Telex Stratus 50 User Manual

Telex

®

User Instructions

Stratus 50 Digital
Active Noise Reduction Headset

The Stratus 50 Digital provides the best noise reduction available on the market.

Detented Sliders

Adjust to

Any Size Head

Patented

Tension

Adjust Knob

(Comfort

Camtm)

Replaceable

Wide Head Pad

Earcups Pivot on

Two Planes to

Conform to

Wearer

Ball and Socket

Jointed Boom Rotates

Overhead for Mic

Placement on Either

Side of Head

Flexible Boom Permits

Precise Mic Placement

Figure 1

Stratus 50 Digital Reference View

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules,
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference re­ceived, including interference that may cause un­desired operation.

Replaceable

Ear Cushions

Noise Canceling

Electret Microphone

General Description

The Telex Stratus 50 Digital is a medium-weight, active noise-reduction headset
with boom-mounted microphone. It provides up to 25+dB patented digital tonal
noise reduction of engine and blade noise, up to 15+dB of analog broadband
noise reduction, and 29+dB of passive noise reduction. At 90 Hz the accumulative
total is 50+dB of noise reduction - the best in the marketplace.

Design Features (See Figure 1)

Fit and Comfort

The Stratus 50 Digital incorporates unique features that allow the user to “custom
fit” the headset for comfortable operation. Among the features is a headband
design that distributes ear cushion pressure evenly over the entire ear with no
pressure points. A detented slide adjustment on the headband allows the ear
cup to be easily raised or lowered for proper fit. Contributing to the comfort fit is a
yoke design that allows the ear cup to pivot in two planes assuring proper
positioning on the head.

tm

To adjust ear cup pressure, a patented “Comfort Cam
tension settings. The last component in the fit and comfort is the 1” cushion made from
heat sensitive slow recovery foam which will conform to your head to provide a perfect
seal while spreading the weight over a large area eliminating pressure points.

Boom Microphone

The Stratus 50-D utilizes an amplified electret noise-canceling microphone to
eliminate unwanted cabin noise from entering the communication system. To
assure proper operation the microphone must be positioned perpendicular to
the mouth close to the lips, slightly off center to the mouth. To facilitate pilot/co­pilot wearing, the boom rotates up to allow the boom to be worn on the left or right
side. To minimize windscreen loss, “retaining hooks” are designed into the
microphone housing to securely hold the windscreen in place.

Cordage and Plugs

The Stratus 50-D uses shielded cables to protect against RFI (Radio Frequency
Interference) and EMF (Electro Magnetic Frequency). Strain relief is added to the
cords and plugs to provide protection from wear and tear resulting from normal
usage. The headset includes separate receiver and microphone plugs. The receiver
plug is set up for stereo usage but a switch on the cordage controls stereo/mono
operation.

A separate power cord is provided to allow aircraft power (via cigarette lighter
adapter) to plug into the battery module on the headset cord. This will accommodate
aircraft power from 8-32 Vdc.

Two cords for connecting cellular telephone and audio devices are included.
These cords are standard straight through types. The smaller of the two (2.5
mm connectors) is for connecting cellular telephones. The larger of the two (3.5
mm connectors) is for connecting audio devices.

” is rotated to one of three

Page 1

Auto Shut-Off

The Stratus 50 Digital contains noise-sensing features to measure ambient noise
levels. When ambient noise levels are low for 5 to 7 minutes continuously, the
headset automatically shuts off. This feature will prolong battery life and prevent
discharge of batteries if the headset is accidentally left on after use.

Cellphone / audio interface

The Stratus 50 Digital includes a unique amplified interface allowing for the
connection of a cellular telephone and an audio input simultaneously. This
configuration allows the user to set up before take-off and eliminates the need
to re-configure cords and equipment when operating the aircraft.

The other unique feature of this interface is the ability to obtain power from the
aircraft’s communications system. This feature results in increased battery
life for the ANR system while maintaining the benefits of an amplified inter­face. By amplifying the inputs, the Stratus 50 Digital allows the user to adjust
volume level at the headset contributing to the ability to not need re-configur­ing while in flight.

The Telex Stratus 50 Digital cell phone / audio interface has been designed to
function with the widest array of cellular telephones and portable audio
devices. There are cell phones and audio devices on the market not designed
to industry physical and electrical standards. These devices are not
guaranteed to function properly with the Stratus 50 Digital headset.

