Northern Airborne Technology AA86 User Manual
SM48
AA86/87
Stereo Intercom
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
REV 4.00 November 12, 2003
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.
1925 Kirschner Road
Kelowna BC, Canada
V1Y 4N7
Telephone (250) 763-2232
Facsimile (250) 762-3374
Copyright 2003 by Northern Airborne Technology
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM48 Rev 4.00 AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual
Periodically NAT will release manual amendments. In order to maintain the most
accurate and up to date manual these amendments should be carried out immediately
upon receipt and recorded on the following amendment record.
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amendment
Number
Amendment
Date
Section(s)
Changed
Date
Entered
Entered By
Insert any Amendment Instruction sheets after this page.
Nov 12, 2003 Page ii
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM48 Rev 4.00 AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual
Table of Contents
Section Title Page
1.0 Description
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Purpose of Equipment 1-1
1.3 Features 1-1
1.4 Specifications 1-2
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications 1-2
1.4.2 Physical Specifications 1-2
2.0 Installation
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Unpacking and Inspection 2-1
2.2.1 Installation Kit Components. 2-1
2.3 Installation Procedures 2-2
2.3.1 Warnings 2-2
2.3.2 Cautions 2-2
2.3.3 Cabling and Wiring 2-2
2.3.4 Electrical Installation 2-3
2.3.5 Stereo Inputs 2-4
2.3.6 Mechanical Installation 2-7
2.4 Post-Installation Checks 2-8
2.4.1 Voltage/resistance checks 2-8
2.4.2 Power On checks 2-8
2.5 Continued Airworthiness 2-8
2.6 Installation Drawings 2-9
3.0 Operation
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 Controls and Indicators 3-1
3.2.1 On/Off, Volume and Vox controls. 3-1
3.2.2 PRIORITY Control 3-2
3.2.3 MUSIC Vol, MUSIC Mute and Isolate Controls 3-3
3.2.4 Active Microphone LEDs 3-4
3.2.5 External Controls 3-4
3.3 EMERGENCY OPERATION 3-5
Nov 12, 2003 Page iii
ENG-FORM: 820-0109.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM48 Rev.4.00 AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual
Section 1.0 Description
1.1 Introduction
This manual contains information on the AA86/87 Stereo Intercom.
Information in this section consists of purpose of equipment, features and specifications.
1.2 Purpose of Equipment
The AA86/87 series of stereo intercoms provide versatility and performance in a compact,
user-friendly panel mounted system. The AA86 and AA87 series are available in 2, 4 or 6
place models, which gives the flexibility to choose the most suitable system for specific
requirements. Up to 6 positions are available without the need to add expansion modules
or multiplex systems. Full transmit and intercom capability for pilot and co-pilot is
provided, with intercom functions for up to four additional passengers.
1.3 Features
The AA86 and AA87 feature a system volume control for adjusting ICS and radio levels,
mic squelch control, music muting level, and music volume. A bi-colored LED indicates
On/Off and Pilot transmit, while another bi-colored LED indicates Pilot Isolate mode and
Co-pilot transmit. There are four red LED's (two on 2-position models) indicating ICS
microphone activity for pilot, co-pilot, and passengers 1 and 2.
The AA86 and AA87 employ NAT’s exclusive Digitrac ‘Auto-tracking’ squelch (to keep
the microphone squelch setting at the right level during shifts in cockpit noise), and an
Automatic Volume Reduction (AVR) system (which allows the pilot to instantly select
either ATC or intercom as priority communications source). The AVR system places
the less critical source at a partially muted level for monitoring purposes.
The AA87 (only) can provide Crew Mode capability by installing a remote switch in a
convenient location on the instrument panel. This enables the intercom system to be split
into two independent groups, so that the flight crew can perform radio communication
operations without interruptions from passenger intercom, and the passengers can
converse without stopping whenever the flight crew needs to hear the radio.
The AA86 and AA87 intercoms support various stereo music sources such as portable
tape or CD players, line level and speaker outputs.
The AA86 and AA87 allow the pilot to control the level of muting to suit the situation.
The pilot can choose from a range of full muting during critical communications to none
at all.
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ENG-FORM: 800-0106.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual SM48 Rev. 4.00
An audible warning to the pilot and co-pilot is triggered if any transmitter is keyed for
more than 30 seconds. (This usually indicates a stuck microphone condition.)
In the event that failure occurs in the power source to the AA86 and AA87, the Fail-safe
mode activates automatically, routing the pilot's headset directly to the audio panel or
radio source. If a partial failure occurs within the intercom, it can be manually switched
to the Fail-safe mode by turning the system off.
1.4 Specifications
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications
Inputs:
Power 10 - 32 Vdc @ 0.25 A nominal
Microphones 2/4/6 standard carbon or carbon equivalent (250 mVrms full
output, 150 Ω). Individual gating with adjust depth
Music 1 stereo input (AA86) - 2 stereo inputs (AA87)
(Compatible) Portable Tape/CD, & CD changers with low level pre-amp/
CD Line output
Radio 1 kΩ, 2.5 Vrms
Outputs:
Headset Up to 6 channels @ 100 mW/channel max.
Impedance 4 - 600 Ω
Frequency Resp. 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Distortion Less than 1% THD @ 75 mW/150 Ω
Lamps 2 bi-colored LED’s - On/Off and Pilot transmit
Pilot Isolate and Co-pilot transmit
4 red LED's on 4 and 6 position models -
ICS microphone activity for Pilot,
Co-pilot, and passengers 1 and 2
2 red LED's on 2 position models -
ICS microphone activity for Pilot
and Co-pilot
1.4.2 Physical Specifications
Height 1.1” (28 mm)
Length 5.7” (144 mm) behind panel
Width 3.3” (83 mm)
Weight 0.58 lbs. (260 g)
Mounting Panel mount, vertical or horizontal
End of section 1.0
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ENG-FORM: 800-0106.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM48 Rev. 4.00 AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual
Section 2.0 Installation
2.1 Introduction
Information in this section consists of: unpacking and inspection procedures, installation
procedures, post-installation checks, and installation drawings.
