PCI Help Center

PCI is located in Cypress, California. We are just off the 405 Freeway near the corner of Katella and Valley View St.

Our mailing and shipping address is:
6185 Phyllis Drive
Cypress, CA 90630

If sending in Service Work, please use this our Service/Repair Form. If sending in returns, please use our Return Form.

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm PST. 

Weekends we are at the races. 

We are closed on most National Holidays.

Yes! You can visit us during our normal business hours at: 6185 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630. You can also see almost all of our inventory at races or visit a dealer.

We are available Monday - Friday from 8:30 - 5:30 PST

800-869-5636 Toll Free
562-427-8177
WhatsApp: 562-427-8177

HQ is closed on weekends, but check out our event calendar to see where our support crew will be and come see us at an event!

Email us at sales@pciraceradios.com

Chat with us on Instagram or Facebook Chat

We would love to have our logo on your wrap, shirts, etc. Below are the .jpg and vector art (.eps) of our logo.

Light Background: JPG | EPS | PNG  -  Dark Background:  JPG | EPS | PNG

Light Background: JPG | EPS | PNG  -   Dark Background:  JPG | EPS | PNG

Light Background: JPG | EPS | PNG  -  Dark Background:  JPG | EPS | PNG

 JPG | EPS | PNG

Bob Steinberger, otherwise known as The Weatherman, put communications in the vehicles of Bill Stroppe, Joe MacPherson and Walker Evans in 1972. At the 1974 Mint 400, he sent up three weather balloons with five hundred feet of coax attached and the first successful radio relay from a pit was made. It is believed that it was Joe MacPherson who couldn't remember his name, so he dubbed him "Weatherman" on the radio. The rest is history and Bob's iconic status has been reached through nearly half a century of work with the communications company he founded, PCI Race Radios. Check out this video to see more.

With over 50 years of experience, PCI Race Radios literally pioneered the Intercoms, Helmet, Radios and GPS units used today. Years of development and our own personal racing experience has helped us to design the best quality products available. Each and every product is tested by our R&D department to ensure that it can be used in the all different terrains and weather. After all, we are racers as well! All our products are made by the racers for the racers!

PCI manufacturers all of our intercoms right here in the USA. Buying from PCI also means you're buying manufacturer direct for all Headsets, Helmet wiring kits, cables and accessories.

We directly represent and distribute several large Manufacturers like Icom, Kenwood, Lowrance, Impact, HJC and others. We don't just two-step these products (or even three step like some of our competitors) but we work together with these manufacturers day in and day out to help design the highest quality components in racing. Recently, we designed an ear cup specifically for HJC. Check out this case study from Icom America, showing our direct involvement in testing two-way radios for the market.

No other company contributes more to product development and design than PCI. Time isn't all we contribute to this industry - PCI is a huge supporter of all land use organizations that help keep our desert recreational and racing areas open. We've been an ASA, CORVA, ORBA, BRC and others.

We also do a great deal of sanctioning body support. As the official Radio of MORE, SNORE, LOORRS, Ultra 4, KOH, AVE, WE ROCK and AZOP - we support these sanctioning bodies with equipment and training to bring you a fun, safe, efficient race. 

Last but not least - our trackside and on site support. No other company can compete with our experience and inventory at the races. You can count on friendly, efficient service trackside at most races for service and sales. Talk about backing up your product - need something at the race track? We're there to help!

PCI offers Contingency for EVERY Class at EVERY Race!

$100 in product or service to 1st place at SCORE & BITD Races 

$50 in product or service to 1st place at all other sanctioning bodies. 

Click here to send us an email and request for us to send you FREE Decals!

To qualify for contingency:

• PCI Logo on both sides of Vehicle/Motorcycle. Motorcycle, Quad or UTV minimum decal size 4" wide. All other vehicles minimum decal size 5.5" wide (8" die cut preferred). Decals are provided free from PCI.
• Must register for Contingency with Sanctioning Body (if available).
• No Competitors Logo's allowed on vehicle.
• Contingency Awards can only be used at Racer Price Level. Some PCI sponsored Vehicles, athletes and Riders may not qualify for contingency awards depending on sponsorship contract, see contract or contact an associate for details.
• Driver/Rider of record can only win one award per event/round.
• Moto/ATV classes must have a minimum of 5 entries in the class to qualify for award.

To claim your $50 or $100 contingency, email us with the race date, sanctioning body, driver of record, class and finishing position. We will verify the results that the sanctioning body sends us and place the credit on your account which can be used for phone orders, walk in purchases at either our shop location or at any race! (sorry, not available for online orders). We normally see results 2-4 weeks after the race but some sanctioning bodies may take longer. We cannot award contingency until the sanctioning body submits the contingency awards to us.

Contingency must be claimed and added to customer account within 24 months of race win for accounting purposes. Once added to account, credits expire in 36 months. Unclaimed contingency awards over 24 months old cannot be awarded.

Yes, we work on everything we sell. Send in this Radio Repair Form with your items for the fastest service. 

PCI Products carry a warranty against manufacturer defect. Customer damage is not a defect and is not covered under warranty, but we will gladly help repair your items. Two areas we see customer damage is water and power. Please do not pressure wash radios and intercoms, they need to be covered before washing vehicles and are not water proof. Welding and jump starting vehicles can also fry amp and voltage regulators. Radios and intercoms should always be wired direct to the battery and everything should be disconnected from the battery before jump starting or welding on the chassis. 

