PS Engineering Aerocom III User Manual

aerocom® III
Portable Stereo Intercom
with
P
P
IntelliVox®
G
G
UIDE
UIDE
Flying Never Sounded So Good®
aerocom® III Operation Manual Page 1
200-003-0002 Rev 5 September 2013
Congratulations on your purchase of the PS Engineering Inc® aero­com III®, the intelligent choice in portable intercoms. Please read this manual fully to take advantage of the aerocom III features.
Description
The aerocom III is a 2-place portable intercom with individual IntelliVo® circuits for the pilot and copilot. The IntelliVox® (Voice Activated Squelch or VOX) prevents mic audio from getting through the intercom until someone speaks and automatically opens the circuit. The volume control adjusts the intercom level for both headsets and functions as the power switch.
The aerocom III has an automatic, fail-safe connection to the aircraft radio. In the event that power to the intercom is lost, or it is turned off, an internal relay will immediately connect the pilot's headset directly to the air­craft radio connection.
An entertainment input allows the pilot and copilot to listen to stereo music during flight. During radio or intercom activity, this music automati­cally mutes to allow communications without distraction. A SoftMute™ circuit gradually returns the music to full volume after the radio or intercom activity ceases.
The 2-position switch acts as a mode selector. In the ALL position, each position will hear the aircraft radio, music, and each other. In the ISO posi­tion, (isolation mode) only the pilot is connected to the aircraft radio for un­disturbed radio communications. In ISO, the pilot is no longer on the inter-
com
. The copilot will continue to hear
the music input.
With the aerocom III, both the pilot and copilot have radio transmit capa­bilities. Only the person who presses their Push To Talk (PTT) will be heard over the aircraft radio. If both pilot and copilot press the PTT, the copilot will override.
Specifications
Internal Power: 9 VDC battery (Duracell MN1604, or equiv) External Input power: 12-28 Volts DC Headphone Impedance: 150-1000 ΩTypical
Total audio power available: 80 mW
Audio Distortion: <10% @ 75 mW into 150 load
Aircraft Radio Impedance: 1000 Typical ±3 dB Mic Frequency Response: 600 Hz-2800 Hz ±3 dB Music Frequency Response: 200 Hz - 15 kHz Net weight: 10.5 Ounces Dimensions: 4.375” L x 3.250” W x 1.500” h
The aerocom III is designed to work with either 12 or 28 volt DC negative ground systems. The aerocom III power cable is internally protected with a 3-amp fuse.
Entertainment Input
A low-cost entertainment device (CD player, cassette player, etc.) can be connected to the aerocom III. An interface cable with a " stereo con­nector (not provided) can be used to provide a input. Use a NON AT­TENUATING type interface cable. The entertainment will be automati­cally muted when the ICS becomes active.
When the intercom or radio traffic ceases, PS Engineering's SoftMute circuit will allow the music to return slowly to the previous level
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Push to Talk
Part of the aerocom III operation includes the use of PTT (Push-To­Talk) switches (not included) that al­low the use of your aircraft communi­cations radio for transmissions.
There are several possible configura­tions. Only the person pressing their PTT will be heard over the radio.
If the aircraft has a control wheel mounted PTT for the pilot, and only pilot transmission is desired, no action is required (See Fig. 1).
A/C Panel,
Mic and Headphone jacks
If there is no PTT installed, and only the pilot position desires to transmit, connect a remote PTT between the aerocom III and aircraft mic jack, as shown in Fig 3.
If both pilot and copilot positions are
A/C Panel,
Mic and Headphone jacks
Re mote
PTT
Pil ot Hea dset
switch
aerocom III
Fig. 3– Pilot ONLY PTT with portable switch
Copilot Headset
Pil ot Hea dset
aerocom III
Copilot Headset
Fig. 1– Pilot PTT built-in control wheel
For copilot transmit capability, a modified (See Appendix A) external PTT switch must be connected to the copilot’s microphone jack.
You must connect the push to talk switches into the aerocom III micro­phone inputs, and then insert your headset into the PTT cable (Fig. 2).
A/C Panel,
Mic and Headphone jacks
Pil ot Hea dset
aerocom III
Fig 2– Pilot built-in, copilot PTT with external switch
Copilot Headset
Copilot Re mote
PTT
switch
to talk on the radio, two modified (see Appendix A) external PTT switches
are required, as shown in Fig 4.
Most after-market Push to Talk
A/C Panel,
Mic and Headphone jacks
Pilot Headset
Pilot
Remote
PTT
switch
Fig. 4– Pilot and copilot PTT using MODIFIED portable switches
aerocom III
Copilot Headset
Copilot Remote
PTT
switch
switches must be modified before use with the aerocom III. This is because the microphone audio circuit is opened by the switch, and no signal can reach the intercom when not transmitting. See Appendix A. PS Engineering can provide a modified PTT for $24.95. Call 1-800-ICS-AERO to order.
Input Power
The aerocom III is powered by a
aerocom® III Operation Manual Page 3
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9V battery (Duracell MN1604, or
equiv.). After about 12 hours of use, the battery will be exhausted. At this point the copilot position can no longer transmit, extending the remaining bat­tery life, although the intercom is still active. At this time the battery should be replaced, or the aerocom III discon­nected from the aircraft. The aerocom III does have a fail safe system, so the pilot can continue to use the aircraft radio when the battery is depleted.
To replace the battery, open the battery compartment located on the bottom of the unit (see Fig. 6). Carefully remove the battery and disconnect the clip. Connect a fresh 9V battery, and reinstall into the unit.
