Nat ACP51-100 User manual

Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.
1925 Kirschner Road
Kelowna, BC, Canada.
V1Y 4N7
Telephone [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
Issued on the authority of Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.
Copyright 2009
Installation and Operation Manual
ACP51-100
DACS Audio Control Panel
TX
ICS
ICSRX
ICS
MIN
PTTPRESET
VOX
NORM
A
ISO
CALL
TX
ICS
ICSRX
ICS
MIN
PTTPRESET
VOX
NORM
A
ISO
CALL
TX
ICS
ICSRX
ICS
MIN
PTTPRESET
VOX
NORM
A
ISO ISO
CALL
PPP
TTT
ISOISO
SM81
ISSUE 1.01

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Installation and Operation Manual Page iii
ENG-FORM: 820-0115.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Table of Contents
Section Title Page
1. Description
1.1 Introduction 1-1
1.2 Product Description 1-1
1.3 Design Features 1-1
1.4 Specifications 1-2
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications 1-2
1.4.2 Physical Specifications 1-3
1.4.3 Environmental Specifications 1-3
1.4.4 Product Approval 1-4
2. Installation
2.1 Introduction 2-1
2.2 Unpacking and Inspection 2-1
2.2.1 Warranty 2-1
2.3 Continued Airworthiness 2-1
2.4 Installation Procedures 2-1
2.4.1 Warnings 2-2
2.4.2 Cautions 2-2
2.4.3 Cabling and Wiring 2-2
2.4.4 Mounting 2-3
2.4.5 Legend Installation 2-3
2.4.6 Custom Designation Cross-Reference List 2-3
2.4.7 Post Installation Checks 2-3
2.5 Adjustments 2-4
2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied 2-4
2.6.1 Installation Kit 2-4
2.6.2 Legend Installation Kit 2-5
2.7 Installation Drawings 2-5
3. Operation
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 General Information 3-1
3.2.1 Operational Criteria 3-1
3.3 Controls and Indicators 3-1
3.3.1 Built-In Tests (BITs) 3-1
3.3.2 Faceplate Illumination 3-2
3.3.3 Transceiver Radio Controls 3-2
3.3.4 Transmit Active Indicator 3-3
3.3.5 Patient Mode Control 3-3
3.3.6 VOX Threshold 3-3
3.3.7 Transmit Selector Switch 3-4
3.3.8 TX/ICS PTT Switch 3-4
3.3.9 RX/ICS Volume Control 3-4

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Installation and Operation Manual Page iv
ENG-FORM: 820-0115.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Section Title Page
3.3.10 ISO/CALL Button 3-4
3.3.11 ISO Indicator 3-5
3.3.12 CALL Indicator 3-5
3.3.13 Transmit Features 3-6
3.3.14 Back-up and Emergency Modes 3-6

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 1 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 1-1
ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Section 1 Description
1.1 Introduction
Information in this section consists of product description, design features and specifications for the
ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel (ACP51). All derivative product information shall be contained in
the applicable manual supplement, which may be obtained from Northern Airborne Technology Ltd as
required.
Review all notes, warnings and cautions.
Note: This manual contains information applicable to units MOD 2 (s/n 3000) and above. For
information applicable to units MOD 1 (s/n 2999) and below, contact the product support
department at Northern Airborne Technology Ltd.
1.2 Product Description
The ACP51 is an Audio Control Panel from the Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. Digital Audio
Communication System (DACS).
The DACS is a communications management system that distributes and controls all of the audio in an
aircraft. It manages the audio from all transceivers, receivers and audio warning sources. It enables the
transmission of microphone audio to a selected transmitter and distributes all Inter-Communication
System (ICS) audio.
The ACP51 is a Dzus mounted unit that allows the operator to adjust the volume, select a transceiver and
select the patient mode. The audio control panel is a ‘terminal’ that monitors user switch selections and
level adjustments, passing them along to the Audio Management Unit (AMU50). It also has several
status indicators that illuminate when commanded to do so by the AMU. The ACP51 communicates with
the AMU50 over a serial data port. All audio connections are made to the Audio Management Unit where
the audio processing is completed.
The Audio Management Unit is capable of supporting six Audio Control Panels. The system architecture
is set up in a star configuration to prevent loss of the entire system due to the failure of one connection.
The Audio Control Panel receives its power from the Audio Management Unit. Receiving power from the
AMU along with the serial data wiring decreases the complexity of the wiring in the aircraft and reduces
the number of breakers required for the audio system.
The ACP51 operates with ACP53-001 software loaded into the microcontroller flash memory.
1.3 Design Features
The faceplate of the ACP51 incorporates replaceable legends for the transceivers. This enables the
installing agency to change the names of the radios on individual units.
The ACP51-100 has NVIS Green A faceplate backlighting and NVIS Green B annunciators.

