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PA-400ST
400 Series Intercoms
Operational Guide
“4-Station, Stereo, Cell/Satellite Phone Capable”
Table of Contents
Introduction 1.0
Features 2.0
Off/On Power 2.0
Squelch Setting 2.1
3-Way Settings 2.2
Music-In 3.0
Cell Phone 3.1
Battery Power 3.2
Auxiliary Power 3.3
Backlighting On/Off 3.4
Pilot’s Volume 3.5
Co-Pilot / Passenger Volume 3.6
Fail Safe Mode 4.0
PTT / Y-Adapter Set-Up 4.1
Warranty Service 4.2
Technical Specifications 4.3
Welcome to the World of Clear Communications
The stereo version PA-400ST intercom is a portable design that has been used successfully in general
aviation for over 18 years. No other intercom on the market has the features and capabilities of this amazing
intercom. This particular series has been recently modified to include a cell phone jack for your safety and
convenience. Before using in an aircraft we recommend that you take a check-ride in your living room and
become familiar with all the features of your new intercom. We hope that our intercom will enhance your
flying experience for many years to come. If you have any questions after reading this manual, please do
not hesitate to contact us:Toll Free: 888-GO-PILOT or Tel: 949-748-8880.
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PA-400ST Intercom Features
Completely Portable
Four Station Capability
3-Way Operation: Pilot / Crew / All
Separate Mic Circuits for Front and Back
Superior SQL Circuitry
Dual Volume Control
On/Off Power Switch
Back-Lit Control Panel with On/Off Button
Fail-Safe Feature
Music In / Cell Phone Jack
Record Out Jack
Push-To-Talk Jacks (2)
Battery Powered By Two 9V Alkaline Batteries
Auxiliary Power Jack & Cigarette Power Cord
Adapter with Inline Fuse for Protection
Disengage Power Feature
3-Year Warranty
2.0 Off/On Power
The intercom is turned on by turning the Pilot’s volume control clockwise. The control has a definite click
when it is turned on or off. In order to remember to turn the intercom off, many Pilots add a ‘Power off
Intercom’ instruction to their aircraft checklist.
2.1 Squelch (SQL) Setting
The sensitivity of the squelch is controlled by turning the control clockwise (increasing sensitivity) or by
turning the control counter-clockwise (decreasing sensitivity). The squelch can be adjusted to meet even the
most extreme noise levels of aircraft noise. Setting the squelch properly allows the intercom to be active
only when someone speaks into their headset microphone. The intercom will become inactive as soon as
they stop speaking. In this manner all extraneous noise in the cockpit is not heard over the microphone.
2.2 Three-Way Operation Control
Your intercom is equipped with a 3-way operation control. The three settings allow the intercom to be used
in three of the most common situations encountered in an aircraft. The 3 modes are PILOT / CREW / ALL.
Pilot: This setting is commonly referred to as the Pilot Isolate feature. In this setting the Pilot can isolate
themselves from the Co-Pilot and passengers in the aircraft. The other stations can still hear the Pilot’s
transmission to ATC but they will not be able to distract or interfere with the Pilot. In this setting, the Co-Pilot
and passengers can communicate with one another
Crew: This setting allows the Crew (Pilot & Co-Pilot) to communicate with one another without any
interference from the passengers. This allows the Crew to not be subjected to any chit-chat or distractions
from passengers. In essence, in this setting the intercom functions as two separate intercoms allowing the
Pilot and Co-Pilot to be on one channel and the passengers on another.
All: This setting allows all individuals plugged into the intercom to communicate with one another. All
persons can hear and be heard in this setting. All persons will hear ATC transmissions and can listen to
music if an input source is connected.
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3.0 Music-In Jack
With the PA-400ST stereo version intercom you will be able to listen to music in true stereo. The intercom
comes with a cord labeled Music-In. Plug the end of the cord labeled Music-In directly into the jack labeled
Music-In/Cell Phone. Plug the other end of the cord with the 3.5mm plug into your music source (IPOD,
MP3, CD Player etc.).
