CMW CQ User manual

CQ Headset
By
Card Machine Works
User Guide

Thank You
Thank you for choosing a CQ Headset by Card Machine Works. We hope you find our
products provide both exceptional comfort and communication quality, contributing to an
outstanding flying experience.
The CQ Headset with Bluetooth is a premium headset with a highly optimized Bluetooth
control that is the most compact of any current Bluetooth aviation headset. It has a
simplified, one button interface with stunning stereo music quality and an advanced auto-
mute function. The headset performs the same as our original CQ1 Headset for excellent
cockpit communication without the need for power. When the Bluetooth feature is powered
on, it adds the ability to interact with a mobile device to make telephone calls and stream
audio via wireless Bluetooth.

Using your CQ Headset
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Bluetooth Enabled Control
A. Volume control: The volume control knob adjusts the audio volume coming from the
aircraft radio and intercom. This control is independent of audio from a media device.
Volume from an external device such as a telephone is
adjusted directly on the connected device.
B. Mono / Stereo selector switch: This switch only affects
audio from the aircraft panel and not an external device.
C. Auxiliary audio input jack: This 3.5mm connection provides
for a wired external audio device input.
D. LED indicator: Displays the Bluetooth status.
E. Bluetooth multi-function button (MFB): Turns Bluetooth
on, off and toggles auto-mute functionality. It is also used
for basic call control.
F. USB-C port: Charging port for the internal battery.

Using your CQ Headset
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The Perfect Fit
The CQ Headset is pre-shaped but may
benefit from some minor adjustments to be
the perfect fit for your head. The size and
location of the ear bend that is opposite the
microphone side is just a suggestion. You
can adjust the exact bend location and angle
to the most comfortable fit for you. Please
do not adjust the bend on the microphone
side.
Charging the Battery
The Bluetooth headset control contains a
rechargeable lithium battery. Remove the
headset from the aircraft before charging.
The battery is only used for Bluetooth
features and is not necessary for standard
headset functionality. The headset will
perform normally with a completely
discharged battery.
The battery is charged with a standard USB
Type C cable. When actively charging, the
LED indicator will be solid RED and will go out
when completely charged. The advanced
charging circuit will usually reach
approximately 80% charge within the first 30
minutes. When the battery charge is low,
the LED will flash RED and a voice
annunciation “Battery Low” will be heard.

Using your CQ Headset
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Wearing the Headset
Generally, the
headset is worn
behind the head
with the bends
over the ears, a
bit like glasses
backwards.
Alternatively, some find it more comfortable
if worn a bit higher over the ears or over a
hat band as this gives even more clearance
with sunglasses. This may produce a more
stable and secure experience by avoiding
pivoting fore and aft on your ears.
Stereo / Mono Switch
The slide switch (B) on the side of the control
is used to set the CQ Headset to match the
signal from your aircraft audio panel. It
should be on the side with the ‘S’ stamp for
stereo audio panels and the opposite side for
mono audio panels (default). If you hear
communications only in one ear, try sliding
the switch to the other side. This switch has
no effect on auxiliary or Bluetooth audio
inputs.

Using your CQ Headset
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Microphone Positioning
There is a white dot on the microphone. It
must be positioned on the side of the
microphone directed toward your lips. You
can feel the orientation of the microphone
element inside the muff. You will get the
best performance if the flat part is facing
your lips. The foam mic muff should be just
touching
the
front of
your
lips.
Mic Gain and Balance Adjustment
If you need to adjust the microphone gain or
left/right balance, there is a small trim pot
inside the control for each. Remove the two
screws on the rear of the control to remove
the back cover. A small flat head screwdriver
is then used to carefully rotate the control
labeled “Mic” for mic gain adjustment or
“Bal” for left/right balance adjustment.
The Mic gain adjustment is quite sensitive.
Only rotate it a few degrees at a time and
test in the aircraft. Clockwise increases
microphone sensitivity and counterclockwise
decreases sensitivity.

Using your CQ Headset
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Auxiliary Input
The CQ Headset has a standard 3.5mm audio
input jack (C) that can be used to connect an
external wired audio source. Use the
connected device to adjust the input volume.
The wired connection cannot be used for
phone calls.

