Covered under one or more of the following Patents
4,941,187; 5,903,227; 6,160,496; 6,493,450;
7,391,877
FAA-Approved: TSO C139a, C35d, C71
Flying never sounded so good ®
202-450-0000Page1Nov.2014PMA450PilotGuide
This section provides detailed operating instructions for the PS Engineering
PMA450, Audio Selector Panel/Marker Beacon Receiver/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 sections covering the basic operating areas of the
PMA450 systems. They are Communications Transceiver Selection, Audio
Selector, Intercom, Marker Beacon Receiver and special functions, including
the Bluetooth® functionality in the PMA450.
PMA450 Operating Controls
Power Switch (1) (On/Off and EMG-Fail Safe Operation)
Unit power is turned on and off by pushing the volume knob (1). There is a
built in delay to prevent accidental shut off while adjusting the intercom volume in turbulent conditions. In the OFF or "EMG" position, the pilot headset
is connected directly to Com 1 as well as unswitched input #1. This allows
communication capability regardless of unit condition. Any time power is
removed or turned OFF, the audio selector will revert to fail-safe mode.
The power switch controls all audio selector panel functions, intercom and
marker beacon receiver. All transceiver and receiver selections will be remembered and return to the last state when turned on.
Menu Selection (6)
The PMA450 uses a Liquid Crystal Display and three line-select
buttons to access advanced functionality in a very logical manner.
Press the line select key to select
a specific item on each menu. Items are toggled on and off by pressing the
line select key as well.
Page 2202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
When navigating the menus, the screen will automatically return to this
“home” screen after a period of inactivity. This delay time is configurable for
between 1 and 30 seconds, on the initialization menu.
A vertical bar next to a button,
indicates the button can perform a
function on that menu.
A split bar indicates that a secondary function is available when
that button is held for more than 1
second. These functions are:
The PMA450 has four buttons to select communications transceiver functions, two each C1 and C2. C1
refers to VHF COM 1, and C2, to VHF COM 2. To
select a VHF COM for transmit; push the lower button in the XMT (transmit) section. The radio is automatically selected to receive incoming radio calls
when the XMT is selected. With a PMA450, you
will never transmit on a radio that you are not receiving.
To select a VHF COM radio to listen only, push the C1 or C2 button in the
RCV (Receive) section.
The PMA450 will remember when you have selected a radio for receive
only, and then switch to it for transmission and switch back to receive only.
Split Mode
In the SPLIT mode, the pilot position transmits and
receives on COM 1, and the copilot can transmit and
receive on COM 2 independently.
Pressing the C1 and C2 XMT buttons together (above
the └SPLIT┘ legend), puts the PMA450 into SPLIT
com mode.
The intercom is deactivated automatically when
you enter SPLIT mode.
oPush the ICS button until the green LED lights
up CRW to restore intercom between pilot and copilot.
oIntercom between crew and passengers is not possible in split mode
The spatial component of IntelliAudio ® is defeated in split mode.
To exit SPLIT mode, simply select C1 or C2 XMT button
202-450-0000Page 3Nov. 2014 PMA450 Pilot Guide
COM Audio Selector (3)
Communication audio from the other radio, not selected for transmit, can be
heard by pressing the associated RCV button. You will always hear the audio from the selected transceiver.
Swap Mode (Switch from Com 1 to Com 2 remotely)
With an optional yoke mounted, normally open momentary switch, the pilot
can change from the current Com transceiver to the other by pressing this
switch. To cancel "Swap Mode," either press the yoke mounted switch again,
or select a different Com with the XMT buttons.
IntelliAudio® Dimensional Audio
Various audio signals are presented to the DSP and processed to “appear” in
a different location to the crew.“Multi-Talker” (US Patent #7,391,877) speci-
fies up to nine locations. This helps the crew to better comprehend speech by
locating it in a manner easier differentiated by the human brain.
Intercom and other audio is not spatially processed, only the pilot and copilot
VHF COM audio.
The spatially processed dimensional sound in the PMA450 can be adjusted
to accommodate the user preferences.
This adjustment allows the Spatial
Audio inputs to be “relocated” on
any of nine (9) defined “Head Related Transfer Function” (HTRF) locations.