Radios:

3 years on all Kenwood NX series radio mainframes in materials and workmanship (1 year parts and accessories)

2 years on Kenwood TK series and Icom radio mainframes in materials and workmanship (1 year parts and accessories)

1 year on Baofeng radios in materials and workmanship (6 months on parts and accessories)

PCI intercom systems:

5 year manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship (2 years on accessories such as cables, headsets, push to talk buttons)

Lowrance GPS:

2 years on HDS series devices

1 year on Elite series devices

PCI RaceAir:

Boost - 2 years manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship

Max and Flow - 1 year manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship 

Helmets:

2 years on all PCI custom wiring/RaceAir

HJC DOT – 3 year defects in materials and workmanship

HJC SA-rated - 1 year defects in materials and workmanship

Impact - 1 year defects in materials and workmanship

Pyrotect - 1 year defects in materials and workmanship

Klim - 5 years defects in materials and workmanship

Sena:

50s - 3 years

TuffTalk - 1 year

We are currently in the process of setting up our Shopify Collective price lists. Request partnership and when everything is complete, we will reach out and let you know. 

A few things to keep in mind:

• PCI product detail pages contain internal links. We recommend that you change the links before making products active to your own website links so customers are not redirected back to our website. There are apps that can help you fix this in bulk like Hextom.
• Margins are set off of the retail price. This means when there are dealer exclusive sales (not available to the public) that you will not get that extra dealer sale price on collective orders. No refunds, credits or price corrections are available for those orders. Dealer exclusive sales are for purchase orders only.

For help with your Switch Pro Products, please reach out to the Switch Pro's directly at

sales@switch-pros.com

949-581-2991

Available M-F 8-4pm Pacific Time

Yes! Take a look below to download installation instructions for our brackets, sorted by vehicle!

Can Am Maverick R:

Radio Only Bracket

Radio & Intercom Bracket

Can Am Maverick X3:

X3 Pillar Replacement Bracket | [VIDEO]

X3 Dash Bracket

X3 Console Bracket

Polaris RZR:

RZR Pro Series Vertical Radio and Intercom Bracket

RZR Pro XP & Turbo R Console Radio Intercom Bracket

RZR Twist Lock Open Box Replacement Radio Intercom Bracket

XP1000 Radio Intercom Bracket

Honda Talon:

Talon Icom Radio Intercom Bracket

Talon Intercom Only Bracket

Kawasaki Teryx:

KRX 1000 Radio Intercom Bracket

PCI ships orders Monday - Friday excluding Holidays. We strive to ship in stock orders that are placed by 2:00 PM PST the same day. Some orders require customization or technician tuning and this extra special care may take additional time to process. Items often requiring 1-2 business days are Helmets, Radios with programming and Satcomm. If you need something rushed or shipped same day, please call us and we will try our hardest to accommodate. If anything is out of stock, we will call or email to notify you. Once your items are ready for shipping, your order will ship with the shipping method selected at checkout.

Holidays, Trade Shows and online specials can delay orders as well. If you need an item shipped same day, please enter some notes in your order or call us to confirm.

Deliveries occur Monday - Friday following the UPS schedule. If Monday is a Holiday and your order ships Two Day Air on Friday, your delivery date will be Wednesday.

Please note that PCI Race Radios does not ship to unrelated businesses, hotels, or freight forwarders. If you need a shipment to one of those addresses, please contact us.

We cannot ship to PO Boxes. For fastest processing, ship to a physical address that matches your credit card billing address.

For International Shipping Policies, click here.

Free, expedited, or other flat-rate shipping and return promotions do not apply to international orders.

International orders take additional time for documents and preparation. They often also need extra time for security verification. Standard preparation time is 3 business days for new customers and 2 business days for return customers. New International customers, please ensure you provide good contact information so we can confirm security details. Payment via Paypal with a verified address is the fastest way to get your order processed.

Taxes and duties depend on destination country and items ordered and the customer assumes all responsibility for duties and taxes. We cannot modify the invoice or bill of lading to try and help lower taxes, please do not ask.

We do not offer exchanges for international orders. However, customers can return international orders. Please follow the return instructions above. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs and associated fees will affect the refund amount.

Repairs for international orders will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Should service be required, contact us for further information. 

HJC AR-10 III Sizing

HJC CS-R3 Sizing

HJC I10 Sizing

HJC CL-Y Sizing

HJC CS-5N Sizing

HJC H10 Sizing

24 3/8 – 24 3/4

Impact Adult Helmet Sizing

Pyrotect Sportmax Sizing

Pyrotect ProSport Sizing

Pyrotect DOT Open Face Helmet

Klim R1 Sizing

Bell BR8 Sizing

Size Chart

DOT standard are set by the US Federal Government for on road use. SNELL standards are much higher and are normally required by racing sanctioning bodies. Most Off-Road Sanctioning Bodies require SA Rated helmets. SA is the Automotive Rating, while M is the Motorcycle Rating. The SA Helmet requires a flammability test, has a narrower field of vision and includes a rollbar multi impact test while the M helmet does not.

DOT is the Department of Transportation. The SNELL Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that sets tougher testing guidelines for helmets. For more information and Impact Test Comparison Tables, visit the SNELL website.

We recommend replacing your helmet every 5 years. If your helmet has been involved in a serious impact, we also recommend replacing it. Most Off-Road sanctioning bodies allow the current SNELL year and the previous making SA2015 and SA2020 legal. 

