Car communication systems

Communication is the key to the success of any Formula One Team, and this is never more important than during a race. The in-car communication system does exactly what the name suggests - it enables the driver to give and recieve information while out on track.

The system has three main functions:

• It allows the team to issue instructions to the driver. This takes the form of controlling strategy, advising the driver of his position and informing him of unexpected events or conditions.
• It is used by the driver to send feedback to the garage prior to a pit stop, allowing set-up changes to be prepared by the engineers and mechanics.
• In extreme circumstances, its use is vital to warn of an unscheduled stop caused by a racing incident, puncture or system failure.

Teams try to keep the group of people operating the system as small as possible, with just three key talkers involved for each car. This makes it possible to stick to the correct procedures during scheduled and unscheduled events throughout the race weekend. Naturally, these key personnel include the driver and his race engineer, along with a member of the team's management.

Team McLaren Mercedes has been working alongside Official Supplier Kenwood to develop its own in-car communication system for many years. The MP4-19B's radio system is designated the CBX-780 and is located under the drivers' knees on the floor of the car, while the microphone and ear pieces are fitted into the helmet. Inside the garage is a digital intercom system which converts the audio into data, a controller PC for monitoring and set-up of the system and repeater units which broadcast the radio signals across the circuit. Throughout the season changes are made to the basic system, which under technical regulations laid out by the sport's governing body, the FIA, the team is free to develop as it wishes.

Phil Asbury, Head of Systems Engineering at McLaren Racing "As with all other areas of Formula 1 car design, we are constantly looking for improvements, either in terms of packaging, performance, audio quality or security."

Similar to most components in a Formula 1 car, the in-car communication system must be as small and light as possible, so the packaging of the radio equipment is an important consideration.
Asbury "If we develop a possibility to reduce the size or weight of the system, then we would certainly consider investing in this even if there are no other technical benefits."

It is not only the team personnel who are privy to the mid-race conversations with the driver, as the FIA stipulates that it must have access to the audio channels between the drivers and the pits. This means that the team must route some of the audio channels from its radio and intercom communications system directly into the FIA intercom system off-air.

Technical Specifications:
Earpiece length: 492mm
Earpiece mould length: 27mm
Microphone unit length: 205mm