Capital Radio - Radio Cars

For the spontaneous links needed for news reporting within the London area Capital was originally equipped with two Hillman Hunter estate cars. They were equipped with a four channel audio mixer, an audio compressor and a PYE T470 UHF transmitter for the mono programme link. For live reports cue was taken from the car radio, and liaison with HQ at Euston Tower was via a standard VHF Private Mobile Radio (now known as Private Business Radio) transceiver, a PYE 'Europa' MF25FM. For reporting from outside of the vehicle a cabled mic and headphones were generally used. Human resources limitations meant it was difficult to man both cars at once and one of them was de-equipped and converted to a general run-about vehicle.

The replacement for the Hunter was a Renault Espace which offered more comfort and space, and better facilities including a UHF cue transmitter and associated miniature receivers which allowed reporters greater flexibility. Although it was generally manned by a member of engineering staff some of the more adventurous reporters used it single handed.

Capital's radio car (June 2006)

The next radio car was intended primarily for use by reporters single handed and boasts an automatic, push button selected, audio mixer.

The automated mixer in the front passenger 'glove box' area

The 'business end' of the radio car, including (top right) a PYE T470 UHF link transmitter and Telefunken telcom C4 noise reduction encoder.