Ear Tips
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The Importance of Ear Tips
It is critical that the ear tips seal up all the
open space in the ear canal to provide the
best comfort and hearing protection. It is
not as simple as pushing in the ear tip. Roll
the foam tip between your thumb and index
finger, progressively adding more pressure to
compress the foam into a tight cylinder and
avoid any creases. While the foam is
compressed, pull up and out on your ear and
insert the tip deep into the ear
canal. Release your ear while holding the ear
tip in your ear for a few seconds, allowing the
foam tip to expand inward so that it can
create a tight seal.
Ear Tip Options
We supply ear tips with excellent
performance and comfort. However,
everyone has different ear canals and may
find better performance or more
comfortable ear tips elsewhere. We
encourage you to experiment as ear tips are
a very personal choice and everybody has a
different opinion and like/dislike. Your ear
canals are unique to you and your left and
right may require different sizes.
The blue tubes in the package with the
replacement ear tips are meant to be used to
test out any other ear tips you may

Ear Tips
cqheadset.com 7
desire. Be sure to insert the tubing about
half-way into an ear tip core for a secure fit,
which may require twisting. Do not be afraid
to try different sizes. Sometimes, smaller is
better for ease of proper ear tip insertion
and comfort.
Replacement
Ear tips should be replaced regularly. They
are not intended for perpetual use. Clean
tips will also perform better.
New to In-the-ear Headsets
If you are new to in-the-ear headsets or have
had trouble getting a good seal, please view
the video in the Ear Tips link at
cqheadset.com for proper insertion
techniques. Also, we recommend you try
them on a few short flights before embarking
on a long day of flying.

Using Bluetooth Devices
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First Bluetooth Connection
The Bluetooth functionality of the CQ
Headset provides stunning audio fidelity
from your device or telephone calls while
connected to the aircraft. Maybe you
connect to a tablet for audio alerts from your
EFB or your cell phone for music or calls.
Pairing Your Device
1. With your CQ Headset powered off (see
“Bluetooth Power On/Off”, page 8),
press and hold the multi-function button
(MFB) on the side of the control for
approximately 6 seconds or until the LED
indicator alternates red and blue.
“Pairing” is heard. Release the MFB.
The headset is now in pairing mode and
will remain so for approximately three
minutes. If the indicator stops flashing
before you have paired your device, start
over.
2. With the headset in pairing mode, follow
Bluetooth pairing instructions for your
device. Select “CQ Headset” from the
available Bluetooth devices.
The headset will exit pairing mode with just
the blue indicator flashing periodically. Your
device is now connected to the headset.

Using Bluetooth Devices
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The CQ Headset reconnects to the most
recently connected device automatically
when powered on. If it does not, or you
want to switch devices, you may need to
select the connection from within your
device settings.
Bluetooth Power On/Off
There is no need to power on the headset for
normal flight. The power control only affects
the Bluetooth functions and does not have
any effect on the connection or use of the
aircraft radio or intercom.
To power ON: Press and hold the multi-
function button for approximately 3 seconds
until you hear “Power On” and the blue
indicator flashes.
To power OFF: Press and hold the multi-
function button for approximately 4 seconds
until you hear “Power Off” and the red
indicator flashes. The headset Bluetooth will
automatically power off after 10 minutes of
not being connected to a device.

Using Bluetooth Devices
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Auto-mute
By default, streaming media via Bluetooth
will not be muted during radio
communications. To temporarily toggle the
internal auto-mute function ON, simply
double click the multi-function button while
Bluetooth is powered on. You will hear a
tone, and the headset will initially mute for
approximately 2 seconds.
With auto-mute enabled, radio or intercom
audio that is of sufficient volume will trigger
the Bluetooth audio stream to temporarily
mute/pause then resume when the radio
traffic is quiet.
To toggle auto-mute OFF, simply double click
the multi-function button again.
To enable auto-mute by default each time
Bluetooth is powered on, change the position
of internal DIP switch #1 to be ON.
To change the default auto-mute mode to
not do a media pause (default) and only
mute the audio output without pausing,
change the position of internal DIP switch #2
to be ON.
The mute toggle double click works no
matter the position of the DIP switches that
control mute default configuration.

Using Bluetooth Devices
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Telephone and Playback Controls
The CQ Headset Bluetooth control is highly
optimized for its exceptionally small form
factor and simplified controls. As such, it
does not present any media controls from
your connected Bluetooth device. Use the
controls on your connected device to
manage telephone calls, music and their
volume. Note: for telephone calls, the
headset must be connected to an aircraft
audio panel or intercom that is providing mic
bias voltage for the microphone to work. In
general, you need to be able to hear yourself
for the microphone to be useful for Bluetooth
telephone calls.
Bluetooth Call Control
The CQ Headset MFB may be used to answer
or hang up telephone calls. For incoming
calls, press the MFB once to answer or press
and hold for 1 second to reject the incoming
call. To hang up an established or outgoing
call, press the MFB once.

cqheadset.com [phone]
MFB Button Summary
Action
Button Press
Indication
Power ON
Press and hold 3 seconds
Flashing Blue, “Power On” heard.
Power OFF
Press and hold 4 seconds
Flashing Red, “Power Off” heard.
BT pairing mode
Press and hold approx. 6
seconds
Alternating Flashing Red/Blue, “Pairing”
heard.
Answer incoming call
Press button once
Reject incoming call
Press and hold for 1 second
Hang up active call
Press button once
Toggle auto-mute On/Off
Double click button
Tone heard.