How to install a full face helmet wiring kit video

How to install an open face helmet wiring kit

• Hybrid Sport, Pro, R3 and Rage Installation Guide
  
• Necksgen Rev 2 Lite Manual
• Necksgen Rev Manual
  

Developed over 30 years ago, PCI wiring is the standard in Off-Road communications. PCI helmets and headsets are compatible with what competitors call "off-road."

IMSA and Peltor conductors look the same, but the pin configuration is different.

Nascar looks different with a 3 pin conductor. 

We sell adapters to convert IMSA, Peltor and Nascar items to PCI here.

For a better understanding of the pin configurations or to wire something on your own, click here for an explanation of conductor pin configurations. 

Here is a totally printer-friendly manual of how to work your helmet's bluetooth device, here.

Off-Road races are some of the most grueling, demanding races on earth. Extreme temperatures, remote mechanical fixes, tire changes, dust, mud and sweat. When you get to the checkers it is time to celebrate and your gear is usually just thrown in a bag. When you get to the next race, your helmet is gross. Here are some tips to help keep your helmet feeling as fresh as the day you got it.

1. Never put your helmet away wet (Not sweaty, not from washing, not from a wet race).  Always leave the shield up and let it dry before storage.
2. Wipe the helmet down after using it.  Inside and out. Including the shield. A dirty shield will scratch during storage or travel. Use water only on the shield, some cleaners will damage the shield coating. Shields can be protected by using tear off’s or Cruz Armor.
3. If you have removable interior, remove the pads and liner and wash them.  When the interior gets really bad, you can purchase new cheek pads and liner.  If not removable, wipe the inside down with a damp rag and let dry.
4. Store your helmet with a spritz of Febreze, Molecule helmet spray, or leave a dryer sheet inside your PCI helmet bag to keep it smelling nice the next time that you use it.

PCI Race Radios carries a selection of microphones for your helmet. Upgrade your helmet to one of our noise cancelling microphones for the best in communication.

Standard Low Gain Microphone

This Microphone is the standard on all helmets and headsets. Our low gain microphone was designed to work with intercom systems.

Standard High Gain Microphone

Utilized in our "Motorcycle" and "Short Course" Packages, this high gain microphone increases voice volume over hand held radios.

Extreme Microphone 

This low gain microphone is a military spec mic ideal for extremely loud exhaust. It's a must for open window vehicles with a V8 and Satcomm users. Made in the USA.

Gentex High Gain Microphone

This small, compact, military microphone is ideal for helmets using a hand held radio. (Short course, motorcycles) Made in the USA.

Gentex Low Gain Microphone

This small, compact, military microphone has a low gain modification and works best with loud exhaust. Made in the USA.

In Summary, here are the uses and microphones we recommend:

• Intercom in a UTV with stock, quiet exhaust = Standard Low Gain Mic.
• Intercom in a vehicle with Loud exhaust, V8, Satcomm = Extreme Mic
• Hand Held radio on a quiet bike or car = Standard High Gain Mic
• Hand Held radio in a race vehicle = Gentex High Gain Mic
• Intercom in a vehicle with loud exhaust, V8 and those that would like smaller mic pellet = Gentex Low Gain Microphone 

If the Water Lines are void of fluid the system will need to be primed. Priming consists of allowing the Pod to push out any air in the system until fluid reaches the Pod from the reservoir.

1. On occasion you will need to help the Pod bring the fluid into the pump. If the Pod needs assistance to pull the fluid to the pump, perform the following steps.

      A. Please disconnect the Water Line where it attaches to the Hub’s Elbow. Power the system and press the Microbutton. This should allow fluid to flow more freely through the system and should remedy the problem.

      B. If the problem persists please disconnect the 1/4” Fluid Line from the output side of the Pod. The left side as you face it, closest to the “F”. Note that water flows from the “F” of FluidLogic™ logo toward the “C” and outward to the user.

      C. Bring the hose to your mouth and apply suction to the Line. Once the fluid has come to the end of the Line attach it back onto the Pod and run the system to remove any remaining air from the Fluid Lines.

2. If the problem persists please check the Lines to assure that none of them have become kinked inhibiting the flow of fluid through the system. If a Line has become kinked you can remedy the problem with the following steps:

      A. Heating the hose a bit with a blow dryer or heat gun on the low setting and reshape the hose back into the proper shape.

      B. Replace the line that has become kinked, assuring that the pathway allows for proper flow for fluid in the lines. If necessary, re-route the line to avoid future issues

Below, you can find links to Instruction Manuals for specfic PCI intercoms:

PCI Comlink 10 Elite Intercom Guide

PCI Trax Intercom Guide

PCI Elite Plus Intercom Guide

PCI Rocker Intercom Guide

PCI 4 Link Pro Elite Intercom Guide

PCI Comlink 6 Wiring Instructions

PCI UTV Communications Installation Video Tutorial

If an intercom or radio needs repair, the device must be removed from the vehicle and sent into PCI for repair. 99 times out of 100, the intercom/radio problem is actually an improper installation. Unfortunately, we do not have the space available to offer installation onsite. We encourage you to read these instructions and make sure your equipment is properly installed. Technical support over the phone is available free of charge. If you still cannot find the issue and would like to bring the vehicle in, we can schedule an appointment to help you. Technical service is available for $80 per hour. 