Important Note:
The AA86/87 with NAT faceplates IS NOT
mechanically interchangeable with the previous
QuietFlite version. Mounting holes must be relocated
for retrofit, and installation procedure changes noted.
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. Note that each unit should have the following:
- AA86/87 Stereo Intercom
- Warranty Card
- Release certification
- Installation Kit
- Operator’s Manual
Verify that all items are present before proceeding and report any shortage immediately
to your supplier.
Complete the warranty card information and send it to NAT when the installation is
complete. If you fail to complete the warranty card, the warranty will be activated on
date of shipment from NAT.
2.2.1 Installation Kit Components.
The contents of the NAT AA86/87 Installation Kit are itemised below:
Quantity Description NAT Part #
1 Faceplate, Reversible Horiz./Vert. 50-04-041
2 Knob, Fluted Concentric, Rubber 40-21-041
1 Hoods, D-sub, Plastic 20-29-026
1 Connector, D-sub, Socket, solder 20-20-026
2 Locking Hardware, D-sub, Latch Plate 20-27-026
3 Screw, Panhead, Phillips, Brass, Black 25-11-427
1 Label, Drill Template, AA86/87 43-10-086
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ENG-FORM: 805-0104.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual SM48 Rev. 4.00
2.3 Installation Procedures
2.3.1 Warnings
Do not bundle any lines from this unit with transmitter coax lines. Do not bundle any
audio or DC power lines from this unit with 400 Hz synchro wiring or AC power lines. Do
not position this unit or wiring from this unit next to any device with a strong alternating
magnetic field such as an inverter, or significant audio interference will result.
2.3.2 Cautions
⇒ In all installations, connect exactly as shown and ground as indicated. Significant
ground loop and noise problems may result from not following these guidelines.
⇒ Do not connect the microphone and headphone shields together.
⇒ Use caution when routing microphone and ICS wiring as they use low level signals
prone to coupling from other sources.
⇒ Do not take a ground from the instrument panel or similar location that shares a
ground return with a turn and bank, horizon or other motor driven instrument. This
may cause the Intercom unit to pick up the sound of the motor as ground loop
interference.
⇒ The AA86/87 Intercom should not be connected through the avionics master
switch as it is generally desirable to have the intercom available at all times, even
when the avionics are off.
2.3.3 Cabling and Wiring
For shielded wire applications, use Tefzel Mil-M-27500 or Mil-M-81044 shielded wire
with solder sleeves (for shield terminations) to make the most compact and easy to
terminate interconnect. Follow the wiring diagrams in Section 2.6 as required.
Allow 3 inches from the end of the wire to the shield termination to allow easy
installation of the hood. Note that the hood is a ‘clamshell’ hood, and is installed after
the wiring is complete.
All wiring should be at least 22 AWG, except power and ground lines, which should be
at least 20 AWG. Ensure that all ground connections are clean and well secured.
To prevent system failure or inadequate equipment protection, supply power from a
separate 1.0 A breaker or fuse, not connected to any other source.
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
SM48 Rev. 4.00 AA86/87 Stereo Intercom Manual
2.3.4 Electrical Installation
The AA86/87 Stereo Intercoms employ a single, common ground at Pins 14 and 15.
Ground returns may be tied together and connected to either ground pin.
2.3.4.1 Power
The DC power source (aircraft power or battery, between +10 and +32 volts) must be
connected at Pin 1. Nominal ‘on’ current drain is in the order of 100 ma (175 ma for the
AA87) with peak currents generally less than 0.25 ampere.
2.3.4.2 Microphone
Each microphone (up to six) must be wired to separate mic inputs as follows:
All Models -004 and –006 models only –006 models only
Position
Pin #
Position
Pin #
Position
Pin #
Pilot 25 Passenger Mic #3 4 Passenger Mic #5 16
Co-Pilot 24 Passenger Mic #4 5 Passenger Mic #6 17
Passenger mics may be wired to any location within the aircraft cabin and are
interchangeable. Pilot and Co-Pilot mic 'identities', however, must be properly
maintained to assure proper transmit audio routing during Push-To-Talk (PTT), Pilot
Isolate, and Fail Safe functions.
2.3.4.3 Headphones
Refer to Interconnect drawing AA86\403-0 for full headphone connection specifics.
The Pilot headphones must be wired to Pins 12 and 13 (left and right channels,
respectively) to assure proper Pilot Isolate and Fail-Safe operation. The Co-Pilot
headphones must be wired to Pins 20 and 21 (left and right channels, respectively) to
assure proper CREW Mode operation (CREW Mode is available only on AA87 Models). All
other headphones should be wired to Pins 8 and 9 (left and right channels, respectively).
The AA86/87 can support up to 20 standard aviation headphones. The Intercom output
is a low impedance source that permits direct connection to consumer stereo
headphones (typically between 8 and 50 ohm) as well as standard aviation headphones
(300 ohm). No matching transformers or other specialized connection systems are
required for any headphone impedance within the range of 4-600 ohm.
Headphones of differing impedances may be mixed (e.g. 8 ohm consumer and 300 ohm
aviation) so long as consideration is given to the fact that the lower impedance
headphones (8 ohm consumer) will produce more output (volume) for a given Intercom
volume setting. Therefore, consumer headphones with built-in volume controls should
be employed.
Nov 12, 2003 Page 2-3
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
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