How to Set Up a Motorsport Intercom System

How to Set Up a Motorsport Intercom System

Harris Race Radios is NZ & AU's most experienced motorsport intercom and radio communications specialist. This guide covers how to set up a motorsport intercom system — whether you're running it standalone, with a radio, with a cell phone, or with music input. The wiring diagrams below apply to Rugged Radios intercom systems and are representative of most motorsport intercom setups.

Intercom System Setup Overview

A motorsport intercom allows driver and co-driver (or crew) to communicate clearly inside a vehicle, isolating helmet microphones from engine and wind noise. Intercoms can be run in several configurations:

  • Standalone intercom only — driver and co-driver communication with no external connections
  • Intercom + radio — adds a race radio for driver-to-crew or driver-to-race control communication
  • Intercom + radio + cell phone — adds cell phone connectivity for service park or paddock use
  • Intercom + music — adds an auxiliary music input (where permitted by your series regulations)

Intercom Wiring Diagram — Full Setup

The diagram below shows a complete intercom setup including radio and auxiliary inputs. Use this as your reference for wiring your intercom harness.

Motorsport intercom and radio wiring setup diagram — Harris Race Radios NZ & AU

5-Pin Connector Wiring Diagram

The diagram below shows the standard 5-pin connector pinout used on most motorsport intercom and helmet lead systems.

Standard 5-pin motorsport intercom connector pinout diagram — Harris Race Radios

PTT (Push-To-Talk) Wiring

The diagram below shows the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch wiring. PTT connects across pins 1 & 2.

Harris Race Radios PTT push-to-talk switch wiring diagram — pins 1 and 2

PTT across pins 1 & 2.

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Expert Advice from Harris Race Radios

Harris Race Radios is NZ & AU's most experienced motorsport intercom and radio communications specialist. Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier for both NZ RSM and AU ACMA, with motorsport electronics and communications experience dating back to 1975 — starting at the Marlboro Series Grand Prix. Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer — Barcelona 24 Hour 1st in class (2013), Bathurst 1000 and 12 Hour competitor, BMW Race Driver Series Champion (2011), and race engineer for Earl Bamber Motorsport, TekworkX, Matt Stone Racing, and Porsche Carrera Cup Australia/Asia-Pacific/NZ. Aaron is also an MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR and HANS devices.

We hold NZ stock for fast local dispatch and ship to Australia. Contact us for intercom setup advice, wiring questions, or help selecting the right system for your car and series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a motorsport intercom system?

A motorsport intercom is an in-car communication system that allows the driver and co-driver (or crew) to communicate clearly inside a competition vehicle. It isolates helmet microphones from engine, wind, and tyre noise, and can be integrated with a race radio, cell phone, or music input.

Do I need a radio as well as an intercom?

Not necessarily. An intercom can run standalone for driver-to-co-driver communication only. If you need to communicate with your pit crew or race control, you will also need a race radio connected to the intercom. Contact us to discuss the right setup for your series.

What does PTT mean in an intercom setup?

PTT stands for Push-To-Talk. It is a switch that activates the radio transmit function when pressed. In a motorsport intercom setup, the PTT switch connects across pins 1 & 2 of the intercom harness connector.

Can I connect a cell phone or music to my intercom?

Yes — most motorsport intercoms include an auxiliary input for cell phone or music connection. Check your series regulations before adding music, as some series restrict auxiliary audio inputs in competition vehicles.

What is the standard connector pinout for a motorsport intercom?

Most motorsport intercom and helmet lead systems use a standard 5-pin connector. The pinout diagram above shows the standard wiring configuration used across most systems. Contact Harris Race Radios if you need help confirming the pinout for your specific intercom or helmet lead.

Can Harris Race Radios help me set up my intercom?

Yes — Rex Harris and Aaron Harris at Harris Race Radios have decades of hands-on motorsport communications experience across circuit racing, rally, off-road, and karting. Contact us for setup advice, wiring support, or help selecting the right intercom system for your vehicle and series.