9800 Martel Road
Lenoir City, TN 37772
www.ps-engineering.com
Flying Never Sounded So Good!™
PMA4000
PMA4000
Pilot’s Guide/Operation Manual
Audio Selector Panel
with 4-place
IntelliVOX® Intercom System
FAA--
FAA
Patented under one or more of the following; No. 5,903,277;
6,160,496 and 6,493,450
202--
041--
041
0000
0000
202
TSO C50c
TSO C50c
Rev 1
Rev 1
May 2004
May 2004
1 PMA4000 TSO Pilot Guide & User Manual
General Instructions
SCOPE
This section provides detailed operating instructions for the PS Engin eering
PMA4000 Audio Selector Panel/Intercom Systems. Please read it carefully
before using the equipment so that you can take full advantage of its capabilities.
This section is divided into three sections covering the basic operating areas of the PMA4000 systems. They are: Audio Selector, Transceiver Selection and Intercom.
Approval Basis
The PMA4000 Audio Selector Panels (P/N 11942) are FAA approv ed under TSO C50c (Audio Amplifiers).
Audio Selector
Through the use of four latched, push-button,
back-lit switches, it is possible to select
any or all receiver audio.
When selected, an internal backlight will illuminate indicating
which audio source is selected.
The Com toggle switch controls what transceiver is being
heard by the pilot and copilot.
"C1" (Com 1) and "C2" (Com
2) push-buttons select the receiver, and are used to monitor
a com that is not selected for
transmit. You will always
audio from the transceiver that is selected by the 2-position mic selector toggle
switch.
The users can identify which receivers are selected by noting which pushbutton switches are illuminated. Push buttons labeled N1 (Nav 1), N2 (Nav
2) are "latched" type switches. When one of these buttons is pressed, it will
stay in the "in" position. Press the switch again and it be in the "out" position and remove that receiver from the audio. While selected, an internal
lamp will also annunciate the switch.
hear the
2 PMA4000 TSO-Pilot Guide & User Manual
Intercom Mode Selector Switch
Unit power is turned on and off by the mode selector switch. In the
OFF or "FAIL-SAFE" position,
the pilot is connected directly to Com 1 allowing
transmit and receive capability regardless of unit
condition. Any time power is removed or turned
OFF, the audio selector will be placed in the fail-
safe mode. The switch is a 3-position mode
switch that allows the pilot to tailor the intercom
function to best meet the situation.
I
SO: (Up Position): The pilot is isolated from the intercom and is connected
only to the aircraft radio. He will hear the aircraft radio reception (and sidetone during radio transmissions if provided by the transceiver). Copilot and
passengers will hear the intercom and music on Entertainment input, but
not the aircraft radio receptions or pilot transmissions.
A
LL: (Middle Position): All parties will hear the aircraft radio, intercom,
and music from entertainment input. However, during any intercom communications, the music volume automatically decreases when SoftMute is
active . The music volume increases gradually back to the original level
after communications have been completed.
Speaker Amplifier
Pressing the volume control will activate the cockpit speaker. This switch
will place all selected audio on the cockpit speaker when selected. The
speaker is automatically muted when the radio push to talk (PTT) is active.
To reduce power consumption and internal heat buildup, switch off the
speaker amplifier when not in use.
Microphone (Transmit) Selector Switch
Microphone Selector
The up switch position is C
copilot will be connected to the Com l transceiver.
While in the C
OM 1 or COM 2 mode, the intercom
functions normally. Both the pilot and copilot have
transmit capabilities on the selected transceiver. All
hear the selected audio if the intercom is in the A
mode. Only the person who presses their Push To
Talk (PTT), will be heard over the aircraft radio.
Placing the toggle switch in the C
place pilot and copilot on Com 2.
The PMA4000-Series has an automatic selector mode. Audio from the se-
OM 1. Both pilot and
LL
OM 2 position will
3 PMA4000 TSO Pilot Guide & User Manual
lected transceiver is automatically heard in the headsets and speaker (when
selected). You can check this function by switching from C
OM 1 to COM 2
and watch the selected audio light on the selector change from C1 to C2.
This ensures the pilot will never transmit on a radio is not listening to.
When switching from C
OM 1 to COM 2 while Com 2 has NOT been se-
lected, Com 1 audio will be switched off. In essence, switching the mic
selector will not effect the selection of Com receiver audio.
Volume Control
The pilot volume control knob adjusts the loudness of intercom and music
in the pilot’s headphones only. It has no effect on selected radio audio
levels. The copilot volume control adjusts the loudness of the intercom and
music in the copilot headset. The passenger volu me is also adjusted by the
copilot volume control. Most general
aviation headsets have a built-in volume
control, so volume can be adjusted
“locally.” The copilot volume control is
also controllable through the rear
connector, so a tandem aircraft can adjust
the volume from a different location.
VOX-Squelch Control
The PMA4000 incorporates PS Engineering’s revolutionary IntelliVox® No adjustment of the squelch control is required. Through two individual signal
processors, the ambient noise appearing in all four microphones is constantly being sampled. Non-voice signals are blocked. When someone
speaks, only their microphone circuit opens, placing their voice on the intercom.
