Every event I judge, I watch someone lose ten minutes at rego rummaging through their car for a diagram that should've been printed the night before, or realise their tracks are on a mate's USB stick and not their own. None of it is complicated to avoid. Here's what I tell first-timers to actually pack.
Documentation first — this is the bit people forget
If you're being judged in Install Quality, or in an SQ class that requires it, you need a system diagram and a wiring diagram, not just a mental picture of your build. The rulebook is specific about what a wiring diagram needs to show: signal flow, and power and ground cable sizes with the installed fuse values. A system diagram should show your components and how they connect.
- Printed system diagram (components, signal flow)
- Printed wiring diagram (cable sizes, fuse ratings, grounds)
- Photos of anything hidden — under carpet, behind trim, inside the boot lining — since the higher categories require photo documentation of connections a judge can't otherwise see
If you're in one of the advanced classes and haven't had time to get a clean CAD-style diagram done, a legible hand-drawn one on the day is genuinely fine — I'd rather see accurate hand-drawn than a beautiful diagram that doesn't match the car. See how Install Quality is actually scored and the key install rules before you finalise what to bring.
Your own tracks, on your own media
Bring your own copy of the official competition tracks, on the media you've actually tested in your car — USB stick, SD card, whatever your head unit takes. Don't turn up planning to borrow someone else's files at the last minute. See where to buy the official tracks and why borrowing a mate's copy is a bad idea — it's not just a rules issue, it's a "does this file actually play in my system" issue too.
What I check before I even start listening
Before Sound Quality judging starts, I'm checking a few basic things — no external charger plugged into the car, that you (or your driver) can reach every control you need from the driving position, that left and right actually come out of the correct sides, and that the volume is set sensibly rather than pinned to "impress the judge." Build these into your own pre-check so you're not fixing them in front of me:
- Battery charged from driving, not sitting on a trickle charger you forgot to unplug
- Basic toolkit — screwdrivers, trim tools, spare fuses, electrical tape — for last-minute fixes
- Microfibre cloth and glass cleaner if you're being judged on install presentation too
- Folding chair, water, snacks, sun protection — judging days run long and outdoor venues offer little shade
- Phone charger and a printed copy of your entry confirmation
A tidy folder with your diagrams, a tested USB of your own tracks, and a car that's been driven (not trickle-charged) to the venue solves 90% of the delays I see on the day.
If you're still building the car
If your install isn't finished yet, don't wait until the week of the event to think about documentation — sort your diagrams as you build, not after. Have a look at getting your car competition ready and our DIY install guidance if you're doing the work yourself, or browse car sound upgrade options if you're still speccing gear. And for the full rundown of how the day itself unfolds, read how EMMA competition day is run.
Got a specific question about your build before you turn up? Get in touch — happy to talk it through.
Written by Pete — Integrated Audio
Pete is the founder of Integrated Audio and a Certified International EMMA Head Judge, judging EMMA Sound Quality and Installation competitions in Australia and internationally. He writes from the judging side of the table, drawing on hands-on experience building and installing HELIX, MATCH and BRAX car audio systems.