Larry,
As for BNI's FM system -- maybe someone else can answer as I'm not familiar
with their exact setup. However, I can offer some basic information should
you find it helpful.
There are several questions that need to be asked before selecting a system
and/or vendor; are you going to use the radios at one or more locations? In
the same state or different states? Do you need car mounted radios or just
personal mobile radios? Is a central location available for a base station
and/or repeater? What kind of power is available? Battery for the mobiles,
120v for a repeater? How many people will be using radios? How often will
they be used -- every week or once a year? Is there a need for special
features? (30 sec transmit release for stuck mikes, private channels,
emergency paging, etc.)
Most of these questions have to do with the frequency the radios need to
operate on and licensing restrictions and of course -- costs. Lower
frequencies (VHF) tend to travel farther outside on flat land as they bend
over the horizon - High frequencies (UHF) tend to penetrate obstacles better
such as hills, buildings, trees, etc. but have a shorter distance for a
given radiated power (read this as "x watts transmission power")
Therefore at BV, VHF generally works better and this is why CB1 & CB2 [MURS]
work well; however, do to the distance (~8 Miles) a repeater or lot's of
"watts" may be necessary on higher frequencies. If you are at a closed road
course -- UHF might be better to penetrate the obstacles, trees, concrete,
etc.
Frequencies are assigned by the FCC and you must use either public
no-license-required channels(CB1,CB2,etc.) or obtain a business licenses
(purchased or rented). This can add cost and complexity but may be worth it
if your club races every weekend.
These are just some thoughts. If you drop me a note with your requirements,
I'll see if I can answer your questions.
John
'569'
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