PCI Race Radios 4 Link Pro Elite Installation Instructions
This document provides detailed instructions for installing the PCI Race Radios 4 Link Pro Elite intercom system.
Equipment Mounting
Select a mounting location within the driver's reach for easy adjustment of squelch and volume. Ensure electronics are mounted high to prevent water damage. PCI offers various mounting brackets; visit their website for solutions.
Power
For optimal sound clarity, connect intercom and radio power directly to the battery. Avoid running power cords near MSD, Ignition, Antenna/Coax, or Stereo/Amplifier equipment and cables.
Headset/Helmet Cable Routing
- When routing intercom cables, use masking tape to label them as Driver, Co-Driver, Crew 1, and Crew 2.
- The driver's push-to-talk (PTT) button activates only the driver's microphone. If cables are reversed, the microphone will not transmit.
- Rear seats can transmit via the two-way radio with an optional splitter and an additional PTT per seat.
- Route intercom cables down one side or through the vehicle's center, behind the seats, and up to the shoulder area. If seats have shoulder harness holes, route through them and zip tie to the harness. Zip tying to the RaceAir hose is also recommended.
- Avoid routing headset/helmet cables near power cables, antenna coax cables, amplifiers, or lighting cables.
Antenna Mounting
Proper antenna mounting is crucial for two-way radio range. Mount the antenna on the highest point of the vehicle, such as the roof rack.
- Install the Coax cable through a 3/8" hole in the roof or a tab. If the roof or tab thickness exceeds 3/16", use a washer (see diagram a).
- Do not coil the coax cable. Excess cable coiled can create a choke, leading to noise and reduced range.
- Avoid running coax cables near ignition, headset cables, or amplifiers, as the radio's power transmission can interfere with or shut down ignition systems.
- When removing the antenna for transport, unscrew it at the large screw, not the black base (see diagram b).
Music Cable
All PCI Intercoms include a Music/Phone cable. Even with Bluetooth, this cable is recommended for passengers who wish to play music without syncing to Bluetooth.
- Connect the white molex to the back of the intercom. Drilling a hole between the glove box and the intercom area allows the music device to be placed in the glove box during playback.
Installation Configuration
The diagram illustrates the connection of driver and co-driver headsets, PTT buttons, music/phone cable, and the two-way radio to the 4 Link Pro Elite intercom. It also shows expansion ports for additional passengers and the connection to the vehicle's power.
Diagram Description:
- The diagram shows the 4 Link Pro Elite intercom unit with various ports labeled: Driver, Co-driver, Crew 1, Crew 2, Expansion, PTT, DC 12V, Music/Phone.
- Connections are shown for Driver Headset/Helmet Cable, Co-Driver Headset/Helmet Cable, Driver PTT, Co-Driver PTT, and Music/Phone Cable.
- A two-way radio is connected to the intercom.
- The diagram indicates that Crew 1 & 2 ports are for connecting 3rd and 4th passengers.
- The Expansion port is for expanding the intercom to additional seats and requires an expansion box; radio or headset cables should not be plugged into this port.
- An illustration shows how to insert additional helmets or headsets into an expansion box (sold separately).
Intercom Controls
The 4 Link Pro Elite intercom is available in Standard, Bluetooth, DSP, and Bluetooth & DSP configurations. The following controls are present:
- 1. Squelch: Adjusts sensitivity to open microphones.
- 2. Volume: Controls the intercom volume.
- 3. Bluetooth Pause/Play: Controls Bluetooth music playback.
- 4. DSP On/Off: Enables or disables Digital Signal Processing.
- 5. Bluetooth LED Indicator: Shows Bluetooth status.
- 6. Intercom Power, Transmit, & DSP Indicator: Indicates intercom power, transmission, and DSP status.
Intercom Operation
- Power on the intercom by rotating the volume knob clockwise.
- Ensure microphones are positioned close to and directly in front of the lips.
