PTT over Cellular Race Car Systems (POC)

NO LICENCE REQUIRED • SHORT OR LONG RANGE USE • 3G AND 4G COMPATIBLE

Autotel now offers PTT (Push-to-Talk) over Cellular technology to provide licence-free race communications over short or long range in the UK, Europe, or worldwide*. Ideal for circuit racing, rally, and long-range road applications. The system uses the data capability of 3G and 4G mobile networks to transmit voice communications.

PTT over Cellular sends each individual call as a small data package, so data is only used when you talk. This eliminates the need for a constant phone connection during use, unlike other mobile phone-based systems.

The system uses DATA only and can utilize our multi-network SIMs for Europe-wide use.

Range is only limited by mobile network availability, allowing units to be hundreds or even thousands of kilometres apart.

No radio licence is needed, making it ideal for use abroad in Europe, and even worldwide* with a suitable SIM. The system can also be used where radio use is restricted.

*USA may require different hardware. Worldwide use will require alternative SIM cards.

Key Advantages of Our POC Systems in Motorsport

  1. No radio licence needed – Can be used in any country
  2. Dual SIM capability – Choose the best network directly from the display
  3. Full setup from display – Bespoke radio units with complete control
  4. Range only limited by mobile network availability
  5. Built-in DSP noise cancelling option – For clear communications even in very high noise environments
  6. Expandable system – Can link to conventional radio equipment
  7. Highly secure – Private communications protected
  8. Dedicated radio units – Simple, purpose-built devices

Types of SIM Card

1) Multi UK Network Roaming SIM

Uses all 4 UK networks with 57 European roaming networks.

Running Costs

We recommend using a subscription PoC server, which costs around £90 per year per unit for server access. Subscription servers such as Zello are easier to set up, faster, and have no restrictions.

DATA costs (depending on SIM used) – We offer several options for UK-only and UK/Europe/USA SIM cards that include 4 UK networks, 57 European networks, and one USA network.

Limitations of Use

The system is totally dependent on network coverage in the area of use.

The system works on 3G or 4G mobile networks. Good 3G or 4G coverage in the area of use is essential to ensure reliable and consistent communications.

The system may have some latency (delay on messages). For subscription servers, typical delays are less than 0.5 seconds for 4G and less than 0.6 seconds for 3G connections. Poor or no cellular coverage may introduce longer delays, but as soon as good coverage is obtained, the message is heard. This applies even if the car loses signal for longer periods due to bad coverage. Free servers can give larger delays due to heavy usage; we always recommend using a paid server to minimise latency.

Please note that North America requires a different radio unit. Contact us for further information.

Data Servers

For best results, we recommend using a paid data server. The data server relays data packets from one device to another. Paid data servers are both quicker in relaying data and do not suffer from congestion at busy times.

Our systems are normally supplied with a 30-day free trial on a high-quality subscription server service. We set up this service for you and install and configure the devices to use it. You receive all account details to log into your control panel.

The control panel is online and allows you to add and delete devices and modify how the system works if needed. You can also cancel the service at any time, paying only for the active month of use. Please note that cancelling the service will lose your account setup. This is not a problem for simple applications, but more complex multi-car, multi-crew setups may require us to reconfigure your new control panel.

Expansion for Larger Team Systems

POC radio used with our subscription service can be configured for multiple car, multiple crew applications. The online control panel allows us to create multiple channels and user groups. It is possible to restrict cars so they only talk to a single engineer or multiple engineers in the pits.

Addition of the PC-based dispatcher console allows one or more pit-based engineers to control multiple cars. Calls from multiple cars are stacked so the next available engineer can accept the next call in the queue. Other PC-based dispatchers can see who has taken the call and proceed to deal with the next car call.

This system can allow any number of cars to be controlled by a few pit-based dispatchers. All calls are logged and messages recorded for playback at any time. Longer-term message storage is also available as an option.

Remote Use

As the system is network-based, there is no restriction on where it can be accessed. Users can log into the system using compatible devices from anywhere with cellular coverage or an internet connection. This means a team manager, engineer, or support supplier can talk directly with the team or car from anywhere.