Aearo MT53H74 Users Manual

PowerCom BRS

ENG Instruction manual p. 1
FRA Mode d’emploi p. 16
ESP Instrucciones de uso p. 31

PowerCom BRS

1

PowerCom BRS 464-467 MHz

BRS 2-Way Radio headsets
8 Channels, 38 sub-channel (privacy codes)
FCC and Industry Canada (IC) approved
Model Numbers:
MT53H7A4604 Headband model
MT53H7B4604 Neckband model
MT53H7P3E4604 Slotted hardhat mount model

2

PELTOR 2-WAY RADIO HEADSETS

THANK-YOU for your purchase of Peltor’s latest self-contained
2-way radio headset product.

PowerCom, offer reliable, efficient communication between two or more people in noisy environments.

Although these products are very user-friendly, please take the time to read this instruction manual
carefully to ensure proper set-up and use of all features

• PowerCom is a 2-way radio headsets pre-programmed to 8 channels in the 462 MHz frequency band

with 38 privacy sub-channels. These units have up to 60 mW ERP of transmitting power with a range
of 2 km outdoors. The range will vary depending on local surrounding environmental conditions.

• All models feature advanced ghost voice confirmations of mode and level selections. As an added
bonus, the ghost voices are selectable by the user in every model. Language options are English,
French or Spanish.

These devises comply with part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations. Operation of these devices are
subject to the following two conditions:

1) These devises may not cause harmful interference, and

2) These devises must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operation

3

Headset basics….

Refer to figure H.

1. (MT53H7A****)

Wide padded headband – for over-the-head use

(MT53H7B****) Neckband - for use under a hardhat
(MT53H7P3E****) Slotted hardhat mount – snaps into slots of hardhats

2. Stainless steel headband wires – special bending processes ensure an even distribution of pressure
around the ears.

3. Guide arms – slide assembly for easy height adjustment.

4. Ear seals – foam with liquid bladder for all day comfort, built-in pressure-relief canals ensure low

pressure and effective sealing. See page 12 for replacements.

5. Antenna – flexible with fixed mount design and high reception quality

6. Audio jack - for external audio accessories including 2-way radios, cell phones, personal entertainment

devises, see page 13

7. Battery cover – requires 2 standard 1.5-volt AA alkaline batteries, optional rechargeable battery pack
available, see page 12

8. Key pad - for easy changing of modes, settings and levels.

9. Lip microphone – quick positioning metal boom assembly with an electret noise canceling condenser,

see page 12 for replacements.

10. Cup microphones – amplify and reproduce in stereo inside the headset ambient noises and voices
allowing the user to be fully aware of surrounding environment. (Only available with

PowerCom Plus

models). See page 12 for foam replacements.

11. Headset Push-To-Talk (PTT) – will key up lip microphone and activate the radio inside headset to start
transmitting.

(H)

6

1

2

3

4

5

7

11

10

9

8

4

Getting Started…

BATTERIES

Open the battery cover (#7, Fig. H) and place two 1.5 Volt AA size batteries inside the compartment.
Ensure that the + and – poles of the batteries are in the correct positions (refer to figure inside the battery
cover). The headset is polarity protected in the event batteries are incorrectly inserted.
When the batteries get low in power, a voice message saying “low battery” will be heard inside the
headset. This message will be repeated in 2 minute intervals until the batteries are completely depleted,
at which point the headset will have a voice confirmation saying “battery empty” and will shut off.

Note(s):

1) Battery life span/operating time varies greatly depending on the type of batteries and how the
headset is used. For example, with an alkaline battery with at least 2000 mAh, the operating time
in low-power mode is about 30 hours at 10 % transmission, 10 % reception and 80 % stand-by. In
high-power mode, the operating time under the same conditions decreases by about 10 %. At 20 %
transmission, 20 % reception and 60% stand-by, the operating time is about 20 hours.