- Adjust squelch sensitivity by rotating the knob. Full counter-clockwise closes the squelch, muting mics and allowing music at full volume. Full clockwise opens mics and mutes music by 20%. Find a setting that opens mics when speaking and closes them when silent to allow music. PCI intercoms have digital squelch control; allow a second for adjustment after turning the knob.
- Set the desired volume level by rotating the volume knob.
Wired Music/Phone
- The 4-pin music/phone cable supports music input and audio output for phone calls.
- Connect the cable, play music on your device, and adjust volume using the device's controls.
Bluetooth Music/Phone
- The Bluetooth intercom features a blue button on the front panel.
- Pairing: Turn off Bluetooth (press for 3 seconds until light turns off). Set your device to discoverable mode. Press the blue button for 10 seconds until the blue LED blinks rapidly. Your phone should find "PCI-INT." Enter "0000" if prompted for a code.
- Pressing the blue button once will play or pause music.
- Answering an incoming call via the blue button activates privacy mode, requiring you to speak through your phone. Some devices allow switching back to Bluetooth from the call screen.
- Bluetooth range is typically limited to the front seats without an external antenna. Phones will disconnect automatically when outside the vehicle.
- Phone cases may reduce Bluetooth range. Remove the case to test. An external antenna option is available to increase range.
DSP (Digital Signal Processing)
- DSP eliminates background noise (exhaust, wind) when microphones are open. Expect a slight robotic voice sound due to digital processing. The DSP feature can be enabled or disabled.
- Press the black button to enable DSP; press again to disable. The green LED blinks when DSP is active.
Two-Way Radio Operation
- Power on the radio and select the desired channel.
- Adjust incoming radio transmission volume using the radio's knob.
- Radios have different "zones" or frequency banks. Press P3, then use up/down to browse zones, and press P3 again to select. Zone 1 is common; zones 2-4 may offer more privacy. On Kenwood radios, use the B/C buttons to select zones.
- Press the push-to-talk button and wait a second before speaking. Speak slowly and clearly for best communication.
- To adjust radio squelch sensitivity (if white noise is present): Press and hold P0, press up to 4 or 5, then press P0 again to save.
Additional Information
Audio Inputs
The 9-pin molex on the intercom allows for additional audio input. An extra molex plug and pins are included for wiring a stereo or separate device. For custom installations, contact PCI technicians.
Audio Output
PCI offers cables for recording intercom and radio communications onto a camera. For self-installation: Pin 4 is Audio Out Left, Pin 5 is Audio Right, and Pin 6 is common ground.
Additional Tips
- Intercom volume controls only in-car voices; radio volume is controlled by the radio knob; music volume is controlled by the music device.
- When tie-wrapping cables, be careful not to crush them.
- Powering a music device or cell phone during playback can cause a ground loop and noise. Use a Ground Loop Isolator if the device requires power during playback.
- Do not plug the music cable into the two-way radio's female jack, as this disables the front speaker.
- Adjust microphones on headsets and helmets to be centered and touching the lips.
- Headset screws may require tightening after a few years.
- Unplug headsets when not in use to help eliminate noise.
- At higher speeds, tighten the squelch control and speak up.
- Intercoms and radios are not waterproof. Clean with a damp cloth and cover them during vehicle washing. Do not use a pressure washer or hose.
- If a friend's radio keys when you push to talk but no voice is heard, ensure the Driver PTT is connected to the Driver headset cable. Test by pressing the Co-Driver PTT; if clear, the PTTs are crossed.
- If music volume is too low, ensure squelch is tight. Turn squelch counter-clockwise to see if music volume increases. Music volume is controlled by the music device; intercom volume only affects passenger voice volume.
- If your voice sounds garbled on the two-way radio, a noise filter for the radio power may be needed, possibly due to nearby electronics or improper cable routing.
- LED whips with metal may interfere with the antenna. Fiber lighted whips are recommended, kept as far from the antenna as possible.
- The 4 Link Pro Intercom and cables are not compatible with Trax Stereo 5-pin cables. Adapters are available for compatibility.
For questions regarding installation, features, or functions, contact PCI Race Radios.
Contact Information:
PCI Race Radios
www.pciraceradios.com
800-869-5636