The Trax Plus Intercom is PCI’s very own, one of a kind, American made true stereo intercom. With left and right separate audio channels, you won’t hear better sound quality from another intercom! Built into the Trax Plus intercom is our favorite Bluetooth knob, making listening to music hassle free. Read below for tips on how to use the Trax Plus Bluetooth knob.

How to Pair Your Device to the Trax Plus Intercom: 

1. Push and hold the Bluetooth knob for 10 seconds until a blue LED light blinks rapidly (this means you have entered pairing mode)
2. On your device, open Bluetooth settings, then select PCI INT to pair
3. Enjoy true stereo music!

 Using the Bluetooth Button: 

• Push once to pause or play music
• Push once to answer an incoming call or hang up on an active call
• Push twice rapidly to skip to the next song
• Turn to the right and left to adjust your music volume directly from the intercom

Most people don't know, but microphone placement is one of the single most important components of your communication system. At PCI, we use noise canceling microphones that are specially designed to pick up your voice - not your engine, wind or shock noise. For the microphone to best determine what noise is what, the mic literally needs to be touching your lips. If you are having a hard time hearing anyone over the radio, ask them "how far away from your lips is that microphone?" If their answer isn't, "It's touching my lips!" then it is too far. When a co-driver has a microphone that is too far from their mouth, drivers will often turn up their volume, introducing other noise into the intercom system.

Always have the microphone centered left to right and top to bottom directly in front of your mouth and project your voice directly at the microphone. This is even more important for soft spoken people and children. DON'T YELL! You should never have to yell into your microphone, in fact yelling or excitement often makes you even harder to understand. Try to remain calm (which can be tough in a race environment), relax, take a deep breath, know what you want to say before you begin speaking, and clearly talk out, directly into the microphone.

These tips apply to anyone with a helmet or headset, get some mic socks and get comfy with your microphone - it will make the person on the other end of the radio a much happier person!

We recommend using our Line Driver to amplify music into your intercom system. We do not recommend charging your music device while playing music as it introduces power noise into the system. If you must charge the device during playback, we have two options: Install a Ground Isolator with the Line Driver; or use a battery powered amplifier. They aren’t as high quality as our Line Driver, but they use a battery for power instead of vehicle power, eliminating noise possibilities.

We recommend using RCA cables or a 3 conductor input from your stereo to your intercom. Most stereo installations will also need a ground isolator to help reduce power noise from your stereo. 

Keep in mind that thick phone covers and any aluminum or other metal covers will greatly reduce bluetooth signal range. If you can't part with your favorite phone cover or you have a thick metal dash, you can add an external antenna to your intercom box to increase range.

Can be found here

What is the difference between a  Bluetooth Intercoms and a Bluetooth Helmet or Headset?

PCI Bluetooth Intercom features a proprietary intercom chip that allows you to wirelessly connect your Bluetooth capable cell phone or music device. Our intercom Bluetooth allows you to talk out on your cell phone, not just receive music signals.

To pair your device with your Bluetooth Intercom, hold the blue button for 3 seconds. The Blue light should be off. Set your phone or device to discover mode. Hold the blue button for 10 seconds until the Blue LED starts to blink fast. Your music device will find "PCI INT." If it asks for a password, it is 0000. Push Join. The Blue LED should be blinking slowly, letting you know that you are successfully connected to your device.

When you receive an incoming call, press the blue button to answer the call. To skip to the next song while playing music, press the blue button. Range on a standard install in the dash is around 10' (within the vehicle).

PCI Bluetooth Elite Intercoms connect you to your music device and cell phone. Separate from this technology and device, PCI also has wireless Bluetooth helmet and headset technology. Those devices have a receiver (at the helmet or headset side) and a transmitter with an antenna that is connected to the intercom. This antenna allows you to communicate just like you are plugged into the intercom, with full duplex sound and a Two-Way Radio PTT on the side of the helmet or headset at over 300 feet away from the vehicle! Click here for more information on our Bluetooth Helmet and Headset systems.

We have several different Polaris RZR brackets to fit correctly to your vehicle. Reference the image below to match your dash to the correct style bracket.

PCI carries several Billet brackets for our intercoms, radios, RaceAir, GPS, antenna and other items. This guide will help you determine what size you need.

Can Am X3 Perimeter Bars 1.85"

Can Am X3 Rear Harness Bar 2.5" (On the 4 seater the front passenger harness bar is 1.85")

Can Am Maverick and Commander 2"

Can Am Maverick R 1.85" Cross bar and 2" Perimeter

Polaris Top Cross bars and Perimeter bars 1.75"

Polaris Rear harness and bumper crossbar 1.5" (Some models will have 1.75")

Polaris RZR XP Pro 2" Roll Cage, 1.25" behind driver seat

Yamaha YXZ Cage 1.75"

Yamaha YXZ Crossbars 1.5"

Yamaha Rhino Perimeter 1.75"

Yamaha Rhino Top Crossbars 1.5"

Arctic Cat Wildcat 1.75"

Honda Big Red, Pioneer 500 and 700 1.625"

Honda Pioneer 1000 1.75"

Honda Talon 1.25" and 2"

Kawasaki Teryx Perimeter 1.875" / Top Crossbars 1.7"

Speed UTV 1.75"

The 3.5mm plug that connects your phone to your intercom audio does not have power - to charge your phone, you need an alternate power source. Charging your phone while playing music can cause a ground loop, adding noise into your headsets/helmet. To remove this ground loop, you will need to connect a Ground Loop Isolator in line with the phone cable. 

