Northern Airborne Technology AA34 User Manual

Installation and Operation Manual

AA34 Series

Universal Radio Interface

SM36

ISSUE 4.01

Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.

1925 Kirschner Road

Kelowna, BC, Canada.

V1Y 4N7

Telephone [phone]

Facsimile [phone]

Issued on the authority of Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.

Copyright 2003

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

Prepared By: Checked By: Certification: Approved By:

The status of this installation and operation manual is controlled by issue shown on the title page. The
status of each section is controlled by revision shown in the footer of each page. All revisions affecting
sections of this manual have been incorporated into the latest issue.

ISSUE/REVISION RECORD

Manual Issue

Number

Section

Revision Number

Revision Description Issue Date

4.01 Section 1 Rev: 1.00
Section 2 Rev: 1.00
Section 3 Rev: 1.00

4.00 n/a Initial Release Nov 10, 2003

Rewritten in latest format Jan 11, 2010

Installation and Operation Manual Page ii

ENG-FORM: 820-0115.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

Table of Contents

Section Title Page

1. Description

1.1 Introduction 1-1

1.2 Product Description 1-1

1.3 Design Features 1-1

1.4 Specifications 1-1

1.4.1 Electrical Specifications 1-1

1.4.2 Physical Specifications 1-2

1.4.3 Environmental Specifications 1-2

1.4.4 Product Approval 1-2

1.5 Unit Nomenclature 1-3

2. Installation

2.1 Introduction 2-1

2.2 Unpacking and Inspection 2-1

2.2.1 Warranty 2-1

2.3 Continued Airworthiness 2-1

2.4 Installation Procedures 2-1

2.4.1 Warnings 2-2

2.4.2 Cautions 2-2

2.4.3 Cabling and Wiring 2-2

2.4.4 Post-Installation Checks 2-3

2.5 Adjustments and Connections 2-3

2.5.1 External Adjustments 2-3

2.5.2 Internal Adjustments (AA34-200 only) 2-5

2.5.3 Internal Adjustments (AA34-300 and AA34-301 only) 2-6

2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied 2-7

2.7 Installation Drawings 2-7

3. Operation

3.1 Introduction 3-1

3.2 General Information 3-1

Installation and Operation Manual Page iii

ENG-FORM: 820-0115.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

Section 1 Description

1.1 Introduction

Information in this section consists of product description, design features and specifications for the
AA34-200, AA34-300 and AA34-301 Universal Radio Interfaces. All other derivative product information
shall be contained in the applicable manual supplement, which may be obtained from Northern Airborne
Technology Ltd. as required.

Review all notes, warnings and cautions.

1.2 Product Description

The AA34 Universal Radio Interface will handle the interface and switching requirements of mobile or CB
radio systems when integrated into an aircraft audio system.

1.3 Design Features

The AA34 Universal Radio Interface units provide microphone excitation; relay keying, and sidetone
generation, all fully isolated from airframe ground.

1.4 Specifications

1.4.1 Electrical Specifications

Input Power +13.8 Vdc ± 10% or 27.5 Vdc ± 10% (Selected by

(AA34-200) 160 mA
(AA34-300\301) 70 mA

Input Signals

Mic 250 mVrms @ 150 Ω ±10%
Audio 2.5 Vrms @ 600 Ω ±10%

Output Signals

Mic (AA34-200) Approx. 225 mVrms max into 150 Ω
(AA34-300\301) Adjustable to 1.5 Vrms max into 600 Ω or 178 mVrms

Audio (AA34-200) 200 mW into 150 or 600 Ω nominal
(AA34-300\301) 100 mW into 8 or 600 Ω nominal

*Frequency Response <3 dB from 350 Hz to 6 kHz
*Distortion <10% @ rated output
*Noise level without signal >50 dB down from rated output

appropriate pin)

into 8 Ω

Section 1 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 1-1

ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

*Regulation <10% variation from 75% to 400% of load
* The s e s i g na l s ha v e be e n de t e rm i n ed f or t he AA34-300 and AA34-301 only

1.4.2 Physical Specifications

Height 1.30 inches (33.0 mm) max
Depth 2.71 inches (68.8 mm) max excluding connector
Width 4.54 inches (115.3 mm) max
Weight

AA34-200 0.63 lb (285 g) max
AA34-300\301 0.40 lb (180 g ) max

Mounting Bulkhead mount with four 10-32 screws
Material/Finish 5052-H32 brushed aluminum chassis and cover with

Connectors AA34-200 25 pin male D-sub
AA34-300\301 25 pin male filtered D-sub

conversion finish

1.4.3 Environmental Specifications

Temperature

-20 C to +55 C (Operating)

-55 C to +85 C (Survival)
Altitude

AA34-200 15,000 ft (tested to 25,000 ft)
AA34-300\301 35,000 ft

Humidity 95% non-condensing
Shock 6g (any axis)
Vibration (AA34-300) RTCA/DO-160C categories (B,M,N)

Qualification of the AA34-300 Universal Radio Interface was completed in accordance with
DO-160C Env. Cat. C1-BA[BMN]XXXXXXABABATAXXX

Qualification of the AA34-301 Universal Radio Interface was completed in accordance with
DO-160C Env. Cat. C1-BA[MN]XXXXXXABABATAXXX

Note: Refer to Environmental Qualification Form located in Section 2 of this Manual for complete details

of the environmental categories.