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 1 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 1-2
ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
1.4 Specifications
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications
Input Signals
Input Power
The ACP51-100 requires a conditioned Input Voltage supplied by an external
communications management unit such as the AMU50:
Nominal: 25.5 Vdc
Maximum Current: 0.25 A @ 25.5 Vdc
Night Mode Input
Activation of the Night Mode input places the ACP51 integral lighting into Night Mode. In
this state the lighting is dimmed to be suitable for viewing at night. The ACP51 remains in
Night Mode for at least 50 ms after the Night Mode input is deactivated.
Quantity: one
Logic: active LO, switched ground with no external pull up
Input Active: ≤3 Vdc
Current Draw: ≤100 mA
Input Protection: diode protected to +45 Vdc maximum
NVG Mode Input
Activation of the NVG Mode input places the ACP51 integral lighting into NVG Mode. In
this state the lighting is dimmed to be suitable for NVG viewing. The ACP51 remains in
NVG Mode for at least 50 ms after the NVG Mode input is deactivated.
Quantity: one
Logic: active LO, switched ground with no external pull up
Input Active: ≤3 Vdc
Current Draw: ≤100 mA
Input Protection: diode protected to +45 Vdc maximum
Lights
Quantity two mutually exclusive panel lighting power inputs
Standard Panel Lights: 27.5 Vdc
Maximum Current: 0.10 A @ 27.5 Vdc
Optional Panel Lights: 5 Vdc
Maximum Current: 0.10 A @ 5 Vdc
RX Mute Input
While the RX (Receive) Mute Input is active, tthe ACP51 sets the Transceiver Volumes,
except for the Transceiver selected by the Transmit Select switch, to their minimum value.
Quantity: one
Logic: active LO, switched ground, no external pull up
Input Active: ≤3 Vdc
Current Draw: ≤100 mA
Input Protection: diode protected to +45 Vdc maximum

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 1 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 1-3
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Output Signals
ISO Mode
When the Patient switch on the front panel of the ACP51 is placed in the NORM position,
the ISO Mode output is inactive. When the Patient switch on the front panel of the ACP51
is placed in the ISO position, the ISO Mode output is active (grounded).
Quantity: one
Logic: active LO, switched ground
Output Inactive: >10 MΩ
Output Active: ≤2 Ω
Current: 100 mA maximum
Bidirectional Signals
Communication
The ACP51 communicates with an external communications management system such as
the AMU50 via one bi-directional RS422 serial data port.
1.4.2 Physical Specifications
Height 57.15 mm (2.25 in) maximum
Depth 68.07 mm (2.68 in) maximum behind Dzus rail
Width 146.05 mm (5.75 in) maximum
Weight 0.51 kg (1.12 lbs) maximum
Material and Finish Brushed aluminum, conversion coated
Connectors One 15 pin D-Sub (male), V5 locking hardware
Installation RS-422 Cable: 20.0 m (785.9 in) maximum
Installation Kit: ACP50-IKC
Mounting Four Dzus fasteners, 2.89 cm (1.137 in) vertical spacing
1.4.3 Environmental Specifications
The ACP51-100 has been tested to the environmental conditions listed below. Environmental categories
for which TSO compliance has been demonstrated are listed on the Environmental Qualification Form in
Section 2 of this manual.
Temperature -40 to +70°C (operating)
-45 and +85°C (short-time operating)
-55 to +85°C (ground survival)
Altitude 50,000 feet max
Humidity 95% non-condensing
Shock Operational shock; 6 g for 11 ms
Crash safety (impulse); 20 g for 11 ms
Crash safety (sustained); 20 g for 3 s
Vibration RTCA/DO-160E Section 8 Categories (SBM) (U2FF1)

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 1 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 1-4
ENG-FORM: 800-0116.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
1.4.4 Product Approval
When installed as part of the Northern Airborne Technology Ltd DACS:
1.4.4.1 FAA: TSO-C139
FAA: TSO-C139 (RTCA/DO-214 Class Ib, RTCA/DO-160E, RTCA/DO-178B Level C)
Refer to SM76 AMU50-001 Audio Management Unit Installation and Operation manual for further
installation compliance details.
1.4.4.2 EASA: ETSO-C50c
EASA: ETSO-C50c (RTCA/DO-214 Class Ib, RTCA/DO-160E, RTCA/DO-178B level C)
Refer to SM76 AMU50-001 Audio Management Unit Installation and Operation manual for further
installation compliance details.
Section 1 ends

