Nat SM69 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 2005
Installation and Operation Manual
AA12S Series
Compact Audio Controller
SM69
ISSUE 4.01

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
SM69 Installation and Operation Manual
Installation and Operation Manual Page ii
ENG-FORM: 820-0114.DOT
CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Prepared By: Checked By: Approved By:
The status of this installation and operation manual is controlled by issue shown on the title page. The
status of each section is controlled by revision shown in the footer of each page. All revisions affecting
sections of this manual have been incorporated into the latest issue.
ISSUE/REVISION RECORD
Manual Issue
Number Section Revision Number Revision Description Issue Date
4.01 Section 1 Rev: 1.00
Section 2 Rev: 1.00
Section 3 Rev: 1.00
Update to current templates. Nov 7, 2008

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
SM69 Installation and Operation Manual
Installation and Operation Manual Page iii
ENG-FORM: 820-0114.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 1-5
1.4.3 Environmental Specifications 1-5
1.5 Unit Nomenclature 1-5
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 2-2
2.4.1 Warnings 2-2
2.4.2 Cautions 2-2
2.4.3 Cabling and Wiring 2-2
2.4.4 Post-Installation Checks 2-3
2.5 Adjustments and Connections 2-3
2.5.1 Left Side Adjustments 2-4
2.5.2 Right Side Adjustments 2-4
2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied 2-4
2.7 Installation Drawings 2-5
3. Operation
3.1 Introduction 3-1
3.2 General Information 3-1
3.3 Controls and Indicators 3-1
3.3.1 Radio Selection 3-1
3.3.2 Intercom 3-2
3.3.3 PILOT ISO / NORM Modes 3-3
3.3.4 Entertainment Audio 3-4
3.3.5 Automatic Fail-safe 3-4

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
SM12S Installation and Operation Manual
Section 1 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 1-1
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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
AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller. All derivative product information shall be contained in the
applicable manual supplement, which may be obtained from NAT as required.
Review all notes, warnings and cautions.
1.2 Product Description
The AA12S is a compact Dzus-mounted audio controller with an integral 4-place stereo voice-activated
intercom. It provides intercom capabilities for the pilot, co-pilot and two passengers (PAX). The AA12S
accepts stereo music inputs from either portable or fixed entertainment systems to produce high quality
stereo headset output.
Radio functions include selectable transmit capability for pilot and co-pilot on 3 COM radios and a PA.
Receive audio selections include COM1, COM2, COM3, MKR, NAV, ADF, and DME.
1.3 Design Features
All four mics have individual VOX gating. Each gate may also be activated with the corresponding ICS
keyline.
ICS muting is automatic during radio transmission.
The unit is supplied to suit a standard NAT bi-directional ICS audio TIE line for multi-unit interface
(configuration dependent). The crew and PAX are always connected except in the case of Pilot ISO
mode, when the pilot is disconnected from the ICS tie line.
If required, one or more receiver audio inputs may be configured at the factory prior to ordering as an
unswitched Direct Audio input. A new part number may be assigned. Contact NAT Product Support for
further information.
The following audio levels can be adjusted at the time of installation, or during service by an approved
dealer, using individual level trimpots.
- ICS Balance - Music Mute level
- ICS Bass level - RX Balance
- Music Balance - RX volume level
- Music Bass level - Sidetone level

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
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1.4 Specifications
1.4.1 Electrical Specifications
Power Supply Linear regulator with reverse and over-voltage protection.
Input Voltage 11 – 30 Vdc operating range
30.3 Vdc (maximum)
13.8 Vdc or 27.5 Vdc @ 600 mA (nominal, one input for both)
11.0 Vdc (minimum)
Lighting Voltage
AA12S-001 27.5 Vdc @ 200 mA max.
AA12S-004 13.5 Vdc @ 400 mA max.
Note: The AA12S is not designed to operate under emergency electrical system conditions for 14 Vdc
operation.
Input Signals
Microphone
Quantity 4 (Pilot, Copilot, 2 Passengers)
Rated Level 250 mVrms nominal (125 to 500 mVrms)
Impedance 150 Ohm ±10%
Circuitry Type Unbalanced
TX Keyline
Quantity 2 (Pilot, Copilot)
Rated Level Ground activates keyline, ±20 mA source current
ICS Keyline
Quantity 4 (Pilot, Copilot, 2 Passengers)
Rated Level Ground activates keyline, <1 mA source current
Receive Audio
Quantity 7 (3 COM, 4 NAV)
Rated level 2.5 Vrms nominal (1.3 to 5.0 Vrms)
Impedance 1 kOhm ±10 % (1 to 3 kOhm for sidetone)
Circuitry type Unbalanced