1.4.4 Product Approval

FAA: TSO-C50c (RTCA/DO-170 Class II, RTCA/DO-160C)
Applicable to AA34-300 units s/n 20,001 and up

Section 1 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 1-2

ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

1.5 Unit Nomenclature

Model Description
AA34-200 Mobile/FM radio interface.

Provides floating key lines.
Internal RX & Sidetone Amplifier.
Provides floating audio lines in and out.
Internal mic exciter with adjustable output.
Internally selectable functions and levels.

AA34-300 Mobile/FM radio interface.

Provides floating key lines.
Internal RX, Sidetone and Microphone Amplifiers.
Provides floating audio lines in and out.
Internal mic exciter with adjustable output.
Internally selectable functions and levels.
Designed to meet the requirements of TSO C50c.

AA34-301 Mobile/FM radio interface.

Provides floating key lines.
Internal RX & Sidetone Amplifier.
Provides floating audio lines in and out.
Internal mic exciter with adjustable output.
Internally selectable functions and levels.
External on/off control of mic output.
Designed to meet the requirements of TSO C50c.

Section 1 ends

Section 1 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 1-3

ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

Section 2 Installation

2.1 Introduction

Information in this section consists of unpacking and inspection procedures, installation procedures,
post-installation checks and installation drawings for the AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface.

Review all notes, warnings and cautions.

2.2 Unpacking and Inspection

Unpack the equipment carefully and locate the warranty card. Inspect the unit visually for damage due to
shipping and report all such claims immediately to the carrier involved. Check that all items listed below
are present before proceeding and report any shortage immediately to your supplier:

- Warranty Card

- Certificate of Conformity or Release Certification

2.2.1 Warranty

All Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. products are warranted for 2 years from date of installation by an
authorized Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. dealer, to be free of defects in workmanship or
performance. This warranty covers all materials and labour, but is exclusive of any transport to deliver the
defective unit to and from Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. or its designated warranty repair center, or
any labour to remove or re-install the defective unit in the aircraft. Contact Northern Airborne Technology
Ltd. for any questions regarding this warranty, its applicability to your units and/or for return authorization.
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. is the final arbitrator concerning warranty administration. Units which
have been physically damaged, burned, immersed in water or otherwise abused beyond the scope of
normal use will not be considered for warranty. WARRANTY IS VOID UNLESS THE PRODUCT IS
INSTALLED BY AN AUTHORIZED NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD. DEALER. Product
for which a warranty card is not returned shall be warranted from date of manufacture.

2.3 Continued Airworthiness

Maintenance of the AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface is ‘on condition’ only. Periodic maintenance of
this product is not required.

2.4 Installation Procedures

Installation Notice
This product must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions provided in the latest issue

of this Installation and Operation Manual. Check the Publication Index at www.northernairborne.com for
the issue status of the manual. The latest issue of the manual may be downloaded from the same
website. All risk associated with installation of this product contrary to these instructions shall be the
responsibility of the installing agency.

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-1

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

2.4.1 Warnings

N/A

2.4.2 Cautions

Do not bundle any lines from this unit with transmitter coax lines. Do not
bundle any logic, audio, or DC power lines from this unit with 400 Hz synchro
wiring or AC power lines. Do not position this unit next to any device with a
strong alternating magnetic field such as an inverter, motor or blower, or
significant audio interference will result.

In all installations, use shielded cable exactly as shown, and ground as
indicated. Significant problems may result from not following these
guidelines.

Incorrect wiring and shielding, can se riously degrad e audio install ations and result
in abnormal cross-talk, hum and ground-loop noise. Be especially careful with all
microphone wiring, as these lines can carry the lowest level signals in the aircraft.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

CAUTION:

2.4.3 Cabling and Wiring

All wire shall be selected in accordance with the original aircraft manufacturer's Maintenance Instructions
or AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-76 through 11-78. Unshielded wire types shall qualify to
MIL-W-22759 as specified in AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-85, 11-86, and listed in Table 11-11.
For shielded wire applications, use Tefzel MIL-C-27500 shielded wire with solde r sleeve s (fo r shield
terminations) to make the most compact and easily terminated interconnect. Follow the interconnect
drawing in Section 2.7 as required.