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 2-1
ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Section 2 Installation
2.1 Introduction
Information in this section consists of unpacking and inspection procedures, installation procedures, post-
installation checks and installation drawings for the ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel (ACP51).
Review all notes, warnings and cautions.
2.2 Unpacking and Inspection
Unpack the equipment carefully and locate the warranty card. Inspect the unit visually for damage due to
shipping and report all such claims immediately to the carrier involved. Check that all items listed below
are present before proceeding and report any shortage immediately to your supplier:
- Warranty Card
- Operators Manual
- Certificate of Conformity or Release Certification
2.2.1 Warranty
All Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. products are warranted for 2 years from date of installation by an
authorized Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. dealer, to be free of defects in workmanship or
performance. This warranty covers all materials and labour, but is exclusive of any transport to deliver the
defective unit to and from Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. or its designated warranty repair center, or
any labour to remove or re-install the defective unit in the aircraft. Contact Northern Airborne Technology
Ltd. for any questions regarding this warranty, its applicability to your units and/or for return authorization.
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd. is the final arbitrator concerning warranty administration. Units which
have been physically damaged, burned, immersed in water or otherwise abused beyond the scope of
normal use will not be considered for warranty. WARRANTY IS VOID UNLESS THE PRODUCT IS
INSTALLED BY AN AUTHORIZED NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD. DEALER. Product
for which a warranty card is not returned shall be warranted from date of manufacture.
2.3 Continued Airworthiness
Maintenance of the ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel is ‘on condition’ only. Periodic maintenance of
this product is not required.
2.4 Installation Procedures
Installation Notice
This product must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions provided in the latest issue
of this Installation and Operation Manual. Check the Publication Index at www.northernairborne.com for
the issue status of the manual. The latest issue of the manual may be downloaded from the same
website. All risk associated with installation of this product contrary to these instructions shall be the
responsibility of the installing agency.

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 2-2
ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
2.4.1 Warnings
WARNING:
High volume settings can cause hearing damage.
Set the headset volume control to the minimum setting prior to
conducting tests, and slowly increase the headset volume to a
comfortable listening level.
2.4.2 Cautions
CAUTION:
Do not bundle any lines from this unit with transmitter coax feed lines. Do not
bundle any logic, audio, or DC power lines from this unit with 400 Hz synchro
wiring or AC power lines. Do not position this unit next to any device with a
strong alternating magnetic field such as an inverter, motor or blower, or
significant audio interference will result.
In all installations, use shielded cable exactly as shown, and ground only as
indicated. Significant problems may result from not following these guidelines.
Failure to follow the installation and wiring instructions provided in this manual
for power and ground connections, including the rating of the circuit breaker,
may lead to damage in the power input circuitry of the unit.
2.4.3 Cabling and Wiring
All wire shall be selected in accordance with the original aircraft manufacturer's Maintenance Instructions
or AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-76 through 11-78. Unshielded wire types shall qualify to
MIL-W-22759 as specified in AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-85, 11-86, and listed in Table 11-11.
For shielded wire applications, use Tefzel MIL-C-27500 shielded wire with solder sleeves (for shield
terminations) to make the most compact and easily terminated interconnect. Follow the connector map in
Section 2.7 as required.
Allow 3" from the end of the shielded wiring to the shield termination to allow the connector hood to be
easily installed. Reference the interconnect drawing in Section 2.7 for shield termination details. Note that
the hood is a "clamshell" hood, and is installed after the wiring is complete. Aircraft harnessing shall
permit the unit to be lowered from the panel for easy access.
Maintain wire segregation and route wiring in accordance with the original aircraft manufacturers
Maintenance Instructions.
Unless otherwise noted, all wiring shall be a minimum of 22 AWG, except power and ground lines, which
shall be a minimum of 20 AWG. Reference the Interconnect drawing for additional specifications. Check
that the ground connection is clean and well secured, and that it shares no path with any electrically noisy
aircraft accessories such as blowers, turn and bank instruments or similar loads.