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Music Inputs
Quantity 2 (left channel, right channel)
Rated level 1.4 Vrms nominal (850 mVrms to 2.4 Vrms)
Impedance 11 kOhm ±10 %
Circuitry type Unbalanced
Bi-directional Signals
ICS TIE Channel
Quantity 1
Rated level 340 mVrms nominal (170 to 680 mVrms)
Impedance 2 kOhm ±10 %
Circuitry type Unbalanced
Output Signals
Phones
Quantity 4 (Pilot, Copilot, 2 Passengers)
Rated level >5.5 Vrms (>100 mW, RX, ICS and music)
>0.7 Vrms (TX sidetone, adjustable)
1.5 Vrms nominal (Pilot ISO mode)
>0.2 Vrms (Automatic failsafe mode)
Impedance 300 Ohm ±10 %
Circuitry type Transformer, Unbalanced
Mics
Quantity 4 (COM1, COM2, COM3 and PA)
Rated level 250 mVrms ±10 %
Impedance 150 Ohm nominal
Circuitry type Direct throughline via relay
Keylines
Quantity 4 (COM1, COM2, COM3 and PA)
Rated level <1 A
Circuitry type Grounded relay contact

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Audio Performance
As per RTCA DO-170 Product Classification 1a except where noted.
* Manufacturers Specification ** Exceeds DO-170 requirement
Rated Output Power 100 mW min. into 300 Ohm (each stereo channel)
Audio frequency Response
Receive ≤3dB down from 350 - 6000 Hz
Intercom ≤3dB down from 350 - 3000 Hz
ICS Tie ≤3dB down from 350 - 3000 Hz
Music ≤3dB down from 300 - 15000 Hz
(Music Bass control at mid setting)
Distortion ≤10%, ≤3 % typical (350 to 6000 Hz)
Input
Input crosstalk -37 dB max*
Output crosstalk -55 dB max
Mic crosstalk <200 μVrms*
Audio noise -60 dB max**
Output Regulation ≤3 dB variance (350 to 6000 Hz)
Audio Communication Loud & Clear
ICS Volume controls <35 dB range*, 40 dB nominal
Music Volume controls <35 dB range*, 40 dB nominal
Receive Input impedance 1 kOhm ±10 %
Mic Input impedance 150 Ohm ±10 %
Music Input impedance 11 kOhm ±10 %
ICS Tie Line 2 kOhm ±10 %

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Section 1 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 1-5
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
1.4.2 Physical Specifications
Height 1.15" (29.2 mm) max.
Depth 5.80" (147.3 mm) max., behind panel
Width 4.95" (125.7 mm) max., behind panel
Weight 1.2 lbs (0.50 kg)
Mounting Dzus rail, four fasteners, 5.366" horizontal spacing, and 0.750"
vertical spacing
Faceplate Lighted panel is laser-engraved acrylic edge lit with blue-white
backlighting
Material/Finish Brushed aluminum with chromate conversion
Connectors One 25-pin female D-min connector with jackposts
One 44-pin male high-density D-min connector with jackposts
1.4.3 Environmental Specifications
Temperature -20 to +55°C
Altitude 50,000 feet
Shock 6g/11ms, 20g/11ms
Qualification of the AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller was completed in accordance with
DO-160D Env. Cat. [(A1)(D1)X]BXB[(SMB)(UF)]XXXXXXZBAXXXMXXXX
1.5 Unit Nomenclature
Variants of the AA12S series Compact Audio Controllers are identified as follows:
AA12S-002 Same as AA12S-001 with Faceplate changes
(ADF becomes ADF/MKR, DME/MKR becomes TRFC)
AA12S-004 Same as AA12S-001 with 14 Vdc lighting
AA12S-005 Same as AA12S-004 with custom faceplate
(ADF becomes ADF/MKR, DME/MKR becomes TRFC).
Section 1 ends

