TDF Radio question

I can't say what they all use but some have used a basic dual band ham radio.
These radios are used in the US by amateur radio operators for local communication and can be used in conjunction with a repeater forextended range.
They range from 300 milliwatts to 5 watts and are good for a few mile operation depending on terrain.
Yes they can be monitored! Whether teams have gone to spread spectrum ,which is harderto monitor ,I am not sure but a couple of years ago they had not.
The reason I know a little is becaause I hold a amateur extra class license.

Nascar uses the same types of radios for communications and fans can purchase and listen to what the teams are saying but I would think they would have some way to commincute without anyone listening to certain top secret conversations.

Although anyone may listen in on the conversations - they refer to each other by their dog's names so no one knows who's whom.

DiabloScott said:

Although anyone may listen in on the conversations - they refer to each other by their dog's names so no one knows who's whom.

Touche!

DiabloScott said:

Although anyone may listen in on the conversations - they refer to each other by their dog's names so no one knows who's whom.

I believe in Formula 1 many a handheld radio conversation is scrambled.

wolfix said:

Does anyone know how those radios between the team car and riders work? Can a team dial in another teams frequency to listen to the rivals gameplan?

I'm curious about how the boradcasters are able to track heart rates for 179 different riders. Where does that data flow come from?

El Loto said:

I believe in Formula 1 many a handheld radio conversation is scrambled.

Only Ferrari's is encrypted I believe.

psmalley said:

I'm curious about how the boradcasters are able to track heart rates for 179 different riders. Where does that data flow come from?

I beleive Polar handle all of that. I read somewhere how two riders swapped transmitters and confused everyone because they did not inform Polar of there swap.

psmalley said:

I'm curious about how the boradcasters are able to track heart rates for 179 different riders. Where does that data flow come from?

They can't do it for all riders.....just those with SRMs mounted and that little white box clamped under the saddle.

You can see it here under Egoi Martinez's saddle.....

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/tour06/index.php?id=/photos/2006/tour06/tour064/JD_06TDFstg4002

At the tail end of that stage the commentators told us that Martinez was producing 800 watts.

Re: The Heart Rate Monitors.

I also heard one of the commentators mentioning that not all riders give them access to the details.

Sarah23 said:

Re: The Heart Rate Monitors.

I also heard one of the commentators mentioning that not all riders give them access to the details.

That's true.