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 2-3
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
2.4.4 Mounting
The ACP51 may be mounted in any orientation.
The ACP51 is provided with four Dzus fasteners for rack mounting. No shock or vibration isolators are
required.
The ACP51 must be mounted to a clean metal surface which is electrically bonded to the aircraft ground
plane. The unit is finished with a coating that prevents corrosion. This coating is electrically conductive
and should not be removed for electrical bonding.
2.4.5 Legend Installation
Note: The legends for TX channel labelling must be consistent on each ACP5x within a
communications management system (i.e. on each aircraft.)
Each ACP51 requires a set of legends, either purchased individually (Part no. 55-06-xxxx) or as a legend
kit (Part no. ACPLK-xxx). Each kit consists of a number of printed legends and blanks (to suit customer
requirements), and each legend comes complete with a black gasket, either attached or loose in the bag.
For additional information, see section 2.6.2.
If it is necessary to remove or replace a legend, carefully lever the legend away from the faceplate, and
insert the new or replacement legend as described above.
CAUTION:
If the faceplate is damaged in any way during this process, light leakage may
occur, which will necessitate returning the unit to the manufacturer for repair
or replacement.
2.4.6 Custom Designation Cross-Reference List
A Custom Designation Cross-Reference List is included in Section 2.7. When installed as part of a
Northern Airborne Technology Ltd DACS, this form is used to cross-reference the signal designations
from the AMU50.
2.4.7 Post Installation Checks
2.4.7.1 Voltage/Resistance Checks
Do not attach the ACP51 until the following conditions are met.
Check the following:
When installing the legends for the first time, each legend must be fitted
with a black gasket to ensure uniformity of legend lighting. The gasket
fits into place on the back of the legend, but is easily dislodged or
damaged. Take particular care to ensure that it is properly positioned
before snapping the legend fully into place. If a replacement gasket is
required, the whole legend must be ordered.
Legend Gasket

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 2-4
ENG-FORM: 805-0121.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
a) Check pin <2> for +28 Vdc OR pin <3> for +5 Vdc relative to ground (selected lights voltage).
b) Check pins <9> and <10> for ground (less than 0.5Ω).
c) Check pin <11> for lights ground (less than 0.5Ω).
d) Check pins <6> <7> and <8> for ground (less than 0.5Ω) when the appropriate switches are closed.
2.4.7.2 Power On Checks
WARNING:
High volume settings can cause hearing damage.
Set the headset volume control to the minimum volume setting prior to
conducting audio tests, and slowly increase the headset volume to a
comfortable listening level.
Install the AMU50 or similar audio management unit and power up the aircraft’s systems.
a) Check pin <1> for ACP51 power (+25 Vdc from AMU50 or similar).
Verify normal operation of all functions of the ACP51 and communications management system as
described in section 3 of this manual.
Upon satisfactory completion of all performance checks, make all required log book entries, electrical
load, weight and balance amendments and other documentation as required by your local regulatory
agency before releasing the aircraft for service.
2.5 Adjustments
There are no adjustments on the ACP51.
2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied
The installation kit and legends necessary to complete the ACP51 installation may be included in the
price but MUST be specified and ordered separately. The ACP51 requires a set of legends, either
ordered as separate line items, or as a Legend Installation Kit ACPLK\xxx, and an Installation kit
ACP50-IKC.
2.6.1 Installation Kit
Installation Kit ACP50-IKC consists of the following:
Quantity Description Part No.
1 D-min 15 Socket Housing 20-21-R15
1 15 pin GVL Hood/Lockarm 20-28-001
1 Strain Relief (Set) 20-27-008
15 MS Crimp Socket 20-26-901

ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
SM81 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.01 Issue 1 Page 2-5
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
2.6.2 Legend Installation Kit
The contents of each approved Legend Installation Kit ACPLK\xxx can be viewed on the Northern
Airborne Technology Ltd website at www.northernairborne.com.
Each individual legend is specified by a Part Number in the form 55-06-xxxx, where xxxx represents the
text on the legend. For information on non-standard legends, please contact Northern Airborne
Technology Ltd.
2.7 Installation Drawings
DOCUMENT REV. DESCRIPTION TYPE
ACP51-100
ACP51\100\403-0 1.00 DACS Audio Control Panel Interconnect
ACP51\100\405-0 1.00 DACS Audio Control Panel Connector Map
ACP51\100\521-0 1.00 DACS Audio Control Panel Environmental Qual Form
ACP51\100\724-1 1.00 DACS Audio Control Panel Custom Designation X-Ref List
ACP51\100\922-0 1.00 DACS Audio Control Panel Mechanical Installation
Section 2 ends following the above documents

CUSTOM DESIGNATION CROSS-REFERENCE LIST
NAT Part No.: ACP51-100
Description: ACP51-100 DACS Audio Control Panel
Document.: ACP51\100\724-1 Rev.: 1.00
Rev. 1.00 Page 1 of 1
ENG-FORM: 724-1101.DOT Jun 02, 2009
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Only for use with the NAT DACS AMU50-001
This document is used to correlate between the ACP51 controls and the AMU50 Interconnect
(AMU50\001\403-0 through 403-5) and Connector Map (AMU50\001\405-0) designations.
TRANSCEIVER DESIGNATIONS
STANDARD VHF1 VHF2 TAC1 TAC2 TAC3 TAC4 TAC5 PA
CUSTOM
TX
ICS
ICSRX
ICS
MIN
PTTPRESET
VOX
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A
ISO ISO
CALL
TX
ICS
ICSRX
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TX
End of custom designation cross-reference list