2) The headset has an automatic shut-off feature to save on batteries. It will turn itself off automatically
after 2 hours if one of the following keys is not activated in that timeframe: (0) (+) (-) (PTT/VOX). A
triple tone signal will be emitted every 30 seconds for 5 minutes prior to final shut down.

ADJUSTING THE CUPS FOR FIT (Fig. J)

1. The cup guide arms (#3, fig H) slide up and down the metal wires.

2. For headband and neckband models, place the headset on your head, with one hand, hold the band
(#1, fig H) in place and with the other slowly move the cup up/down the wire arms until they are in
the comfortable and snug fit position.

3. For harthat mount position (fig. K) snap the headset helmet attachment into the slot of the helmet.
Place the hardhat with headsets in place on your head and refer to 2. above for cup placement
instructions.

The hardhat mounted headset can be used in two positions:
working position (1) and ventilation position (2).
When in use, the cups must be placed in working position. Press the headband wires inwards until

you hear a click on both sides. To ensure proper noise attenuation while in the working position do
not press against the lining or edge of the helmet.

Tip: At the end of the day, do not leave the headset in the upright position on top of the helmet, leave

it in the ventilation position allowing the foam on the inside of the cups to dry out.

(J)

(K)

(1)

(2)

5

Operating Instructions………

PowerCom Plus, PowerCom and LiteCom all operate on the same simple 3 key touch pad configuration

(#8 fig H) and 1 PTT button.

1. On/Off/Mode Selection

(O)

This button will turn the headset on or off by holding it down for more than 2 seconds. Once the
headset is turned on, it reverts to a mode menu selection button, see below for mode menu details.

Step-by-step mode menu selection

Simply press the (O) key and the headset will confirm via a voice message what mode menu has been
selected. Every time the (O) key is pressed it continues onto the next mode menu item followed by a voice
confirmation. Once in the mode of choice, refer to instructions below on the (+) and (-) keys.

Quick step mode menu selection

By pushing (0) key several times in a row, it will quickly scroll down the modes the equivalent number of
times the (0) was pushed, followed by a voice confirmation of the menu item selected.

The headset will revert back to Surround Volume Mode (in PowerCom Plus headsets) and Radio Volume
mode (in PowerCom and LiteCom headsets) if the (0) or (+) (-) keys are not activated within 5 seconds
while making selections. A beep will be heard in the headset indicating mode has automatically
reverted.

2. UP (+) Increases the steps within the mode selected, followed by a voice

confirmation of step selected.

3. DOWN (–) Decreases the steps within the mode selected, followed by a voice

confirmation of step selected.

4. PTT Located on the backside of the right ear cup. The thumb activated push-to-talk button

will key up the lip microphone and activate the radio inside the headset to start
transmitting.

Operating Details…

Turn the unit on by pressing the (O) key for more than 2 seconds and promptly let go, the headset will
emit a raising series of 3 tones confirming the headset is turned on. To turn the unit off, again hold
the (0) button for 2 seconds and promptly let go, the headset will emit a decending series of 3 tones
confirming the headset is off.

Once the headset is on and ready to be used, the (0) key becomes the mode menu selection button:

Mode Menu Selections

SURROUND
Applicable for PowerCom Plus headset models only.
This mode adjusts the volume level of the cup microphones (#10 fig H). Pressing the (+) (-) keys while in
this mode will either increase or decrease the surrounding ambient noise level being reproduced inside
the headset. A voice message confirms each new setting as the (+) (-) keys are pressed. There are 5
volume levels and an off level. Off can be activated by scrolling down to level 1 then hold the (-) key down
for 1 second and release, a voice message confirmation will follow saying “surround off”. To reactivate
push the (+) key once and the mode will revert back to the level 1 surround volume setting.

6

VOLUME
This mode adjusts the headset radio incoming receive volume level. By pressing the (+) (-) keys while in
this mode the volume adjusts up and down accordingly. A voice message confirms each new setting as
the (+) (-) keys are pressed. There are 5 volume levels and an off level. Off can be activated by scrolling
down to level 1 then hold the (-) key down for 1 second and release, a voice message confirmation will
follow saying “volume off”. To reactivate push the (+) key once and the mode will revert back to the level
1 volume setting.