Cell phone usage while in the air or under situations requiring full attention is
not recommended.

Please see the Telex web site for additional information.
www.telex.com/aircraft

Microphone Bias Voltage Requirements

The boom microphone operates on a voltage of 8-16 VDC. Output impedance is
50 ohms (designed for radio input impedances from 50-600 ohms). If you are
uncertain whether your avionics equipment meets this requirement, consult the
avionics equipment manufacturer.

The cellular telephone/auxiliary audio interface of the Stratus 50 Digital relies on
this same microphone bias voltage for operation. If less voltage/higher
impedance is normal in your system, this interface may not operate properly. If
unusual or unacceptable performance of the boom microphone or cellular/audio
interface is discovered, the cellular/audio interface should be disabled using
the accessory mute (described later in this manual.)

Page 2

Headset Power

The headset will operate with either 4 AA batteries or panel power from 8-32 Vdc.

Panel Power Option

An optional power cord is provided for use in negative ground electrical systems
only. Do not attempt to use with positive ground electrical systems. The power
cord is designed to connect the battery module to the aircraft power via the
cigarette lighter jack.

Power Cord

450 Locking

Figure 2

Panel Power Option

Battery Power

The battery module requires 4 AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are recommended
for best performance. Do not use nickel-cadmium/NiMH rechargeable or lithium
batteries.

1. Slide the battery door down in the direction of the arrow, then up to
rotate the battery door (Figure 3).

2. Place the batteries into the battery module as shown.

3. Slide the battery door back into place.

Cellular telephone / auxiliary audio input – see above for details

Figure 3

Battery Installation

Headset Operation

1. Verify batteries are installed and headset powers on (see previous

section.) Connect panel power cord (if not using battery power.)

Page 3

Headset Operation (cont.)

2. Connect the headset as shown in Figure 4. If using the standard

version, set the stereo/mono headphone switch to match the type
of sound system in your aircraft. If the headset is set for stereo and
the intercom is set for mono, sound will only come out of one earcup.

T o Radio Microphone “IN” Jack

To Radio Receiver “OUT” Jack

Mute Switch

Cell Phone Jack

Auxilary Jack

Stereo/Mono Switch

Figure 4 Headset Connections

3. Connect cellular telephone and/or audio input devices as desired.

4. Rotate the entire boom overhead to wear the microphone on either

the right or left side of the head (See Figure 5).

Figure 5

Microphone Placement

5. Reshape the boom so that the microphone will be in front of
the mouth.

6. For best noise cancelation, position the microphone as close to the
mouth as possible and speak in a normal voice (Figure 7).

7. For mic replacement, press the release catch and carefully pull out

the mic element. Avoid pulling the connecting wires (Figure 6).

Figure 6

Mic Element Removal

Figure 7

Mic Placement

Page 4

Headset Operation (cont.)

8. With the headband resting securely on the top of the head, check that

the ear cups are centered over the ears. Reposition them if necessary
by moving the headband sliders up or down (See Figure 9 on the next
page). Proper performance depends on proper fit of the headset as
described below.

9. Headband Pressure Adjustments:

There are three pressure settings. Increasing the pressure will improve
the seal between the earcup and the head for greater noise reduction.
To change the pressure setting, remove the headset and fold the
earcup inward as shown in Figure 8, then rotate the Comfort Camtm to
the desired setting. Repeat for both earcups. Both sides of the
headband should be set to the same pressure setting to keep the
headband properly centered on the head.

Side View

Headband Pressure Adjustment

Comfort Camtm Adjustment Settings

KNOB ADJUSTMENT SETTINGS

HIGH MEDIUM LOW

Top View

Figure 8

Page 5

Headset Operation (cont.)

10. Headband Size Adjustment

To adjust the headband size, move the earcup sliders up or
down on the headband (Figure 9). Size is properly adjusted when
the earcups are centered over the ears. It is important to make
the same adjustments on both sides of the headband the same
to keep the headband and pad properly centered on the head.

Figure 9

Headband Size Adjustment

11. V olume Adjustment

When the microphone is worn on the
left side, volume is increased by
rotating the top of the volume controls
toward the front of the head. Control

operation is reversed when the
microphone is worn on the right side
(Figure 10).

