IndyCar Scanner Frequencies
Indy 500 Scanner
Program your own radio
(Last updated: 5/28/2022)
SCAN
Own your own scanner/radio
View:
Complete Indy 500 Frequencies List
DOWNLOAD:
Bearcat BC125AT Config File
DOWNLOAD:
CHIRP Compatible CSV File
If you’ve wanted to listen in to team radio and track announcements- now you can do it yourself for about the same price as just one rental! Plus you’ll be able to do it every year afterwards at no extra cost.
Cars are entered on channels that correspond with their number. So if you see a car pulling into the pits, or watching the lead change- perhaps a crash just happened- you just type in the car number into your radio to go directly to their frequency. All car and track frequencies are set with “Duplex off” to avoid accidentally transmitting on these frequencies.
PROGRAMMING
HOW IT WORKS
Uniden has their own free programming software, and I use CHIRP to program my Baofeng radios. I upload the Uniden file, and an export of the CHIRP programming that has been saved as a CSV file. Anyone can then use these files to import to their own software, or use theam as reference for a different programming method. All driver frequencies are found on the Indy Speedway’s frequency guide, and the Official Indy 500 Spotters Guide. Additionally, I have added in frequencies that in the past have included the PA system, race officials, broadcast radio feed, and TV feeds. Some of these might not work– but they are there to experiment with. (Channels 106-127)
I’ve added the NOAA weather frequency on channel 000 for this year.
My export includes local Indianapolis repeaters and national calling frequencies for HAM operators. You must hold a Amateur Radio License in order to transmit on these frequencies– but anyone can listen! (Channels 100-103) (Learn more about obtaining your HAM license here) The Uniden Bearcat export includes additional ham frequencies, as well as Blue Angels and Thunderbirds frequencies.
If you end up getting a Baofeng- make sure you don’t forget your programming cable! Inputting all this work by hand will take some time, and the $20 cable is probably worth it!
In the gear section below- I have two options. The cheaper option is the Baofeng radios. These start at $25. But you’ll likely need that programming cable, an adapter for headphones, and some people like an audio booster. The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT option is more expensive at $105… but it has everything you need right out of the box, except headphones. (Neither option includes headphones) It will work with a standard 1/8″ (3.5mm) headphone jack without a special adapter. It’s also much faster at scanning, and has some great features for scanning when you don’t know all the driver frequencies. I believe the Bearcat BC125AT to be the better route to take, but the Baofengs still work well, especially for the price point.
Like what you see?
Support the work and efforts by using the links here to buy equipment, or if you want to buy me a coffee, feel free to use the Cashapp QR code or send direct to $themann00
Thanks!
LET’S GO SHOPPING
1. gear
I have put together two options of what to buy. First is the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT – This is my new preferred method of scanning at the track. Second choice is one of the Baofeng radio options. There are more pieces you will need to buy, but this option is the cheaper overall solution.
This year I made the switch to the Uniden Bearcat BC125AT from the past 7 or 8 years of using the Baofeng UV-82. Nothing against the Baofeng- for the price, it is incredible. But this one is faster, works better out of the box, and is an all around perfect fit for race day. Start your journey here into Indy 500 and Indy Car scanning with the right scanner. It costs a bit more, but there is almost nothing extra you need once you get it. Use your own earbuds, or get some nice headphones. This will cost about $105.
The Tried and True. I’ve programmed and used this radio exclusivly for the previous 7 or 8 Indy 500s. For just $30 to start, you can find out if this is something that peaks your interest, and if you want to go even further for future races. Keep in mind, that the $30 gets you the radio. You will likely need a programming cable, and a headphone adapter of some kind. All in, you’re looking to spend around $70 to enjoy the next race, plus the cost of earbuds or headphones if you don’t already have a set.
2. software
The Uniden software is free to download, and works immediately with the cable that comes with the BC125AT scanner. The ability to copy/paste directly into the software like it’s a spreadsheet makes programming an absolute breeze. The guide also includes a link to my own config file, so you can save even more time!
There is a free piece of software out there called CHIRP. It is easy to setup and use, but depending on the programming cable, there could be some driver issues or some general frustrations getting it setup the first time. It’s easy once you’re done. I also provide a CSV file that can be imported into the CHIRP program for quick setup.
3. input frequencies
Here is where I show you step-by-step how to program your Uniden Bearcat BC125AT scanner with the software, or by hand. It’s always good to know how to quickly add in a few frequencies when you get to the track on race day, just incase a few things have changed.
The CHIRP software is easy to use once it is setup. There are a few quick notes to be aware of before you being, including backing up your current radio config first. But quick upload and download of your radio content, and you’ll be ready for race day.
4. scan
This scanner makes it easy. If you use my config, or make your own in a similar fashion, you simply scan just a few banks of drivers- but have quick access to all the programmed frequencies so you can jump over to Race Control, the track PA system, and even TV/Radio broadcasts. Learn how to quickly remove a channel that’s getting static and interference, so it doesn’t ruin your scanning experience.
Learning the tricks for scanning with the Baofeng is important. There are a few small details that you’ll want to remember. First- all channels are three digits. So to listen in on car #12, you’ll want to type in 012. Second, the ability to add and remove frequencies is a little more complex with this radio than with a scanner. So be sure to familiarize yourself with the process!
More from TheMann00.com
From the Blog
Commissioned Family Crest
I commissioned my good friend Dave Reynolds to create this amazing family crest.
“As I Remember It” by Edith Cowin
My Great-Grandmother through my Father's Mother was Edith Cowin. (b. 1897, d. 1996) From her Ancestry.com story - When Edith Margurite Dubs was born on November 29, 1897, in Bourges, Cher, France, her father, Henri, was 37, and her mother, Blance, was 24. She married...
2022 IndyCar Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America Frequencies
Updated 6/6/2022 - | DOWNLOAD Bearcat BC125AT Config File | | DOWNLOAD Complete CHIRP Compatible CSV File | Read the entire IndyCar Frequency and Spotters Guide - Use this guide to setup your radio for the first time Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America Offical Page 55...
2022 IndyCar Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Frequencies
Updated 6/2/2022 - | DOWNLOAD Bearcat BC125AT Config File | | DOWNLOAD Complete CHIRP Compatible CSV File | Read the entire IndyCar Frequency and Spotters Guide - Use this guide to setup your radio for the first time Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix official page CAR...
2022 Indy 500 Frequencies
Updated 5/25/2022 - | DOWNLOAD Bearcat BC125AT Config File | | DOWNLOAD Complete CHIRP Compatible CSV File | Read the entire Indy 500 Frequency and Spotters Guide - Use this guide to setup your radio for the first time Note- as of the update on May 20th, Castroneves...
2022 Bonus Frequencies
| DOWNLOAD COMPLETE CHIRP COMPATIBLE CSV FILE | These bonus frequencies may or may not work. The list is a compilation of resources over many years, and cannot be easily verified before the race every year. I end up keeping them all, and figure out what's working on...