Aircraft power (12 or 28 VDC) can be connected using the power cable (provided). When using ex­ternal power, be sure that the plug is fully engaged with the jack, with the plug body against the unit case. It is not necessary to remove the battery when using aircraft power.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Switch on the aerocom III by turning the volume control knob clockwise. This also engages the automatic fail­safe system.
Adjusting the Volume
The volume control knob adjusts the loudness of the intercom for both headsets. Turning the control clock­wise increases the audio. Many head­sets have volume controls on them. If it becomes necessary to reduce the volume for an individual headset, the other should be set at maximum, and the unit volume set for a comfortable level. That individual can then reduce their volume accordingly.
The volume control on the aerocom III does not affect the aircraft radio or music.
VOX Squelch Control
No adjustment of the IntelliVox® squelch control is necessary. Through micro-controller processors, the ambi­ent noise in both microphones is con­stantly being sampled. Non-voice sig­nals are blocked. When someone speaks, only their microphone circuit opens, allowing their voice on the intercom.
For best performance, the micro­phone must be placed within ¼ inch of your lips, preferably against them. It is also a good idea to keep the micro­phone out of a direct wind path. Mov­ing your head through a vent air stream may cause the IntelliVox® to open momentarily. This is normal.
For optimum microphone perform­ance, we recommend installing a leath­erette microphone muff. This will not only optimize VOX performance, but will improve the overall clarity of all your communications.
The mode selector is a 2-position switch. Regardless of configuration, the pilot will always hear the radio.
ISO: The pilot is isolated from the intercom and connected to the aircraft radios. He will hear only the aircraft radio reception and sidetone (during radio transmissions). The copilot will hear the intercom and music but not the aircraft radio.
All: Both positions will hear the aircraft radio reception and transmis­sions, intercom, and music. However, during any radio or intercom activity, the music volume automatically de-
creases
.
the volume level of
Mode Select
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Interconnect
Refer to Fig. 5 for jack locations. The aerocom III has a ” jack for Stereo Music, a power jack for aircraft power, which disconnects the battery.
The aerocom III is expandable to 4-place intercom using the 2717A expansion unit and the expansion jack.
Appendix A,
PTT Modifications
When received from the manufac­turer, an after-market PTT switch opens the mic audio path to the "ring" connection of the PTT mic plug. When the PTT is between the intercom and the headset, the intercom audio path will not work until the PTT switch is depressed. A simple modification can be performed to allow proper intercom operation.
NOTE: This modification does not alter normal radio operation.
Due to the variety of different PTT manufacturers, we can’t provide all of the specific instructions. Contact the PTT manufacturer if you require more information, or purchase a modified PTT from PS Engineering for $24.95.
Portable PTT
MIC
+
P-T-T SWITCH
GND
Warranty
PS Engineering, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defect in mate­rial and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, the unit must be returned to PS Engineering, Inc. and, at its option, we will send a replacement at no charge. The cus­tomer is responsible for shipping charges returning the unit to PS Engi­neering.
This warranty is not transferable. Any implied warranties expire at the expiration date of this warranty.
WE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN­TIAL DAMAGES. This warranty does not cover a defect that has re­sulted from improper or unreasonable use or maintenance as determined by us. This warranty is void if there is any attempt to dissemble this product without factory authorization.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary, from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusions may not apply to your state.
Added By-Pass
MIC PLUG
MIC AUDIO
PTT LINE
Modified P-T-T Schematic
Modified P-T-T Schematic
aerocom® III Operation Manual Page 5
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Service
Call PS Engineering, Inc. at (865) 988-9800 before you return any unit. This will allow the service technician to provide any other suggestions for identifying the problem and recommend possible solutions.
After discussing the problem with the technician and you obtain a Return Authorization Number, ship product to:
PS Engineering, Inc. Attn: Service Department 9800 Martel Rd. Lenoir City, TN 37772 (865) 988-9800 FAX (865) 988-6619 Email: contact@ps-engineering.com
Units that arrive without an RMA number, or telephone number for a responsible contact, will be returned un-repaired. PS Engineering is not responsible for items sent via US Mail.
Looking from aircraft cable end
Power Jack
Expansion Jack
Fig. 5, Jack Connections
Aircraft Radio Cables
Music Jack
PWR A/C
EXP
aerocom III
2-Place Stereo Portable Intercom with IntelliVox
Product No. 2716A Serial No.
Radio
TM
Music
TM
NOTES:
Battery Cover
Fig. 6, Battery Compartment
Page 6 Operation Manual aerocom® III
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Note: For optimum microphone performance, we recommend use of a Microphone Muff Kit from Oregon Aero (1-800-888-6910). This will not only optimize VOX performance, but will improve the overall clarity of all your communications.
Headset
Model Part Number
Manufacturer
Bose Dynamic
Electret M87
David Clark H10-30
H10-20, H10-40 H10-13.4, 13X H20-10X
90010 90015 90020
90010 90015 90015 90015
Lightspeed All 90015
Peltor 7003
ANR Pro, 7000
90010 90015
Pilot 11-20, 11-90, 1776, DXL 90015
Sennheiser All 90015
Telex Airman 750, AIR4000
AIR3000, Echelon 100
90010 90015
aerocom® III Operation Manual Page 7
200-003-0002 Rev 5 September 2013
aerocom III Serial Number:_______________
Purchased from: _______________________
Purchase date: ________________________
Page 8 Operation Manual aerocom® III
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