If your phone doesn't have a 3.5mm jack, (Apple Lightning) you will need an adapter separating the power and audio for 3.5mm.

4)    Charging cable (Amazon for $10)

Yes! Download our printable and to scale flush mount template HERE.

SENA Quick Start Guides are informative detailed guides to get you familiar with the buttons, features, how to pair and listen to music. 

- SENA 50s Instruction Manual

- SENA TuffTalk M Instruction Manual

SENA Mobile App's make it easy to configure open mesh, private mesh and set up music equalizers. 

- SENA Motorcycle App for 50s Apple

- SENA Motorcycle App for 50s Google Play

- SENA TuffTalk Utility App Apple

- SENA TuffTalk Utility App Google Play

Check out these detailed videos from SENA on getting the most out of your 50s Intercom.

https://www.sena.com/us-en/product/50s/videos

Radios Programmed after January 1, 2020 will have this frequency list

Baofeng Radios will have this frequency list

Legacy radios programmed prior to 2020, will have this frequency list

For a mapping between the new list and the legacy list, click here

If we programmed a custom list for you, please contact us and we will send your frequencies.

Technically, yes. We strongly discourage you programming your own radios. At Battle at Primm this year, we had a race truck unable to transmit when an ambitious team member reprogrammed the radio and removed the external PTT functionality. We also have several racers that change their band from wide to narrow thinking its a simple switch of a button. The radio MUST be tuned on a service monitor after this change. 

Frequency changes and tuning are a free PCI service at races, play it safe and have the pros do it. If you must do it on your own, call us an ask for some (free!) help. ALWAYS read the radio, make your changes (to the frequencies only) and then write. Never start with a blank canvas. 

The PCI Comlink RTX Radio does not require an FCC license to operate. It operates in the MURS band.

All other two-way radios require an FCC license to operate. PCI has licensed 80 frequencies in different geographic areas of the country that we are sharing with our customers. For more information on those frequencies and license sharing click here.

PCI is not a frequency coordinator. We recommend using Forest Industries Telecommunications and they have set up a portal to obtain a license here. A VHF Mobile user with a Nationwide License is approximately $345 and lead time is 1-2 weeks. 

For more information, call us at 800-869-5636. 

Icom F5021 Manual

Icom F3011 Manual

Kenwood NX-1200/1300 Manual

Kenwood NX-1700/1800 Manual

Kenwood NX-5700 Manual

Kenwood TK-790 Manual

Kenwood TK-7360HK & TK-8360HUK Manual

PCI SatComm Quick Reference Guide

A bad coaxial cable or an improperly mounted antenna can restrict two-way radio range from miles to feet. 

Mounting your antenna properly determines the range of your two-way radios. Radios transmit the most range with a ground plane and our 3db gain racing antenna. An aluminum roof with an antenna mounted in the center - with no obstructions (roof rack, light bar) 18" in every direction will provide the farthest range.

If you have a roof rack, light bar, you are mounting to a tube or roll cage and will not have a "ground plane" for your antenna - you need to exchange your 3db gain racing antenna for a "No Ground Plane Antenna."

If you have a roof rack - always mount your antenna at the highest point of the roof rack and use our No Ground Plane Antenna.

No Roof? Pick a spot in the middle of the vehicle. The intersection of tubing can help act as a ground plane. Mounting the antenna to a corner triangle tab, using our No Ground Plane antenna will work best.

Do not run radio coax and intercom helmet cables in the same wire loom. RF can bleed over when transmitting, putting noise into the system. Never run coax or radio power cables near MSD or other ignition equipment. They create noise! If the coax is close to the MSD, the RF bleed can be so powerful it can actually turn the vehicle off!

When tie wrapping the coax to the frame, be gentle! Do not crush the coax. If your coax looks flattened, kinked, frayed or worn, replace it. An inexpensive part can ruin thousands of dollars you have invested in a great communications system.

January 1st, 2013 - FCC Narrowbanding takes effect. PCI will narrowband your PCI radios free of charge, please stop by at a race, or ship your radios to us.

Motor homes are one of the toughest vehicles to put a antenna on and they are always different depending on what the vehicle is made out of and how close the radio is mounted in comparison to the antenna. We like to keep the coax length at 17' or less, but can go to a maximum of 24' with a standard flexible coax. Longer lengths require special low loss coax cable and special ends that have to be custom made.

When deciding where to put your radio keep these lengths in mind. If there is a way to mount radio overhead in the cab, the coax will be much shorter and give you more options for mounting.

What is your roof made of? If aluminum, a hole mount coax can be mounted directly to the top of the unit and has o-ring for rain seal. If the unit has a rubber roof, most mount a steel plate (that is powder coated so it does not rust) to the roof. Then you could use a magnetic mount coax. You could run the coax through a vent or use the rubber adhesive similar to what they do with Sat antenna for TV to penetrate the roof. A little silicone under the steel plate will make it a permanent fixture of the Motorhome.

The antenna should be at least 2' away from any air conditioners, or Satellite Dishes. We recommend a 1/4 wave or short antenna so it clears underpasses and bridges going down the freeway at speed.

 VHF antennas cannot be mounted on the mirror or side of vehicle, they have to be on top of the vehicle for proper range.

The power is grounded through the radio but when the coax is touching metal (aluminum, steel or even carbon fiber) it also helps to create a ground plane from the metallic surface/roof - increasing your radio range.