Push IntelliAudio → IntelliAudio Config to access. In the IntelliAudio®
mode, repeated pressing of the COM 1 or COM 2 line select buttons moves
the corresponding half-circle cursor to the locations relative to the listener
graphic in sequence.
Pressing the Done button exits the configuration setting mode. This setting
is recalled at system power up.
Com Monitor Mode
The PMA450 is equipped with a
Monitor function, which allows a
secondary com radio audio to be
muted by the primary radio (selected
for transmit).
To toggle the Monitor mode on and off, Press IntelliAudio → MONITOR
Page 4202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
NOTE: Monitor Mode and Spatial Audio Processing (IntelliAudio) are mutually exclusive – entering one mode will cancel the other.
Navaid Selection (4)
VHF Navigation receivers can be selected directly from the front
panel with the N1 and N2 (VHF Navigation receiver 1 and 2) buttons. The selected source is indicated by a green LED.
Additional navigation aid or other audio sources can be selected
using the LCD menus.
Press the top line select RADIO → SWITCHED INPUTS, → and
desired audio source.
NOTE: Switched Inputs can be renamed at the configuration set up. See
page 13 for more information.
In SPLIT mode, only the pilot will
hear selected navigation audio.
Speaker Amplifier (7)
To activate the PMA450 cockpit
speaker output, press and hold the
bottom line-select button (SPR)
for 1 second or until SPR appears
in the display.
In “Split Mode” audio that the
pilot hears will also be present in
the speaker.
Unswitched audio #1 & #2, (the inputs dedicated to autopilot disconnect,
altimeter warning, etc.) will come through the speaker regardless of the
speaker button position.
Depending on installation, important audio annunciations such as radar altimeter or autopilot disconnect will come over the speaker even if it is not
selected, while other unswitched, but muted inputs, such as GPS alerts, will
only be present if the SPR button is selected. Consult your professional avionics installer for these important configuration details.
Public Address Function
To access PA function, press and hold the center line select button for more
than 1 second, until the display
changes to PUBLIC ADDRESS.
When the pilot is speaking on
the PA, all microphones except
for the Pilot will be disabled for
202-450-0000Page 5Nov. 2014 PMA450 Pilot Guide
complete and uninterrupted announcements.
The pilot microphone will be heard on the speaker and headsets when the
pilot PTT is used.
The copilot can continue to use the selected com radio while the pilot will be
heard over the speaker.
To exit PA mode, push and hold the
middle line-select button again until
PUBLIC ADDRESS is off or cycle
power on the audio panel.
The Marker Beacon Receiver uses visual and audio indicators to alert you
when the aircraft passes over a 75
MHz transmitter.
The audio from the Marker Beacon
Receiver can be heard by pushing the
"MKR" button. AUD will light up
green.
The Blue lamp, labeled “O”, is the
Outer Marker lamp and has an associated 400-Hertz 'dash' tone. The lamp
and tone will be keyed at a rate of two tones/flashes per second when the
aircraft is in the range of the Outer Marker Beacon.
The Amber lamp, labeled “M”, is the Middle Marker lamp and is coupled
with a 1300 Hertz tone. It is keyed alternately with short 'dot' and long 'dash'
bursts at 95 combinations per minute.
The White lamp, labeled “I”, is the Inner marker and has a 3000 Hertz 'dot'
tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of six times per second.
Holding the MKR button for 1 second activates marker test lamp, labeled "T/
M" and illuminates all three lamps simultaneously to assure the lamps
(internal and external) are in working order. Test mode does not activate
MM autopilot sense output. Releasing the button returns to the last sensitivity.
Pressing the marker mode select (“MKR”) for one second, while beacon
audio is active, will also cause the marker audio to mute for that beacon. The
next beacon received will re-activate the audio.
The marker beacon receiver audio volume can be adjusted from the menu.
Press RADIO → VOLUMES →MARKER, and turn the small knob to
adjust the marker beacon volume. The
green volume bar and numerical readout
Page 6202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
will indicate the receiver volume in this menu. NOTE: marker volume cannot be turned completely off. Units without marker receiver will not have a
MKR Volume menu.
Marker Beacon sensitivity is changed
from Low to High sensitivity by pressing and holding the MKR button for 2
seconds, or until “H” appears in the
display, indicating High sensitivity is
activated.