The system is designed to block continuous tones, therefore people humming or whistling in monotone may be blocked after a few moments.
For best performance, the headset microphone must be placed within ¼
inch of your lips, preferably against them. It is also a good id ea 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. The IntelliVox® is
designed to work with normal aircraft cabin noise levels (70 dB and
above). It loves airplane noise! Therefore, it may not recognize speech and
clip syllables in a quiet cabin, such as in the hangar, or without the engine
running. This is normal.
For optimum microphone performance, PS Engineering, Inc. recommends
installation 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.
4 PMA4000 TSO-Pilot Guide & User Manual
Intercom Modes
Mode Pilot Hears Copilot
Hears
ISO
All
A/C Radio
Pilot Sidetone
(during radio
transmission)
Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Passenger
Hears
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Comments
This mode allows the pilot to
communicate with the air
traffic control without the
copilot or passengers bothered by the conversations.
Copilot and passengers can
continue to talk and listen to
music
This mode allows all on
board to hear radio reception as well as communicate
on the intercom. Music and
intercom is muted during
intercom and radio communications
The audio selector panel has provisions for an entertainment input device.
While in the ISO (Isolate) mode, only the copilot and the two passengers
will hear entertainment device. In normal operation, whenever a person
speaks or if the aircraft radio becomes active, the music will automatically
mute and then will gradually return to the original listening level when the
radio or intercom activity ceases.
If a stereo entertainment device is used, the left and right channels can be
combined in the plug to provide full sound.
Push to talk intercom mode
In some extremely high noise environments, it may be desirable to have a
push to talk (PTT) intercom, instead of relying on voice-activation (VOX).
In the PMA4000 audio panel the PTT intercom capability is added. To op erate the PTT, Activate the panel-mounted VOX override switch. Then, the
ICS PTT switch on the pilot or copilot side will allow voice on the intercom.
Internal Recorder System (11941, only)
The PMA4000 (part number 11941) has an available internal recorder option. This stores the last 60 seconds of radio traffic from the selected COM
transceiver (the one selected for transmit).
The recorder function is automatic. Pressing the momentary switch associated with the playback, will cause the last message to played (incoming
5 PMA4000 TSO Pilot Guide & User Manual
radio and transmit sidetone). This will be heard in all headsets and sp eaker
(if selected). To hear older messages, push the playback button repeatedly
to “back up” the recorder, until the desired message is heard.
Holding the IRS playback button for three seconds will stop the message
playback and queues the system to the next preceding message. This allows
quick access to previous messages.
The recorder is a continuous loop, and newest ones will overwrite the oldest messages.
The IRS has an internal squelch that prevents storing ‘dead’ air. A radio
signal of more than 1 VRMS is needed to trigger the IRS. Therefore, if the
IRS does not seem to be recording, increase the aircraft radio volume
slightly.
Limitations
Any entertainment device connected through the PMA4000 must be
switched off during take off and la n di n g.
Emergency Procedures
In the event that the unit exhibits any anomalous behavior, such as an audio
failure, transmitter failure, or other difficulty, the unit can be switched off
in the following manner:
1. Placing the Intercom Mode Selector Switch (see Figure 1-2) into
the “OFF” position.
2. Pulling the Audio Panel Circuit Breaker.
This activates the fail-safe mode, which connects the pilot’s headset directly to Com 1. This allows communications or the pilot only, on Com 1
only.
6 PMA4000 TSO-Pilot Guide & User Manual
Warranty and Service
In order for the factory warranty to be valid, the installations in a certified aircraft must be accomplished by an FAA- approved agency, and authorized PS
Engineering dealer.
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 installation. During
this one-year warranty period, PS Engineering, Inc., at its option, will send a
replacement unit at our expense if the unit should be determined to be defective after consultation with a factory technician. The customer is responsible
for return shipment costs.
This warranty is not transferable. Any implied warranties expire at the expiration date of this warranty. PS Engineering 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 that may 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 you.
Factory Service
The PMA4000 is covered by a one-year limited warranty. See warranty information.
Call PS Engineering, Inc. at (865) 988-9800 before you return the 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 Road
Lenoir City, TN 37772
(865) 988-9800 FAX (865) 988-6619.
www.ps-engineering.com/suport.shtml
If no method of payment is provided, the units will be returned COD.
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.
7 PMA4000 TSO Pilot Guide & User Manual
PS Engineering, Inc. 2004 ©
Copyright Notice
Copyrighted information in this manual is subject to change without notice. PS Engineering
reserves the right to improve or change the products or contents of this manual, without
notification of any person or agency. The contents of this pilot’s guide may be downloaded,
stored and reprinted for personal use provided that this copyright information is included.
Commercial use is strictly prohibited. For further information contact the Publications Manager
at PS Engineering, Inc., 9800 Martel Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772. Phone (865) 988-9800
8 PMA4000 TSO-Pilot Guide & User Manual
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