IndyCar Scanner Frequencies
Indy 500 Scanner
Program your own radio
(Last updated: 5/24/2022)
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
- Step 1 – Buy gear.
- Step 2 – Install drivers and programming software.
- Step 3 – Input Frequencies.
- Step 4 – Go to the Race & Scan!
I use CHIRP to program my Baofeng radios, and then export it to a CSV file that anyone else can use to import, or use as reference for a different programming method. You are free to use it and share with your family and friends. 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.
Finally- my export includes local Indianapolis repeaters and national calling frequencies for HAM operators. You must hold a Amature Radio License in order to transmit on these frequencies– but anyone can listen! (Channels 100-103) (Learn more about obtaining your HAM license here)
When choosing your radio- 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 tracks. The cheaper track is the Baofeng radios. These start at $25. But you’ll likely need that programming cable, an adapter for headphones, and of course headphones. The Uniden Bearcat BC125AT option is more expensive at $105… but it has everything you need right out of the box, except 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.
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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.
Below both tracks are headphones and splitters and other ideas to enhance the experience, based on what you already own and might need. These options will work for both radio/scanner solutions, assuming (for the Baofeng) you have the appropriate headphone adapter.
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Option (BEST)
- BEST (~$105) – Uniden Bearcat Scanner (NOT a 2-way radio, uses normal 1/8″ headphone jack)
This option includes everything in a single purchase that the three tabs on the right side offer.
Baofeng Options
(choose 1)
- BEST (~$32) – Baofeng UV-82 (the radio I use)
- GOOD (~$25) – Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band
- MULTI (~$146) – Baofeng UV-5R SIX PACK!! (About $24 each radio)
Adapter to make Headphones work
(Choose 1 ONLY if using Baofeng Radio)
- (~$7) – Baofeng to Headphone Adapter (best choice)
- (~$9) – 2-Way Radio speaker with 1/8″ Out
- (~$19) – BTECH Connector with Push-to-Talk Button (for HAM operators who plan to transmit)
Programming Cable
- (~$23) – BTECH PC03 FTDI
Extras (Will work with any set of scanners/radios)
Headphones
- (~$30) – Howard Leight Noise-Blocking Earmuff (MY KIT)
- (~$81) – Howard Leight Hi-Vis Radio and MP3 Ear Muff (AM/FM/MP3)
- (~$25) – 3M Peltor Earmuff (hearing protection only– bring your own earbuds)
- (~$350) – Pair of headphones with ability to link and talk to each other, and share scanner or run a different one per headset. Expandable beyond two.
- (~$1) – Earbuds – use your own, and then add some standard headphone ear protection (safety, and better ability to hear radio transmissions)
Adapters
- (~$6) – Splitter to share one scanner with someone else
- (~$5) – Splitter (another option)
- (~$24) – Headphone Amp: If you’re going the ear-bud only route, you might find it isn’t loud enough when the cars are running. This amp (about the size of a deck of cards) can boost your volume higher.
Alternatives
- (~$18) Bluetooth Transmitter: Use your BT Earbuds or BT headphones, and have a wireless experience.
2. software
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Software and Drivers
The drivers and software used to program your BC125AT can be found on the Uniden website. You will want the USB drivers and the programming software.
Baofeng: CHIRP Programming Software
- Download CHIRP
- Learn how to install CHIRP and necessary drivers:
- http://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_CHIRP.php
- https://www.miklor.com/COM/UV_Drivers.php (You might not need a driver downloaded, if you got the FTDI cable mentioned above in my list)
3. input frequencies
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Programming
Once you’ve installed the programming software, it’s time to input frequencies. You can use my list to enter them in yourself, or just download my config file for the BC125AT, since the work has already been done!
Programming Step-by-Step – Using a PC
Coming Soon: 5/25/22
Programming Step-by-Step – By Hand on the keypad
Coming Soon: 5/25/22
Baofeng: CHIRP Programming For Baofeng Radios
Once you’ve installed the drivers and programming software, it’s time to input frequencies. You can use my list to do it yourself, or use my CSV file to import the frequencies into CHIRP, and upload to your radio that way.
Programming Step-by-Step – On the PC
Coming Soon: 5/25/22
Programming Step-by-Step – By Hand on the Keypad
Coming Soon: 5/25/22
4. scan
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Scanning
Coming Soon. 5/25/22
Baofeng Scanning
Coming Soon: 5/25/22
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