Intercom Operation (8)
No adjustment of the IntelliVox® squelch control is necessary. Through individual signal processing, the ambient noise appearing in all six 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 consistent performance, any headset microphone must be placed within
¼-inch of your lips, preferably against them. (ref: RTCA/DO-214A, 1.3.1.1(a)).
NOTE
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.
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 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.
Intercom Volume Control (1)
The smaller inner volume control knob adjusts
the loudness of the intercom for the pilot and
copilot. It has no effect on selected radio levels,
music input levels or passengers' volume level.
The outer, larger volume control knob controls intercom volume for the passengers. It has no effect on radio or music levels. (Music can be adjusted
independently from a dedicated music menu) When the volume knobs are
202-450-0000Page 7Nov. 2014 PMA450 Pilot Guide
moved, the green volume bar indicator will show the level of the changing
intercom volume.
Adjust the radios (at the radio itself) and intercom volume for a comfortable
listening level.
Mono headsets in Stereo Installation
Not recommended, because the benefit of IntelliAudio is lost. How-
ever, if desired, the PMA450 can be installed monaurally by using
the LEFT audio connections only (left side contains Fail-Safe audio).
Do NOT short left and right together.
NOTE: Mono headsets that short the tip and ring (i.e. older models)
will introduce some audio distortion when used. Modern, stereo headsets are recommended in all positions.
Intercom Modes (8)
The “ICS” pushbutton switch on the panel provides the selection of the
three intercom modes. The description of the intercom
mode function is valid only when the unit is not in the
"Split" mode. In the split mode, the pilot and copilot intercom is controlled by the ICS button selecting CRW.
This button cycles through the intercom modes, from left
to right, then right to left as: ISO, ALL, CRW and CRW,
ALL, ISO. A green indicator shows which mode is currently active.
ISO (Pilot Isolate): The pilot is isolated from the intercom and is connected
only to the aircraft radio system. He will hear the aircraft radio reception (and sidetone during radio transmissions). Copilot will hear pas-
sengers’ intercom and Music, while passengers will hear copilot inter-
com and Music. Neither will hear aircraft radio receptions or pilot
transmissions. The pilot can hear music if desired.
ALL: All parties will hear the aircraft radio and intercom. Crew and passen-
gers will hear selected Music. During any radio or intercom communications, the music volume automatically decreases. The music volume
increases gradually back to the original level after communications
have been completed. The music muting can be activated by radio only,
radio and intercom, or nothing, for a Karaoke mode.
CRW (CREW): Pilot and copilot are connected on one intercom channel
and have exclusive access to the aircraft radios. They may also listen to
Music. Passengers can continue to communicate with themselves without interrupting the crew and may listen to music as configured.
Page 8202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
Alternate Intercom Mode
The PMA450 includes an Alternate Intercom Mode. This mode allows intercom
communications between crew and pas-
sengers, without interrupting the crew’s
radio communications. The passengers do
not hear the aircraft radio audio. The passenger microphones are muted, such
that the crew cannot hear the passengers’ microphone audio while the radio
is active. Passengers can still talk to each other.
To enable the Alternate Intercom Mode, press RADIO → Intercom: to
toggle between Standard and Alternate modes. This state is remembered
during power cycles.
Music Distribution and Music Muting
The PMA450 has two independent music
inputs at the rear connector. The PMA450
also has the ability to receive streaming
music from a Bluetooth-enabled device
which will be connected as Music #1.
The Music 1 and Music 2 inputs can be
selectively delivered to the pilot, copilot
and/or passengers using the music distribution menu.
Streaming Bluetooth® Music is in parallel
with Music 1.
Press Music → Music Distribution→ and select desired combination.
NOTE:
All music devices should be turned off for takeoff, landing, or any critical
phase of flight. FAA Regulation 14 CFR 91.21 restricts the use of portable
electronic devices.
§91.21 “(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person
may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow
the operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following
U.S.-registered civil aircraft. . .
“(b)(5) Any other portable electronic
device that the operator of the aircraft
has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it
is to be used.”
You can refer to Advisory Circular 91.21-1A for more information, at
www.faa.gov
202-450-0000Page 9Nov. 2014 PMA450 Pilot Guide
Music Muting
The SoftMute™ circuit will mute the music whenever there is conversation
on the radio, the intercom, or both, depending on the “Mute” mode selected.
