Can I wire the Switch-Pros output directly to my radio's PTT circuit?

No. Wiring the Switch-Pros directly to the radio PTT circuit can damage the radio and introduce a ground loop that causes engine noise on both sides of the transmission. You must use one relay per PTT button.

How do I wire the relay for PTT control?

Terminal 86 connects to the Switch-Pros circuit output. Terminal 85 connects to the ground. Terminals 30 and 87 connect to the two PTT wires from your radio — polarity doesn't matter on those terminals.

Should the Switch-Pros circuit be set to momentary or latching for PTT?

Momentary. A latching circuit would hold the PTT open continuously, which is not how push-to-talk is supposed to work.

What kind of PTT buttons should I buy to make this easier?

Buy the cheapest, shortest PTT buttons available with your radio. You'll either cut them off near the button or dismantle them to access the wires for the relay connection.

Switch Pros and Radio Intercom Support

April 24, 2023

Look no further if you're looking to remove our physical push-to-talk (PTT) buttons from your radio install; we've got you.

The first thing you want to do is change the settings in your Switch Pros for the button circuit you wish to use to momentary use, not latching.

The only way to successfully do this is with one relay per PTT button you want to replace. Using the switch pro without a relay can damage the radio. At the very least, it will introduce a ground loop, causing horrendous engine noise in the radio, heard by both sides of the transmission. We suggest buying the cheaper, shortest PTT buttons with your radio to facilitate this. You will either need to cut the PTT buttons off near the button or dismantle them. You can install the Switch Pro to activate your relay coil, and install the radio PTT switch wiring to the relay's normally open terminals. It does not matter which wire gets installed to which terminal as long as they are normally open.

If you need further help understanding automotive relays, please look here; Del City has an excellent explanation and example.

Automotive relay diagram

Terminals 30 and 87 will be used for the original PTT buttons, two individual wires.
Terminal 86 needs to be wired to the Switch Pro's chosen circuit.
Terminal 85 needs to be wired to ground, preferably a known ground, where other grounds are gathered, or directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery.

This PTT relay wiring is covered in the complete Switch Pros install guide, which also covers circuit planning, mount installation, ground block wiring, and start button replacement: How to Install Switch Pros in a Can-Am X3 →

Need a Switch Pros mount for your Can-Am X3? Can-Am X3 Switch Pros 9100 Mount → | Can-Am X3 Switch Pros RCR Mount →

Can I wire the Switch-Pros output directly to my radio's PTT circuit?: No. Wiring the Switch-Pros directly to the radio PTT circuit can damage the radio and introduce a ground loop that causes engine noise on both sides of the transmission. You must use one relay per PTT button.
How do I wire the relay for PTT control?: Terminal 86 connects to the Switch-Pros circuit output. Terminal 85 connects to the ground. Terminals 30 and 87 connect to the two PTT wires from your radio — polarity doesn't matter on those terminals.
Should the Switch-Pros circuit be set to momentary or latching for PTT?: Momentary. A latching circuit would hold the PTT open continuously, which is not how push-to-talk is supposed to work.
What kind of PTT buttons should I buy to make this easier?: Buy the cheapest, shortest PTT buttons available with your radio. You'll either cut them off near the button or dismantle them to access the wires for the relay connection.

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