CHANNEL
This mode changes the main radio channel selections. By pressing the (+)(-) keys while in this mode the
channels scroll up and down accordingly. A voice message confirms each new channel number selected
as the (+) (-) keys are pressed. The number of channels available in this mode depends on the headset
model purchased (see page 2). The channels are in a rolling configuration, that is, when the top channel
has been reached, pressing (+) again will revert back down to the first channel available, followed by a
voice confirmation.

VOX
This mode will adjust the voice activation (VOX) sensitivity. By pressing the (+)(-) keys while in this mode
the lip microphone is made more or less sensitive to activation via the user’s voice and/or surrounding
noise levels.

Tip(s):

1) Press (+) as the noise becomes louder (therefore making the microphone less sensitive to outside
noise) and viceversa as noise levels drop.

2) Setting 1 is for low noise applications. Setting 5 is for extreme noise applications. Try different
settings until the optimum setting is found.

3) Setting 1 requires minimal voice level to activate the microphone. Setting 5 requires maximum voice
level to activate the microphone.

4) Do not pause when talking during transmissions, VOX will turn off during pauses

5) Ensure lip microphone is no more than 1/4” away from the mouth.

A voice message will confirm each new setting as the (+)(-) keys are pressed. There are 5 VOX sensitivity
levels and an off position. Off can be activated by scrolling down to level 1 then hold the (-) key down for
1 second and release, a voice message confirmation will follow saying “vox off”. To reactivate push the
(+) key once and the mode will revert back to the level 1 vox setting. (i.e. the most sensitive microphone
setting). When in the off position, the headset radio transmit can only be operated via the PTT on the
right earcup (#11, Fig H), or remote finger ptt accessory, see page 13.

SQUELCH
This mode changes the antenna sensitivity level. By pressing the (+)(-) keys while in this mode it will
help filter out unwanted incoming RF noise between transmissions. A voice message confirms each new
setting as the (+)(-) keys are pressed.
Tip(s)

1) Normal mode is 1

2) Level 5 has most filtering

3) Level 1 has least amount of filtering

4) Off level has no filtering with squelch wide open

5) Try different levels in order to settle on the lowest possible setting for the specific application.

There are 5 squelch sensitivity levels and an off squelch position. Off can be activated by scrolling down to level
1 then hold the (-) key down for 1 second and release, a voice message confirmation will follow saying “squelch
off”. To reactivate push the (+) key once and the mode will revert back to the level 1 squelch setting.

7

SUB CHANNEL
This mode changes the privacy/sub-channel selections. By pressing the (+)(-) keys while in this mode the
channels scroll up and down accordingly. A voice message confirms each new channel number selected
as the (+) (-) keys are pressed. There are 38 sub channels plus an open 0 channel. The channels are in a
rolling configuration, that is, when the top channel has been reached, pressing (+) again will revert back
down to the first channel available, followed by a voice confirmation.

Tip(s)

1) PowerCom Plus and PowerCom headsets are compatible and will transmit to each other.

2) In order to communicate properly, all headsets in the group must be on the same main channel and
same sub-channel.

POWER
This mode allows the selection of two transmitting power levels. When (+) is pressed, a voice confirmation
will follow and the headset will be in the maximum (high) output power transmitting mode. When the
(-) is pressed, a voice confirmation will follow and the headset will be in the lowest (low) output power
transmitting mode.

Tip(s)

1) This mode can be used as a battery conservation feature

2) Depending on distance transmitting, high power setting is not always required for good coverage.
Evaluate units in environment to be used for optimum setting.

3) The high setting will consume more battery power than the low setting.

LANGUAGE
This mode allows the selection of voice confirmations in the headset to be in one of three languages:
English, French or Spanish. By pressing the (+) (-) keys while in this mode the languages will scroll up
and down accordingly. A voice message will confirm language selected.