Volume control affects communications
as well as cellphone and auxiliary audio

inputs.

12. Accessory muting

The Stratus 50 Digital headset is
equipped with a switch to quickly and
completely disable the cellphone and
auxillary audio devices (Figure 4).

Page 6

Volume
Control

Figure 10

V olume Adjustment

Stratus Controls

Power

Switch the ON/OFF button to turn the Stratus on or off. Green LED
indicates power on.

Low Battery

Red LED indicates 20 percent or less battery life remaining.

Figure 11

Stratus Battery Box

Microphone Gain Adjustment

The microphone gain has been factory-adjusted to the nominal level required
for aviation use, and it should normally not require readjustment. Any
changes to the mic gain should be done by a qualified avionics technician.
To access the gain trimmer, insert a small flat-blade screwdriver through
the access hole in the mic assembly. Clockwise rotation of the trimmer
increases gain.

MIC GAIN

ADJUSTMENT

ACCESS

Figure 12

Microphone Gain Adjustment

Ear Cushion Replacement

To remove an old ear cushion, simply grasp it and pull it off the earcup. To
install a new ear cushion, start at the top of the earcup. Place the flap on the
back of the ear cushion over the lip along the top of the earcup. Then pull the
bottom of the ear cushion down over the lip at the bottom of the earcup.

Page 7

Wiring Diagram

MIC +
MIC -

SPKR - L
SPKR - R

.206 DIA. MICROPHONE PLUG

RED
BLK

SHLD

.250 DIA. SPEAKER PLUG

RED

BLUE

BLK

WHITE

SHLD

SPKR - GND

Figure 13

Standard Version

Page 8

Specifications

Receivers:

Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response: 50 Hz - 10 kHz
Sensitivity: 95 ± 5 dB SPL (1 kHz, 1 mW input)
Impedance (Max. Volume):

Stereo.........................................300 ohms per side

Monaural...................................................150 ohms

Headset Power: 4AA Batteries or Panel Power from 8-32 Vdc

Microphone:

Element Type: Amplified noise-canceling electret
Frequency Response: 100 Hz - 3.5 kHz
Sensitivity:

-50 ± 6 dB (ref: 1V/ µbar at 1 kHz with 12 Vdc
supply voltage and 470 ohm DC, 150 ohm AC load)

Matching Impedance:

50-600 ohms
Gain Adjustment Range: ± 5 dB (clockwise rotation increases gain)
Operating Voltage: 8-16 Vdc (supplied by aircraft radio)

Cordage:

Straight Y-cord, 9 ft (2.74 m)

Connectors:

Microphone Plug: PJ-068 or equivalent
Receiver Plug: PJ-055 or equivalent

DC Jack: 2.5mm Dia. Pin +

2.5mm 3 conductor audio jack for connection to cell phone connection

3.5mm 3 conductor audio jack for connection to auxiliary audio

Weight:

Effective Head Weight: Approximately 18.5 oz. (524 g)
Color: Dark Grey/Black

Page 9

Ordering Information

Stratus Headset, with electret mic, battery module,
and carrying case (Dark Grey/Black) Catalog no. PRD000010000

Aircraft Power Cord........................................................ Catalog no. 550216001

1” Foam-filled ear cushions (package of 2) ................. Catalog no. 800456021

Headband Pad .............................................................. Catalog no. 800456017

Replacement electret microphone ............................... Catalog no. 800136100

Microphone windscreen (electret) ................................ Catalog no. 800456000

Clothing Clip .................................................................. Catalog no. 590637000

Zippered Pouch ......................................................Catalog no. CME000009000

Cell Phone Accessory Cable ......................................... Catalog no. 550216002

Auxillary Device Accessory Cable.................................. Catalog no. 550216003

Page 10

TELEX COMMUNICATIONS, INC. - LIMITED WARRANTY

Uniform Limited Warranty: Telex branded products are warranted by Telex Communications, Inc.

against malfunction due to defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period, as noted in the
individual product line statements below, beginning with the date of original purchase by the end-user.
If such malfunction occurs during the specified period, the product will be repaired with new or
remanufactured equivalent parts and products or replaced (at our option) without charge. The product
will be returned to the customer postage prepaid.