When that conversation stops, the music returns to the previous level over a
second or so.
The mute mode functions are controlled through Music Mute Menu which
has three modes for music inputs, ALL, Karaoke & Radio mute.
ALL – music will mute with either intercom or radio
Karaoke – music will not mute except during outgoing radio transmis-
sions.
Radio – Radio will mute music, but intercom will not mute music.
The PMA450 always defaults to Mute ALL when turned on.
In addition to the panel mute menu, a remote switch may be installed to allow the passengers local access to their Karaoke mode. When this switch is
grounded, the menu choice is overridden.
Music Volume
The volume of the music inputs can also
be adjusted from the menu of the
PMA450:
Press Music → Music Volume → set
desired music input. The LED Volume
bar and the numeric volume will show the
volume level.
Music in Pilot ISO mode
When the isolate (ISO) mode is activated, the music for the pilot is automatically disabled. If desired, the pilot can elect to hear Music #1 or #2, in the
ISO mode by selecting through the menu screen.
The pilot can select either music source from the Music distribution menu.
Holding the ICS button, while in the ISO mode will restore the pilot’s music
selection.
Bluetooth® connection
The PMA450 has a Bluetooth interface.
The audio panel is always
“discoverable,” so you just need to
search for the PMA450 from your Bluetooth-equipped phone or music source.
The default access code is 0000.
When Bluetooth is active, a Bluetooth icon and the battery status of the device is displayed in the upper right corner of the home display.
Page 10202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
Pairing and unpairing Bluetooth devices
The PMA450 can be paired with up to eight individual devices. When that
number is exceeded, the PMA450 will randomly drop a device to allow the
new device to be added.
Hint, if your old phone is not recognized by the PMA450, you may need to
reset from the Bluetooth menu.
Pairing separate music and telephone devices
It is possible to use a different music source (iPad, iPod with Bluetooth
adapter, Bluetooth enabled laptop, etc) and telephone. However, only one
music source can be streaming at a time.
Bluetooth® Telephone Mode
The PMA450 serves as a full duplex interface for telephone systems such as
portable cellular phones with Bluetooth connectivity.
Warning:
United States FCC Regulations contained in 47 CFR § 22.925 currently con-
tain prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones. “Cellular tele-
phones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of
aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching
the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on
board that aircraft must be turned off.”
When the Bluetooth-enabled cell phone rings, an incoming call menu opens,
showing caller ID, and the call can be answered by pushing the top line-
select button.
In ALL intercom mode, all crew and passengers will be heard on the phone
when they speak. All will hear selected audio. Com audio is automatically
heard in the headsets.
In CREW mode, the pilot and copilot are connected to the telephone. The
pilot and copilot will have transmit capability on the other selected transceiver Com 1 or 2, simply by using their respective PTT switch.
In ISO intercom mode, when the PMA450 is in the TEL mode, the pilot
position is in the "Phone Booth." Only the pilot will hear the telephone, and
only he will be heard. There will not be telephone sidetone in ISO. The pilot
will also have access to Com 1 or 2, and will transmit on that radio using the
PTT. All other selected audio is provided.
202-450-0000Page 11Nov. 2014 PMA450 Pilot Guide
NOTE
Because the cell phone uses an intercom circuit, all stations on that circuit
will lose intercom capability when the cell phone is in use. Intercom conversations will still be present if the cell phone provides sidetone, or if the audio
panel is configured for telephone sidetone.
PS Engineering does not guarantee compatibility with personal cellular telephones.
Cellular telephone sidetone
Some cell phones do provide sidetone, and when combined with audio panel
sidetone audio distortion may occur. In
PMA450 Telephone sidetone can be enabled or disabled on the Telephone menu
which is active when a call is in progress.
Internal Recorder and playback
The PMA450 comes equipped with an internal recorder. This digital system
stores the last incoming audio from the radio you have selected for transmit.
It can store as many as 8 incoming messages, and up to 45 seconds of audio.
The pilot and copilot hear the playback.
Recording is automatic.
To play back the last recorded message, press and hold the COM Receive
pushbutton associated with the selected radio transmitter for about one 1 second. You can either wait
for the message to finish playing before accessing
the prior message, or cancel the current playback
and step backward. To cancel the playback, press
and hold the COM receive playback button for two
seconds. The next time the button is pressed for 1
second, the next earlier message will be heard.