3.1 Cell Phone
Our latest modification to our proven intercom is the addition of a cell phone jack. This will allow the pilot to
use their cell phone though the intercom while still wearing a headset. Some cell phones may require an
adapter which can be purchased at most electronic stores. This feature also provides the Pilot with a backup for the aircraft radio should the radio have a malfunction. Your intercom comes with three cords labeled
Cell Phone, Music-In and Record-Out. The end of the cord labeled Cell Phone plugs directly into the jack on
the intercom labeled Music-In/Cell Phone. To use a cell phone with the intercom, you will need to set the 3way control setting to CREW or ALL mode. The Pilot Isolate mode will not work with a cell phone as its
function is still maintained to isolate the Pilot from anything other than ATC. In CREW mode, with the cell
phone plugged in, the Co-Pilot will hear the Pilot-in-command talking on the phone. If the Pilot does not
want the Co-Pilot to hear the conversation, the squelch needs to be turned all the way counterclockwise.
The same rule applies in the ALL mode. If the Pilot is in ALL mode and wants privacy, the squelch should be
turned all the way counterclockwise. The Pilot can then talk in a low voice and the passengers will not hear
them because their headsets will block out any noise or conversation. Of course when the squelch is fully
turned counterclockwise while the phone is engaged, nobody except the Pilot will have a functioning
microphone. Air Traffic Control will always be more intelligible (louder) than music or incoming cell phone
conversation allowing the pilot to always hear ATC transmissions.
3.2 Battery Power
We recommend using two 9V alkaline batteries to operate your intercom. The intercom can operate on one
9V battery, but the installation of two will provide you with 40-50 hours of maintenance free use. We
recommend that you keep a log of when your batteries were installed so that you have a good idea when
they should be changed.
3.3 Auxiliary power Cord (Cigarette lighter Adapter)
The adapter is recommended to be used only as a back-up power source. All aircraft manufacturers
recommend not using the cigarette lighter adapter as a power source for portable accessories. The adapter
supplied with the unit has been UL approved and has a built-in fuse in the body of the adapter to prevent
damage to the intercom or the aircraft. Replace the fuse only with the same type 2A-125V or 250V fuse.
3.4 Back-Lighting with On/Off Button
Your intercom is equipped with a chrome button that enables you to illuminate the intercom’s control panel
for night flying or if the intercom is placed in a position where it is dark in the cockpit. The back-lighting does
use more power from the 9V battery so if you are using the intercom and the backlighting is not required, we
suggest turning the control panel lighting off.
3.5 Pilot’s Volume Control
The Pilot’s volume control also serves as the Off/On Switch. You increase the volume by turning the control
clockwise. Decrease the volume by turning the control counter-clockwise.
3.6 Co-Pilot / Passenger Volume Control
This control regulates the volume heard by the Co-Pilot and passengers. It operates independently of the
Pilot’s volume control.
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4.0 Fail-Safe Feature
The PA-400ST intercom is equipped with a Fail-Safe feature. This means if your batteries fail, you will still
be able to hear ATC transmission - but the level of volume will be reduced. If this should occur, you can
connect the auxiliary power cord, supplied with your intercom, to the cigarette lighter jack in the aircraft.
4.1 PTT / Y-Adapter Set-Up
Up to 2 Portable PTT switches can be used with this unit. The Pilot and Co-Pilot can connect a portable PTT
switch by connecting the PTT’s microphone plug to its’ Y-adapter. The Y-adapter would plug directly into the
aircraft.
4.2 Warranty Service
If your unit requires service we recommend you send it directly to Pilot Communications USA so the repair
or replacement can be expedited. Please remember you are sending an electronic component and package
the unit appropriately. We recommend FedEx or US Priority Mail. Please ship prepaid and enclose $12.00
for return shipping & handling.
4.3 Technical Specifications
Power: 2 Alkaline 9V Batteries or Auxiliary Power Cord
Current Drain: Leakage 0 mA Standby; 10 mA In Use
Dynamic Response: 500mS (VOX controlled) Off - 12mS (VOX controlled) On
Volume Control: 35 dB
Battery Lifetime: 40-50 Hours Of Use
Headphone Interface: PJ-055B, (M642/4-1) MIL-P-642
Microphone Interface: PJ-068 (M642/5-1) MIL-P-642
Cell Phone Interface: 2.5mm Plug
Auxiliary Power Cord: UL Approved, Fuse 2A-125V or 250V Fuse
Pilot Communications USA
70 Maxwell
Irvine, CA 92618
Toll Free: 1-888-GO-PILOT Tel: 949-748-8880 Fax: 949-748-8881
www.pilot-usa.com
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