Notes:

1) The mode will revert back to Surround Volume Mode (in PowerCom Plus headsets) and Radio Volume
mode (in PowerCom and LiteCom headsets) if the (0) or (+) (-) keys are not activated within 5 seconds
while making selections. A beep will be heard in the headset indicating mode has automatically
reverted.

2) The headsets will also automatically shut-off if one of the following buttons (0) (+) (-) (PTT/VOX) is
not pressed within a span of 2 hours. Three tones are emitted every 30 seconds for 5 minutes prior
to shut down.

PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) BUTTON FUNCTIONALITY

Located on the backside of the right ear cup, pressing this button keys up the lip microphone and enables
radio transmission manually. The radio will transmit, and the lip microphone will stay open as long as
the button is pressed.

VOX DISABLE FEATURE-Short cut

Double clicking the PTT button quickly will disable the vox feature, confirmed by a long beep signal in
the headset. To reactivate, double click the PTT button again and the vox will be enabled, confirmed by
a short double beep signal in the headset.

Tip: Excellent feature to use if operator moves from low to high noise periodically during the work day.

8

ALTERNATE BELT RADIO OR CELL PHONE ACCESSORY USE

Double click on the PTT button prior to plugging in the external 2-way communication accessories (FL6R
+ FL50 belt PTT combination, or FL6S) into the audio jack on the bottom of the headset (#6, fig H,
page 4).

When using this feature, the PTT on the headset will activate the headset radio into transmit mode, and
the FL50 belt PTT will activate the alternate belt radio into transmit mode.

Note, these instructions do not apply when using receive-only accessories. Simply plug in the receive only
accessories into the audio jack (#6, fig H, page 4)

MAINTENANCE

Clean the outside of the headset regularly with soap and warm water.
Note: Do not immerse in fluids.

If the headset is exposed to internal moisture, remove the hygiene kit and let the unit dry out.

Do not store the headset in temperatures exceeding +55°C, for example in on a car dashboard or behind
the windshield.

The ear seals deteriorate over time, inspect them regularly to ensure that there are no cracks. New earseals
ensure optimum comfort and proper noise attenuation. Refer to page 15 for ordering information.

Certain chemical substances may be harmful to this product. Contact the manufacturer for more
information.

When changing batteries, protect the electronics from being damaged by always turning off the unit
manually prior to replacing batteries. Refer to page 5 for proper battery replacement procedure.

Always wear, adjust, clean and maintain the headset according to these instructions. If not, noise
attenuation characteristics and other electronic functions may be compromised.

CAUTION

When set to full gain the earphones can produce an equivalent sound level of up to 87dB(A). This is
considered safe for daily 8-hours use, as long as the time spent in receiving mode does not exceed 2,5
hours. If the time spent listening to the earphones exceeds 2,5 hours per day the gain setting must be
reduced below maximum. One step below maximum gain produces an equivalent sound level of 82
dB(A), considered safe even if used in the listen mode, in noise, for a full 8-hours day. If after wearing
this device, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) is heard, or your hearing seems muffled or dulled,
or for any other reason you suspect a hearing problem, the volume levels should be reduced and the fit,
condition, and adequacy of this device should be checked for the noise in which it is being worn. If the
condition persists see an audiologist or physician for a professional review.

9

FCC Regulations and Licensing Application Information

Safety information

Your wireless transceiver contains low power transmitter. When the transmitter is activated it sends out
radio frequency (RF) signals. This device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not exceed 50%.Use
only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the
transmitter and violate FCC regulations

BRS License :

Use of BRS radios within the United States requires a FCC BRS license. An individual 18 years of age or
older, who is not a representative of a foreign government is eligible to apply for a BRS system license.
You will need two forms from the FCC, FCC Form 159 and FCC Form 605 Main Form and Schedule F. You
can find the forms online at http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html, or call 1-800-418-3676.