If mounting to a plastic or fiberglass roof and there are no intersecting metal bars, using tin tape in a 36” cross will help push the antenna signal up and out instead of down and into the car, causing interference and reduced radio range. 

There are a lot of technical details we could get into, but long story short - UHF is a “better” signal. Ultra High Frequencies (UHF) penetrate obstructions such as buildings, wood, steel and concrete better than Very High Frequencies (VHF). However, UHF signals do not travel as far as VHF signals do. VHF also curve around the earth better for long distance, outdoor and hilly terrain. We recommend UHF for Closed Course racing and Business solutions. All Desert Racing should use VHF.

The VHF band range is 150Mhz to 174Mhz. UHF is 400Mhz to 512Mhz. VHF and UHF radios cannot be programmed to talk to each other. Desert teams can use VHF radios for desert and short course, but the ideal scenario would be to have UHF radios for short course and a separate set of VHF radios for the desert.

Power the radio on and press P0. A number will show on the screen showing the Squelch adjustment 0 to 9. 

At 0, your squelch is wide open and you will hear static. This is also when your radio is most sensitive and you may be able to hear farther transmissions if someone is just out of reach.

Setting 1-3 are very sensitive and you will hear static constantly.

4-6 is the recommended area we suggest for recreation and will allow for good range with less static.

7-9 will drastically cut your range. If there is another group 5-10 miles away that you don't want to hear and your group is less than 5 miles, you could adjust your squelch to this range to remove that interference.

Antenna length are VERY important to two-way radio range. When we ship you an antenna, it is pre cut to "Mid" or 151.625. If you are using a higher frequency or would like to do some additional tuning, you can reference these cut charts. We will tune your antenna free of charge at a race our at HQ, please feel free to call us or message us with any questions! 

Click here to reference our antenna cut chart

Click to Enlarge

Easily navigate to your home “race” channel on any of your PCI Race Radios, using these buttons.

You just got your new Ultimate package installed in your UTV. As you go through some of the extra parts in the box, you notice the hand mic hanging out there. Your radio connects to your intercom so it may seem like you don't really need to bring along the extra parts, but we have some points for you to consider about that!

We understand that you will be wearing headsets or helmets (both of which have microphones built in) while you are riding.  The hand mic comes into use when you are stopped, resting, waiting or making a repair and you don’t have your helmet/headset on your head.  You can simply plug the hand mic into the front of your radio and communication with your friends or help is much easier.

That said, we DO NOT recommend you leaving your hand mic plugged into the radio at all times. Every time that you push your push to talk button on the steering wheel/grab bar the hand mic will be activated in addition to the helmet/headset mic.  This will introduce unwanted background noise into the system.  Simply keep your hand mic in a tool bag or storage area until it is needed; and you will be happy that you have it with you. 

We also recommend keeping the mic jack cover installed on your radio when you don't have your hand mic plugged in. This helps keep dust and water out of the inside of the radio. Lost your mic jack cover? Buy a replacement here. 

PCI Race Radios has been a distributor for Kenwood for decades. We sold the Kenwood TK-790H Radio for many years and have seen some confusion in the market as safety departments have been unloading old TK-730 radios on Ebay as they upgrade. While they can both offer 110 watts of power, the problem with the TK-730 is lack of available accessories and support for them. While you may see some TK-730's circulating on the web with our stickers, PCI has never sold TK-730 radios.

PCI does not offer programming of TK-730 radios at races or events

The programming software is an old DOS program that is very finicky and does not run on newer computers. PCI does have the software at HQ, but we do not take that laptop to races. We only see success with programming these older units about 70% of the time. The charge for programming the TK-730 is $40. In addition to programming difficulties, Kenwood stopped making accessories for these radios many years ago and it is not possible to purchase a replacement hand mic or power cable for this unit. The TK-790 power cables and hand mics are not compatible with the TK-730.

PCI still services and supports the TK-790H. We even have some pre-owned inventory available at a great deal - complete with a PCI warranty. We stock all of the TK-790H accessories at HQ and on our Race Support Trailer and have programming software available at every event. If you're looking for the latest and greatest in Kenwood 110 watt radios, the new NX-5700 is the most durable radio we have ever seen with amazing new features like voice playback and a nice digital screen. 

What's the difference in a TK-730H and TK-730 or TK-790H and TK-790? The H stands for high power - those are the 110 watt units. The units without the H are 50 watt models. PCI has only ever sold TK-790H models.

If you find a TK-730H for a great deal on Ebay, just realize it may not be possible to program and make sure it comes with power cables and working hand mic - because you won't be able to replace those items. 

Here are a couple custom downloads by PCI that will help you understand the button functions on your radio.

Icom F5021 Quick Reference Guide

Icom F1000 Quick Reference Guide

Kenwood TK-7360 / NX-1700 Quick Reference Guide

Kenwood NX-5700 Quick Reference Guide

Kenwood NX-1200 Quick Reference Guide

Download the PCI Satcomm Quick Reference Guide and FAQ's

All of the radios PCI offers do have scan functionality. However, we do not add in the scan feature in the standard programming. If you turned scan on all channels, your radio would likely be stuck on the PCI Weatherman channel the entire time because of all the chatter during the race. If using for recreation, it's not impossible some of these frequencies could be tied up by other businesses or users (or even data) and with 128+ frequencies programmed into some radio you likely wouldn't stay on the frequency you wanted for long. Some users are advanced enough to understand this and be able to select scan, but we found this caused more problems than solutions and have opted not to add it to our programming. If you have a different use case and think this feature would be a good addition for your team/adventure - we are happy to add in that functionality. This programming does need to be done at HQ, click here to send in your radio for service. 

