Some of these models may need to be programmed by the vendor for our 464.550 MHz frequency. (There are three alternative frequencies for which the NSX Club is also licensed: 464.500 MHz, 469.500 MHz, and 469.550 MHz.) Some radios can operate on all four of these frequencies while others listed may work on 464.550 MHz but not all four. Some radios include a coded squelch feature which must be disabled (dip switch) to hear other NSXCA radios.
The Radio Shack 19-1208 radio, a new model, appears to be a particularly good value. It currently sells for $89.99 at Radio Shack stores and offers the advantage of five watts of power. One of its standard preset “dot” frequencies is our standard 464.550 MHz. We would welcome feedback from anyone who tries this new radio, as we have not tried it ourselves but it appears to fit our needs very well.
Other sources for these radios include the following vendors on the Internet:
http://www.arsradio.com
http://www.delmmar.com
http://www.advantagecomm.net
http://www.aglservices.com
http://www.multicom2way.com
Further information on acquiring and using club radios can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Resources/clubradios.htm