NRR

The NRR attenuation data are displayed on page 11.
Improper fit of this device will reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise. Consult this manual for
proper fitting instructions. For further information, please write Aearo Company, 8001 Woodland Drive,
Indianapolis, Indiana 46278. The level of noise entering a person´s ear, when a hearing protector is worn
as directed, is closely approximated by the difference between the A-weighted environmental niose level
and the NRR.

10

Attenuation

17.3

4.0

22.1

2.6

31.9

2.4

37.1

2.4

33.2

2.4

36.1

3.5

MT53H7A4600
PowerCom

38.0

3.4

25

3150

6300

CSA

A

NNR

38.7

2.7

37.4

2.3

19.1

2.6

22.3

2.3

31.7

2.7

34.7

2.4

33.5

2.9

37.9

2.5

MT53H7B4600
PowerCom

40.4

2.9

25

3150

6300

CSA

A

NNR

40.8

3.1

38.8

2.5

18.1

3.1

21.7

2.9

31.5

2.8

35.5

2.7

30.7

2.7

36.8

2.7

MT53H7P3E4600
PowerCom

39.0

2.8

24

3150

6300

CSA

A

NNR

39.7

2.5

38.6

2.1

PowerCom

MT53H7A4604

MT53H7B4604

MT53H7P3E4604

11

SPARE PARTS

HY79 Hygiene kit

Consists of two snap-in ear cushions and foam pads. Replace at least twice a year
to ensure proper attenuation, hygiene and comfort. Sold as a pair, enough for one
headset replacement.

HY100A Ear seal comfort pad

A single-use sweat absorbing pad that is placed on the ear seals. Sold in packages
of 100 pair.

HYM1000 Lip microphone hygiene tape

Tape wraps around the lip microphone to protect against moisture and harsh
environmental conditions. Wind and water resistant, great for hygienic purposes
when headsets are shared. Sold in boxes of 5 metres, good for approximately 50
replacements.

M995 Lip microphone foam wind screen

Effective protection from wind noise, also protects against dirt and increases the life
span and of microphone element. One per package.

M60/2 Cup microphone foam windsock (#10, Fig H)

Applicable for PowerCom Plus only products. One pair per package.

1173 SV Battery cover

Replacement battery cover.

MT53-02 Boom microphone assembly

Replacement boom microphone with plug-in connector.

88009-00000 Rechargeable battery pack

Peltor AA rechargeable battery pack includes wall transformer.
Attention: Not an intrinsically safe approved accessory.

TK56 Remote ring finger PTT

Remote finger push-to-talk button with 48” lead cable.

Attention: Not an intrinsically safe approved accessory.

12

SPARE PARTS cont.

Audio accessory jack (#6, Fig H) connections

FL6CS Cell phone patch-cord

2.5 mm stereo contact plug assembly for use with cell phones.

FL6CT Listen-only patch-cord

3.5 mm stereo plug, wired in mono for use with personal entertainment devises.

FL6BT Listen-only patch-cord

3.5 mm mono plug, for use with 2-way radios and accessories with a 3.5 mm audio jack

FL6BS Listen-only patch-cord

2.5 mm mono plug, for use with 2-way radios and accessories with a 2.5 mm audio jack

FL6BR – External 2-way radio patch-cord

Cable assembly for adapting PC+, PC, LC to an alternate 2-way radio. Comes with Nexus TP-120 connector
which mates with standard Peltor FL50 radio PTT patchcords (sold separately). For a complete list of
FL50 2-way radio accessory cables, please contact customer service.

13

FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL ALLOCATIONS BY PRODUCT

Frequency Radio Service PowerCom
MHz Type Channel Allocation* Color

464.5000 BRS 1 Brown

464.5500 BRS 2 Yellow

467.7625 BRS 3 J

467.8125 BRS 4 K

467.8500 BRS 5 Silver Star

467.8750 BRS 6 Gold Star

467.9000 BRS 7 Red Star

467.9250 BRS 8 Blue Star

*individual channels also have 38 privacy/sub-channels – see next page