Click here for free downloads of popular racing and recreational areas.

Please select your GPS to find our Cheat Sheet for that specific model:

Lowrance:

• GlobalMap
• Trophy / Elite Non Touch Screen Models
• HDS Gen 1 & 2
• HDS Gen 3
• HDS LIVE / Elite Ti2/ Elite FS

Garmin

• Garmin Tread XL Baja
• Garmin GPSMAP

We recommend using the Insight Planner software from Lowrance. 

We have found the best way to create a trail on the computer is to use Google Earth.

• • Download and install Google Earth
• • Right Click on My Places and create a new folder
• • Click on the "New Path" Icon on the menu bar.
• • Start at the beginning of your trail and keep clicking to create points along the path. The more clicks, the higher the resolution. The fewer clicks, the straighter the line in between each point.
• • Change the name of your path and click ok.
• Find the new path you created in My Places (hopefully in that new folder you created)
• • Right click on the entire folder if multiple paths or just the one path if that's all you want to export and left click on Save Place As.
• • Name your file, select a location to save and change file type to .Kml
• • Go to http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/gpsbabel/
• • Type of GPS Data you want to convert: Tracks
• • Input file Format: Google Earth (Keyhole) Markup Langauge
• • Output file format: Lowrance USR if using an older GPS, GPX XML if using a newer touch screen GPS
• • Upload your file and click on convert the file. 
• • Click on your file to download.
  
• • Save to a chip and load/import into your GPS!
• • Cool tip: Check out the section under Create Graphics with GPS Visualizer. If you click on one of those links it will show your trail in Google Maps, Earth or as a .jpg image.

Some Lowrance Software versions do not work with popular .lcm mapping files. If your GPS doesn't read a mapping card, inserting a card slows the GPS, freezes it or constantly restarts it - check your software version. 

For compatibility with all mapping cards, we recommend the following versions of software:

Globalmap: Any

Trophy: 1.0

Elite 5m Baja: Any

Elite 7 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

Elite 5 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

Elite Ti2 19.1

HDS Gen 2: 2.5

HDS Gen 1: Any

HDS Gen 3: 18.2 or 7.0

HDS Carbon: 18.2, 18.3 or 4.0

Elite 7 HD: 4.0

HDS LIVE: 23.3

Elite FS: 23.3

PRO: 23.3

After downloading the file, copy the unzipped files onto a blank SD card (not the card with the mapping). Power off the GPS, place the card into the GPS unit and turn the GPS on. Call us if you need additional help.

Lowrance Manuals can be found on the  Lowrance Website

Garmin Manuals:

• Garmin Tread XL Baja 

HDS units are compatible with all previous NMEA 2000 capable units. However, the network will now be powered by a power node (see diagram) and not through the display unit. The power node is part #119-75 and can be purchased here.

Some Lowrance Software versions do not work with popular .lcm mapping files. If your GPS doesn't read a mapping card, inserting a card slows the GPS, freezes it or constantly restarts it - check your software version. 

For compatibility with all mapping cards, we recommend the following versions of software:

Globalmap: Any

Trophy: 1.0

Elite 5m Baja: Any

Elite 7 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

Elite 5 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

HDS Gen 2: 2.5

HDS Gen 1: Any

HDS Gen 3: 18.2 or 7.0

HDS Carbon: 18.2 or 4.0

Elite 7 HD: 4.0

After downloading the file, copy the unzipped files onto a blank SD card (not the card with the mapping). Power off the GPS, place the card into the GPS unit and turn the GPS on. Call us if you need additional help.

PCI modifies all of our Point 1 Antenna units to remove some boating features and keep your GPS heading the right way. If you purchased your antenna somewhere else and you have an HDS, you can manually turn these settings off by following these instructions. If you are using a Point 1 antenna with a Globalmap GPS and purchased your antenna somewhere else, you will need to send the antenna in or bring it to us at a race to have it modified.

We've created some instructions on how to connect your mobile device to your cell phone and tablet. Click here

We've run across a few GPS units with the "Error Parsing Waypoint" message when trying to import a .usr file. By updating to the latest software version, you can eliminate this problem. If a software download isn't possible in the field, a quick option is to convert the file to a GPX file instead of .USR. Keep in mind converting to GPX may remove some features like icon selections.

To solve many GPS issues, we recommend the following versions of software:

Elite 7 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

Elite 5 TI: 18.2 or 5.0

HDS Gen 2: 2.5

HDS Gen 1: Any

HDS Gen 3: 18.2 or 7.0

HDS Carbon: 18.2 or 4.0

After downloading the file, copy the unzipped files onto a blank SD card (not the card with the mapping). Power off the GPS, place the card into the GPS unit and turn the GPS on. Call us if you need additional help.

For fastest service, contact Lowrance directly at 800-628-4487. Have your model, serial # and purchase receipt available.

If your GPS was purchased from PCI Race Radios or through one of our dealers and distributed by PCI, we would be happy to help coordinate the warranty return/replacement process for you. You are responsible for all freight charges, but there are no PCI service fees.