Allow 3" from the end of the shielded wiring to the shield termination to allow the connector hood to be
easily installed. Refer to the interconnect drawing in Section 2.7 for shield termination details. Note that
the hood is a "clamshell" hood, and is installed after the wiring is complete.

Maintain wire segregation and route wiring in accordance with the original aircraft manufacturers
Maintenance Instructions.

Unless otherwise noted, all wiring shall be a minimum of 22 AWG, except power and ground lines, which
shall be a minimum of 20 AWG. Reference the Interconnect drawing for additional specifications. Check
that the ground connection is clean and well secured, and that it shares no path with any electrically noisy
aircraft accessories such as blowers, turn and bank instruments or similar loads. Power to this unit must
be supplied from a separate circuit breaker or fuse (fast blow), and not attached to any other circuit
breaker without additional protection. Verify that the selected circuit breaker size and wire gauge are
adequate for the installation using the techniques specified in AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-47
through 11-51 and 11-66 through 11-69.

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-2

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

2.4.4 Post-Installation Checks

2.4.4.1 Voltage/Resistance Checks
Do not attach the AA34 until the following conditions are met.

Check the following:
a) (AA34-200, AA34-300 and AA34-301) P 101 pin <1> for +28 Vdc relative to ground or P101 pin

b) (AA34-200) P101 pins <14> <15> and <23> for continuity to ground (below 0.5 Ω).
c) (AA34-300\301) P101 pins <8> <14> <15> <20> <21> and <23> for continuity to ground (below 0.5 Ω).

<2> for +14 Vdc relative to ground.

2.4.4.2 Power On Checks

Power up the aircraft’s systems and confirm normal operation of all functions of the AA34. Verify normal
operation of all radio functions. Refer to the manual supplied with the mobile radio for specific operation
details.

a) To verify proper operation, all functions and levels shall be checked in-flight.
b) Check preset adjustments are completed before aircraft departure.
Upon satisfactory completion of all performance checks, make all required log book entries, electrical

load, weight and balance amendments and other documentation as required by your local regulatory
agency before releasing the aircraft for service.

2.5 Adjustments and Connections

The AA34 permits many possi ble int erface s. To preven t loss of co mmunic ations, en sure that a ny repla cement
unit is configured exactly the sam e as the on e it is repl acing.

2.5.1 External Adjustments

The unit is shipped from the factory with all external adjustments set to the normal test levels. Once
installed in the aircraft, it may be desirable to change some of these settings to best suit the local
operating environment. The external adjustments are accessible through the left side and rear of the unit.

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-3

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

2.5.1.1 Rear Adjustments

The rear adjustments are potentiometers, accessed through holes in the cover. Rotating a potentiometer
clockwise (cw) will increase the level, and rotating it counterclockwise (ccw) will reduce the level.

RX LEVEL MIC LEVEL S/T LEVEL

RX LEVEL
MIC LEVEL
S/T LEVEL

Adjusts the signal level of the incoming radio audio.
Adjusts the signal level of the mic output.
Adjusts the signal level of the sidetone.

2.5.1.2 Left side Adjustments

Switches S1 and S2

S1

Provides mic bias to the MIC IN line when closed (default). Open if an external
mic bias is present.

S2

S1 and S2

shown in

Bypass switch for blocking capacitor in mic out circuit. 'Closed' when bias from
the connected radio will be used for mic excitation. 'Open' (default setting) when
internal bias is used or if there are any concerns about DC interaction between
the AA34 and the connected radio.

OPEN

position

Switch C1/C2

This switch determines whether the mic input is amplified. The C1 position provides a di rect mic path
from input to output. The C2 (default) position switches in the amplifier.

AA34-200 only

Switch shown with

C2 Selected

AA34-300 and -301 only

Switch shown
with C2 Selected

The C1/C2 switch on the AA34-200 units is a rocker
switch with the C1 position to the rear of the access
hole, and the C2 position at the front.

The C1/C2 switch on the AA34-300 and -301 units is a
slide switch with the C1 position to the left of the
access hole and the C2 position to the right.

Note: If S1 is CLOSED (mic excited by the AA34), and the transformer isolation is NOT used (C1), the

blocking capacitor should be used (S2 OPEN) if the radio’s input circuitry is unknown. This will
prevent any unwanted interaction with DC present at the radio. The DC blocking capacitor is
connected right at the mic output from the AA34, and is used whenever there may be a problem
with DC present at the radio. This capacitor can be used with or without microphone transformer
isolation, which is used to float the microphone from ground.

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-4

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

c

t

t

r

r

Sid

A

A

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

2.5.2 Internal Adjustments (AA34-200 only)

CAUTION:

The AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface contains static sensitive devices.

Proper ESD handling procedures must be followed to prevent damage to the unit.

