Handheld motorsport radios, mobile radios and 230V base sets
Compare radios for driver–pit communication, crew use and race-control operations in New Zealand and Australia. This collection focuses on radio units and 230V base sets, rather than complete driver communication systems, replacement accessories or listen-only receivers. Choose the model you need below, or contact Harris Race Radios™ to check the right radio for your existing equipment.
Know your model or preferred brand?
Go directly to the relevant product for model specifications, price and supplied contents: Rugged RDM-DB mobile radio, Rugged R1 dual-band handheld, Motorola DP3400 or Motorola DP3600. Check the exact listing rather than assuming similarly named radios have identical bands, programming or package contents.
If you are comparing a preferred manufacturer's range, browse Motorola motorsport radios and accessories or Rugged Radios. Those brand collections bring together their wider equipment ranges; the selection here lets you compare radio formats across brands.
Choose the radio format for the job
- Handheld radios: portable options for crew and appropriate in-car installations. Confirm battery, charging, headset connection and any external aerial or vehicle-power requirements.
- Mobile radios: vehicle-mounted options such as the RDM-DB and Motorola DM4400e. Match the power supply, mounting, aerial and audio connections to the vehicle.
- 230V base sets: compare the Motorola digital/analogue base set, base set with power supply and antenna and Harris race-control base set. Check each listing's supplied equipment and intended installation.
Check compatibility before ordering
Tell us your existing radio models, frequency band, digital or analogue mode, helmet audio, intended users and event. Match the radio to the team's network and authorised operating arrangement, not just a familiar channel number or a physically matching plug. Range depends on terrain, aerial placement and installation as well as the radio itself. Imported or US-programmed equipment should not be assumed ready for NZ or Australian use.
For circuit racing, plan the required one-way race-control reception into the two-way driver–pit setup. Confirm the event's listen-only channel and the exact model's suitable configuration. In Australia this function is known as the Race Management Channel (RMC). Competitors must not transmit on that listen-only channel.
Clear crew communication can help alert a driver to a fluid leak, flat tyre or loose panel before it causes greater damage. The helmet remains a critical part of the audio system: choose a suitable helmet for the driver and discipline, then match its microphone, speakers or earpieces and connections to the radio. Our broad helmet range, installation work and repair experience help us build a suitable combination rather than force incompatible equipment together.
Need a system, accessory or explanation instead?
For replacement cables, headsets, aerials and other components, browse radios and accessories. For matched application equipment, use circuit racing communications, rally radios and intercoms or speedway radios and receivers. For temporary equipment needs, see radio rental systems.
For broader explanations and setup planning, read how to choose a race radio system and our helmet and radio communications guide. These guides explain the wider system; individual product listings provide model-specific buying information.
Radio engineering backed by motorsport experience
Rex Harris is a degree-qualified radio electronics engineer, RSM Approved Radio Engineer (ARE127) and Approved Radio Certifier (ARC127), with motorsport radio experience dating from the 1975 Marlboro Series Grand Prix. Harris Race Radios™ can arrange Australian ACMA radio licences, separately from Rex's New Zealand RSM authorisations. Aaron Harris brings racing and professional race-engineering experience, including Porsche Carrera Cup and endurance racing.
We engineer, install, repair and support communications equipment. See our expert motorsport advice, or contact Rex on 021 682912 or rex@raceradios.co.nz with your model, vehicle and event details.
Buying motorsport radios: FAQs
Where can I find a specific radio model?
Select its product listing in this collection for specifications, price and supplied contents. For a preferred manufacturer's wider range, use the Motorola or Rugged Radios brand collection linked above.
Does this collection include 230V base sets?
Yes. Alongside handheld and vehicle-mounted mobile radios, this collection includes Motorola 230V base sets. Check the individual listing for its power supply, aerial and supplied equipment.
Will a new radio work with my existing team equipment?
Compatibility needs checking against the exact models, frequency band, digital or analogue mode, programming and audio connections. Send those details before ordering so we can help match the radio to your team and event.
Does buying a radio include a complete driver communication system?
Do not assume so. Check each product's supplied contents. Helmet audio, harnesses, push-to-talk controls, aerials and installation components may need to be selected separately; use the application collections linked above when planning a complete setup.