If your GPS was purchased outside of PCI distribution, we will still gladly help you with your repair/warranty for a $40 service charge.

To send your GPS to PCI for warranty support, please fill out the service repair form. 

PCI sells North America GPS units. If used outside the America's they will be automatically limited (geofenced) with a warning stating that the unit is not intended for use outside this area. 

If you are travelling for a race, Navico may be able to unrestrict the device for the event. 

• Go to Settings>System>Disable Geofencing. (If you do not see this option have this option, go to settings > system > advance > Drop ‘user interface’ list down > select yes on ‘Show geoFence unlock dialog’ > then go back to system > disable geofencing)
• Record the request code and contact Lowrance tech support to request an unlock code for the race you are travelling to. 800-628-4487, if outside of the US call 918-438-8672.
• Click on "unlock code" and enter the code that Lowrance has given you.

To move a device to a new/different team tracking account, Garmin Professional support will need to do that on the back end. Call or email at:

800-293-2389

professional.support@garmin.com

Yes! Check out this virtual training class below from our YouTube Channel!

Head and Neck Restraints (FHR/HNR) devices are date stamped on the SFI tag. They need to be recertified every five years and it is recommended to replace the tether every two years. 

Necksgen and Simpson charge $25 for SFI Sticker recertification ONLY. Repairs, replacement parts, tethers and shipping will be an additional charge. Please contact the below manufacturers directly to have your device recertified.

Necksgen - (619) 328-0410 - 1176 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA 92021www.necksgen.com

Simpson/Safety Solutions Hybrid Models - (800) 473-7077 - 185 Rolling Hills Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 www.teamsimpson.com

Simpson/HANS - (800) 654-7223 - 328 GM 306 New Braunfels, TX 78130 www.teamsimpson.com

Driving Suits:

  (in)

Most sanctioning bodies check for dates on seat belts. It is recommended to put new seat belts in or have them re-webbed every 12 months. Contact Impact to get an RGA and send your seat belts directly back to them to have them re-webbed. Costs start at $80.

Impact Racing

317-852-3067

7991 W 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214

SFI ratings can be found on the left sleeve or shoulder of your Driving Suit. FIA expirations and ratings can be found on the outside of the collar. Other FIA details and the official hologram can be found on the inside of the zipper.

For maintaining the quality of your suit, it is absolutely essential to read the care tag on the garment and closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions. All manufacturers recommend different ways of washing / drying your suit.

A properly fitting suit is essential to comfort and safety. A garment’s insulation capability is also affected by the fit of the suit. A suit worn too tight will compress the air gaps and allow heat to reach the skin faster.

We recommend trying on a suit before purchasing if possible. You want to make sure the suit fits well standing and seated. When you sit down an improperly fitted suit will bind up in the armpits and crotch.

If you are ever involved in a fire, discard your suit, and get a new one. Aramids (material of the Driving Suit) lose insulating properties once exposed to high heat. 

Proper maintenance of a Driving Suit will help extend its useful life and provide you with years of protection.

Aramids are sensitive to UV light. Try to avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Especially during storage. 

Avoid wearing your suit while working on the car. Grease, fuel, oil, and even cleaning fluids can soak into the fabric and ignite in the event of a fire. Fluids soaked into a suit, including sweat, can also produce steam when exposed to heat and cause liquid vaporization burns. Avoid soaking your suit in water on the hotter days. 

The driver suit spec 3.2A tests a garment’s fire-retardant capabilities. The spec contains a rating system based on the garment’s capability to provide Thermal Protective Performance (TPP) in the presence of both direct flame and radiant heat. The purpose of the TPP is to measure the length of time the person wearing the garment can be exposed to a heat source before incurring a second degree, or skin blistering burn.

The SFI Foundation, Inc. (SFI) is a non-profit organization established to issue and administer standards for the quality assurance of specialty performance and racing equipment. SFI dictates fire protection standards for racing suits for numerous sanctioning bodies particularly in the US. 

Alpinestars recommends replacing the bladder on the TechAir Offroad airbag system after 4 deployments. 

After the 4th deployment, the LED panel on the chest will indicate a yellow bar instead of the normal blue color. Your vest will continue to work, but this yellow LED serves as a reminder to send the system for a new bladder when the time allows. 

To get the bladder replaced (or for any TechAir service), obtain an RA from Alpinestars by emailing customer.us1@alpinestars.com. Include photos of the front and back of the device and the chassis number of the vest (located under the QR code).

The cost of a new bladder and two new canisters is $379.95. Turnaround time is 1-2 weeks. 

Fresh Air systems in the racing industry are measured in CFM because that's the number printed on the fan. That number may be accurate at the business end of the fan out of the box, but a lot more comes into play when you add a housing, ports, hoses, how it's mounted and how the hoses are run.

Different motors and housings create different torque and will more effectively push air through a hose and into your helmet.

All numbers above are measured using a digital anemometer at the end of a 6' RaceAir hose. The range is due to different angles/bends of the hose we tested during the study. Keep in mind when mounting your RaceAir hoses, several bends will decrease airflow. RaceAir Mini number is measured at the output as it is mounted directly on the helmet without a hose.

RaceAir Boost draws 2.8 - 4.0 amps (using the variable speed contorller) at 12 volts.

RaceAir Max systems draw 4.6 amps as 12 volts

RaceAir Flow draw 3.0 amps at 12 volts

RaceAir Lite draws 1.7 amps at 12 volts