C1/C 2: Mi

Isolation/ Direc

Switch

S1: Mic

DC Bias

S2: Mic Outpu

Blocking

Capacito

RX High Gain

Jumpe

etone Level

Adjustment

C1

OPEN

S1 S2

Mic Output Level

D E

RX Output Impedance Jumper

(normally soldered F-G)

Adjustment

-B-C M ic

Output Jumper

RX Level

djustment

2.5.2.1 30/200 mV Mic Output Level Adjustment

Remove the cover from the AA34-200 and locate the Mic Output jumper. When the jumper is connected
across pins A and B, the unit level is set at 200 mV. When connected across B and C, the unit level is set
to 30 mV. (The default setting is A – B).

2.5.2.2 RX Gain Adjustment

Remove the cover from the AA34-200 and locate the RX Gain jumper. When the jumper is connected
across pins D and E, the unit is set to operate at high gain. When not connected, the unit is set to
operate at low gain (default setting).

2.5.2.3 RX Output Impedance Adjustment

Remove the cover from the AA34-200 and locate the RX Output Impedance jumper. The factory default
is 600 Ω (jumper soldered across F and G). If connected across G and H, the unit is set to 150 Ω.

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-5

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

p

r

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

2.5.3 Internal Adjustments (AA34-300 and AA34-301 only)

CAUTION:

The AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface contains static sensitive devices.

Proper ESD handling procedures must be followed to prevent damage to the unit.

Sidetone Level

Adjustment

Audio

Output

Jumpe

Mic Output Level

Adjustment

Mic Output

Jum

er

RX Level
Adjustment

C1/C2 Mic

Isolation/Direct

Switch

S1 S2

S1 Mic DC Bias
S2 Mic Output Blockin g

2.5.3.1 8/600 Ω Audio Output Impedance Adjustment

Remove the cover from the AA34 and locate the 8/600 Ω adjustment jumper JP2. When the jumper is
connected across pins A and B, the unit is set to operate with an 8 Ω load connected. When connected
across B and C, the unit is set to operate with a 600 Ω load connected. (The default setting is B – C).

2.5.3.2 8/150 Ω Mic Output Impedance Adjustment

Remove the cover from the AA34 and locate the 8/150 Ω adjustment jumper JP1. When the jumper is
connected across pins A and B, the unit is set to operate with an 8 Ω load connected. When connected
across B and C, the unit is set to operate with a 150 Ω load connected (The default setting is B – C).

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-6

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied

Installation kit p/n AA34-IKC (crimp) is required to complete the installation. The kit consists of the
following:

AA34-IKC 25 Pin D-min Female Crimp Kit (NAT Part No D25SL-IKC)

Quantity Description NAT Part No.

1 D-min 25 Socket Housing 20-21-025
25 MS Crimp Socket 20-26-901
1* Jack Screw Set 20-27-002
1* Lock Clip Set 20-27-004
1 25 Pin Connector Hood 20-29-026
* Use as required.

2.7 Installation Drawings

Use of the "#" symbol in the REV. column indicates that the document is listed elsewhere in the manual.
Refer to the applicable NAT Part No. to locate the referenced document.

DOCUMENT REV. DESCRIPTION TYPE SERIAL No.
AA34-200

AA34\200\403-0 1.03 Universal Radio Interface Interconnect All
AA34\200\405-0 1.02 Universal Radio Interface Connector Map All
AA34\200\922-0 1.02 Universal Radio Interface

AA34-300

AA34\300\403-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Interconnect All
AA34\300\405-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Connector Map All
AA34\300\521-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Environmental Qual. Form 20001 and up
AA34\300\922-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Mechanical Installation Up to 20000
AA34\300\922-0 1.10 Universal Radio Interface Mechanical Installation 20001 - 30859
AA34\300\922-0 1.20 Universal Radio Interface Mechanical Installation 30860 and up

AA34-301

AA34\301\403-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Interconnect All
AA34\301\405-0 1.00 Universal Radio Interface Connector Map All
AA34\300\922-0 #

Mechanical

Installation

All

Section 2 ends following the above documents

Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-7

ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

Confidential and Proprietary to NAT

AA34 Series Universal Radio Interface

SM36 Installation and Operation Manual

Section 3 Operation

3.1 Introduction

Information in this section consists of functional and operational procedures for the AA34 Universal Radio
Interface.

3.2 General Information

The AA34 Universal Radio Interface will handle the interface and switching requirements of mobile or CB
radio systems when integrated into an aircraft audio system.

The AA34 Universal Radio Interface has no operator accessible controls. During installation, it may be
determined that internal level adjustments are required. Qualified personnel only shall complete internal
level adjustments.

Section 3 ends

Section 3 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 3-1

ENG-FORM: 806-0115.DOT

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIR BORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.