Exclusions and Limitations: The limited warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior finish or appearance;
(b) certain specific items described in the individual product line statements below, (c) malfunction
resulting from use or operation of the product other than as specified in the product data sheet or
owner’s manual; (d) malfunction resulting from misuse or abuse of the product, including accidents; (e)
defects resulting from excess moisture, lightning or power surges; or (f) malfunction occurring at any
time after repairs have been made to the product by anyone other than a Telex Service Department
employee or any of its authorized service representatives. The warranty is void if the label bearing the
product serial number (if applicable) has been removed or defaced.

Other Express or Implied W arranties Excluded: TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ,
THE WARRANTIES SET FORTH HEREIN ARE IN LIEU OF, AND EXCLUSIVE OF, ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ARE
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY, FITNESS FOR USE OR FOR A P ARTICULAR PURPOSE,
AND WARRANTIES ARISING FROM COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE OR ANY
OTHER MATTER. IF, UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, IMPLIED WARRANTIES MAY NOT BE VALIDLY
EXCLUDED, THE DURATION OF SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTIES IS LIMITED TO THE WARRANTY
PERIOD.

Limitation of Remedies; Certain Damages Excluded: REP AIR OR REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE
PRODUCTS ARE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES PROVIDED BY TELEX TO THE CUSTOMER
OR TO ANY OTHER PERSON AND SHALL CONSTITUTE FULL SATISFACTION OF ALL CLAIMS,
WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE. TELEX’s
MAXIMUM LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE P AID FOR THE PRODUCT
BY THE CUSTOMER. TELEX AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY OR LOSS OF USE. SOME STATES AND
COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITA TION OR EXCLUSION MA Y NOT APPL Y TO YOU. IN SUCH ST A TES AND COUNTRIES,
TELEX SHALL BE LIABLE FOR NO MORE THAN THE DIRECT DAMAGES FOR BODILY INJURY
AND/OR REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF TELEX.

Other Rights: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights,
depending upon where you live.

Obtaining Warranty Service: To obtain warranty service, a customer must deliver the product, prepaid,
to the appropriate T elex Service Department listed below or any of it s authorized service representatives
together with proof of purchase of the product in the form of a bill of sale or invoice.

Applicable Law. The validity , performance and construction of this limited warranty shall be governed
by the laws of the State of Minnesota without reference to its choice of law principles. The Minnesota
federal courts and/or the state courts located in Hennepin County, Minnesota, shall have exclusive
personal and subject matter jurisdiction over, and the parties shall each submit to the jurisdiction of
such courts and to venue in Minnesota with respect to any dispute concerning the product or pursuant
to this limited warranty, and all objections to such jurisdiction or to such venue are hereby waived.

For additional warranty repair or service information, contact the T elex Service Department listed
below:

USA, Canada, & Latin America

1720 E 14

Glencoe, MN 55336

T el: 320-864-3177

Fax: [phone]

th

Street

Page 11

CUSTOMER SERVICE

For information or technical assistance, call, write, or email Telex at:

Customer Service Department
T elex Communications, Inc.
12000 Portland A ve. So.
Burnsville, MN 55337 U.S.A.
[phone]
www.telex.com/aircraf t

When returning equipment for repair, please enclose an explanation of
the problem. And, if the equipment is covered under warranty, please
enclose a copy of your proof of purchase. The equipment must be
accompanied by documentation stating your name, return address, and
telephone number.

Return equipment for factory repair to:

Customer Service Department
Telex Communications, Inc.
1720 East 14th St.
Glencoe, MN 55336 U.S.A.
[phone]

Warranty Repairs - If in warranty, no charge will be made for the repairs.
Equipment being returned for warranty repair must be sent prepaid and
will be returned prepaid.

Non-warranty Repairs - Equipment that is not under warranty must be
sent postage prepaid to Telex. If requested, an estimate of repair costs
will be issued prior to service. Once you approve repair , and repair of
equipment is completed, the equipment will be returned on a collect on
delivery basis. Collect charges may be avoided by sending a signed
check for payment in full along with your signed estimate approval form
(the estimate includes the shipping charge).

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Page 13

LIT000010 Rev A 04/2006www.telex.com/aircraft