09/16/2026
Just Money Motorsports LLC September TECH TALK:
RADIOS AND INTERCOMS...
Radio and Intercom communication can make riding much more enjoyable and safer. Here's some information that we hope will be helpful for on trail radio basic operation and common issues that come up.
1. Basic Operation Guide-
*Choose the radio channel for the ride when planning your ride. This gives everyone a heads up and lets the ride leader know everyone has the same channel available.
*Do a radio check with all other users before starting your ride.
*If someone in the group does not have a radio, put them in between two people that do AND keep a close eye on them.
*Do not use the Radio channel “Search” or “Rescue”. Those are emergency use channels. Only use after you have contacted Search and Rescue to help them find you. Also, those are not monitored channels.
*Do not use race channels when near an active race. (Bajapits, BFGrelay, etc.)
*Radio chatter should be kept to a minimum but be part of the fun.
*Place the microphone close to your mouth. The microphone is usually on the raised side of the microphone. You should not need to yell into the mic for people to hear you, just speak direct and clear.
*Check the Intercom Vox/Squelch setting to make sure the microphone will engage(open) and you can talk to each other via the intercom easily.
*To verify your push to talk button is working, the indicator light on the radio will come on when it is pushed. The push to talk button is for Car to Car communication.
*Check your volume setting on the radio, intercom and on the headsets(if they have volume control). If your headsets/helmets have volume control, turn radio/intercom volume up to ¾ and turn headsets to desired individual level. If no headset or helmet volume control, turn the radio volume up to above 1/2 and adjust intercom for in car communication best comfort level.
*Setup bluetooth connection for music on intercom before your ride starts. It's much easier to do then, than when you are "bumpn" on the trail.
2. Common communication issues to check-
*Verify radio and intercom are both on.
*Verify radio is on correct channel for the ride.
*Check the Intercom Vox/Squelch setting level to make sure the microphone will open and close. If it is set too high the mic will not close and there will be a lot of background noise in the headsets. If it is turned down to far it will be hard or impossible to activate the mic with your voice. Also, if it is set too high the bluetooth music will play at a low volume because the mic is "open".
*Verify the headset cords are in the correct plug in ports for the driver and passenger. This is very common to mix up with center console mounts.
*Check headset plugs are plugged all the way in. Malfunction, static or high pitch sounds can occur if not plugged in properly.
*Verify your antenna is screwed on.
*If you cannot transmit to another vehicle and you are on the right channel and everything else seems correct, look next to the channel name on the radio display for a “L” on the display. This indicates a listen only channel. See if you have another channel programmed in your radio with the same name without the “L” or it may need reprogrammed to be able to transmit out on that channel.
*“Dummy Plugs” in the rear seats can cause sudden static or noise from dirt or condensation. Pull the plugs, clean and spin them while re-installing all the way in.
*Other accessories near the antenna can create interference and static, such as LED whips, lights, S&B units, chase lights etc. To see if one of those are the issue, turn off one by one to isolate a potential problem.
*Unplug a hand mic from the radio when it is not in use and install the cover plug. A hand mic can pick up background noise. Keep your hand mic in your vehicle for backup and testing.
Hopefully this helps you enjoy your radio and intercom more while out on the trail. A lot of times it can be a simple "adjustment" to solve an irritating issue. If you are still having issues with a radio or intercom, just stop in and we can take a quick look. We have a large selection of cables and accessories in stock for both PCI Race Radios and Rugged Radios.
If there is every anything we can help you with, please feel free to call, text us or stop in at Just Money Motorsports, 928-706-3844, 2020 Holly Ave., Lake Havasu, AZ 86403. We are open and ready to help YOU, Monday thru Friday 8-5😎.
