Originally published August 10, 2013. This article covers a legacy Rugged Radios product package. The specific radios and accessories listed below may no longer be available in their original configurations.
Rugged Radios introduced its Crew Chief XL communication kits as portable solutions for race-team personnel, spotters and driving instructors who needed reliable contact with a driver.
The featured package combined a Rugged Radios behind-the-head headset with a Vertex VX230 two-way UHF handheld radio and a coiled headset cable. A push-to-talk button built into the headset ear cup allowed the crew chief to transmit without reaching for the handheld radio.
An external antenna mounted to the headset was designed to improve radio range and clarity compared with relying solely on the antenna attached directly to the handheld radio.
Rugged Radios Crew Chief XL Kit Components
The Vertex VX230 version of the 2013 Crew Chief XL package included:
- Rugged Radios BTH behind-the-head headset
- CC-VERT-B coiled headset cable
- Vertex VX230 UHF handheld radio
- Billet headset antenna mount
- UHF Ducky XL antenna
- BNC bulkhead fitting and connector cable
- BNC adapter for the Vertex handheld radio
Intended Applications
The portable communication kit was intended for crew chiefs, spotters and trainers working in track environments where the operator generally maintained line of sight with the vehicle.
Moving the antenna from the handheld radio to the headset placed it higher and helped reduce interference from the operator’s body. Actual communication range still depended on terrain, buildings, track length, radio programming and other obstructions.
Vertex and HYT Package Options
Rugged Radios offered the Crew Chief XL system with either a Vertex VX230 or HYT TC508 UHF handheld radio. Both configurations followed the same basic concept: a portable radio connected to a noise-reducing behind-the-head headset with integrated push-to-talk control.
The original product links and radio models from this 2013 announcement are now outdated. Racers looking for a comparable system can review the current Rugged Radios crew chief and spotter package, which uses newer headset and handheld-radio hardware.
Editor’s note: Radio frequencies, permissible power levels and licensing requirements vary by radio service and location. Owners should confirm that their equipment and programmed frequencies comply with current regulations before use.