The screen displays a status message to indicate that playback is in progress.
The playback will stop whenever there is more incoming selected COM audio, and the message can be replayed from the beginning by pressing the
selected Com Receive button again
for 1 second.
1.1User Setup menus
The PMA450 has several user adjustable functions accessible from a setup
menu.
During the unit boot up process, hold
the lower line select button until the setup screen appears. This shall place
The first items are adjustments to the
Liquid Crystal Display, allowing the
installer or user to tailor the contrast
and backlight intensity to suit the cockpit conditions.
There are two modes: LCD Brightness & LCD Contrast.
LCD will vary in real time while adjustments are made. LED bar & numeric
indication will vary.
Adjusting either the Brightness or
Contrast level requires selecting either of the two smaller buttons and
then turning the inner knob. Counter
clockwise to lower the number (level
of Brightness & Contrast) and clockwise to increase the number (level of
Brightness & Contrast).
To change the display:
Press the line select for the desired item
Turn the small, inner knob to change the contrast or brightness as
desired.
Cycle the PMA450 power to exit setup screen.
Display Timeout
This is a feature that allows the user to adjust how quickly the screen menus
timeout (revert to main menu).
This allows adjustment of the timeout screen and can be configured from 1
second to 30 seconds by turning the inner knob.
For a user who is unfamiliar with the product, this will give them enough
time to learn the system. After becoming more familiar the user can speed up
the menu screen timeout as desired.
Cycle the PMA450 power to exit setup screen.
Rename “Switched” Inputs
The system is factory set to default as ADF, DME & AUX as shown.
The user has access to rename these inputs. There is a maximum 9 letters per
line, and A — Z, a — z and & 0 – 9 are available.
Press the line select for desired input.
Turn the large outer knob to select the letter to change.
Turn the small, inner knob to increment or decrement the letter.
You can quickly clear the whole line by turning the outer knob to
move the cursor all the way to the right until the line clears.
Cycle the PMA450 power to exit setup screen.
Bluetooth Setup
There are three Bluetooth functions that can be changed in the user setup
screen, Unpair All, Pair PIN code, and device ID.
When Unpair All is pushed, all Bluetooth devices are erased from the audio
panel, and can then be added back as desired. This is useful in some cases
where the unit or operator lose track of the devices paired, and cannot get
them to connect.
Pair: The 4 digit pass code can be changed to any number desired. This is
useful if the owner wants to restrict access to the audio panel Bluetooth functions.
ID: The PMA450 can be renamed using this mode to show up on the devices
with a personalized identifier.
USB Charging Port (10)
The PMA450 contains a USB charging port that is capable of providing 5
VDC, 1.5 amps of current to charge the batteries in smart phones and tablets
used as Personal Electronic Devices. This is NOT a data transfer jack.
Page 14202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
Warranty & Service
In order for the factory warranty to be valid, the installations in a certified aircraft must be accomplished by an FAA-(or other ICAO agency) certified avionics shop and authorized PS Engineering dealer. If the unit is being installed by a non-certified individual in an experimental
aircraft, a factory-made intercom harness must be used for the warranty to be valid.
PS Engineering, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defect in material and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of retail sale by authorized PS
Engineering dealer. During the first twelve (12) months of the three-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. For the remaining twelve(12) months of the two-year warranty period, PS Engineering will send a no-cost replacement
unit at customer shipping expense.
All transportation charges for returning the defective units are the responsibility of the purchaser. All domestic transportation charges for returning the exchange or repaired unit to the
purchaser will be borne by PS Engineering, Inc. The risk of loss or damage to the product is
borne by the party making the shipment, unless the purchaser requests a specific method of
shipment. In this case, the purchaser assumes the risk of loss.
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 handling, storage or preservation, 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 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.
All items repaired or replaced under this warranty are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. PS Engineering, Inc. reserves the rights to make modifications or improvements to the product without obligation to perform like modifications or improvements to previously manufactured products.
Factory Service
The units are covered by a two-year limited warranty. See warranty information. 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
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.
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
Page 16202-450-0000PMA450 Pilot Guide Rev. 3
Copyright Notice
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