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
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Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-1
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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 AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller.
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 NAT 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 NAT or its
designated warranty repair center, or any labour to remove or re-install the defective unit in the aircraft.
Contact NAT for any questions regarding this warranty, its applicability to your units and/or for return
authorization. NAT 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 NAT DEALER. Product for which a warranty card is not returned shall be warranted from
date of manufacture.
2.3 Continued Airworthiness
Maintenance of the AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller is ‘on condition’ only. Periodic maintenance
of this product is not required.

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2.4 Installation Procedures
2.4.1 Warnings
WARNING:
High volume settings can cause hearing damage.
Set the headset volume control to the minimum volume setting prior to
conducting tests, and slowly increase the headset volume to a
comfortable listening level.
2.4.2 Cautions
CAUTION:
The shielding and routing of the MIC and ICS TIE LINES used in the AA12S
installation is very critical and poor performance of the aircraft audio system will
result if these issues are not handled properly.
The operation of the VOX intercom can be severely degraded by the quality and
type or mix of microphones used in the aircraft. If one user has a 'hot'
microphone, it will increase the electrical signal to the VOX circuit and the VOX
SQUELCH will have to be set to quiet this microphone. The other microphones
may not be able to generate enough electrical energy to overcome this VOX
SQUELCH setting, and will break up or not be heard at all.
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.
Coaxial cable shall be selected in accordance with MIL-C-17 unless otherwise specified. Do not use coax
cable with PVC insulation. Teflon dielectric cable is encouraged at or above VHF frequencies or where
cable runs exceed 8 feet. Note that at VHF frequencies, cables losses due to long cable runs and tight
bends may reduce the ERP (Effective Radiated Power) by greater than 50%.
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 removed from the panel for easy access to all side adjustments. Do NOT mount the
unit until all adjustments have been performed.
Maintain wire segregation and route wiring in accordance with the original aircraft manufacturers
Maintenance Instructions. Coaxial cables shall be routed separately from existing wire bundles in the
aircraft to minimize electromagnetic coupling effects.

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Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-3
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CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY TO NORTHERN AIRBORNE TECHNOLOGY LTD.
Unless otherwise noted, all wiring shall be a minimum of 24 AWG, except power and ground lines, which
shall be a minimum of 22 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. Power to this unit must
be supplied from a separate circuit breaker or fuse (fast blow), and not attached to any other circuit
breaker without additional protection. Verify that the selected circuit breaker size and wire gauge are
adequate for the installation using the techniques specified in AC43.13-1B Change 1, Paragraphs 11-47
through 11-51 and 11-66 through 11-69.
2.4.4 Post-Installation Checks
2.4.4.1 Voltage/Resistance Checks
Do not attach the AA12S until the following conditions are met.
Check the following:
a) Check P101, pin <1> for avionics buss voltage.
b) Check P101, pin <16> for continuity to ground (less than 0.5Ω).
c) Check P101, pins <9>, <10>, <11> and <12> for continuity to ground when the relevant
switch is closed.
d) Check P301, pin <5> for avionics lighting buss voltage relative to ground (with lighting on).
e) Check P301 pin <17> for continuity to ground.
2.4.4.2 Power On Checks
Power up the aircraft’s systems and confirm normal operation of all functions of the AA12S. Refer to
Section 3 (Operation) for specific operational details.
a) Install the AA12S and power up the aircraft’s systems. Turn on the radios and accessories
required for the system.
b) Check for correct radio audio and adjust for an acceptable level.
c) Perform all installed functions, and check the ICS and TX functions for all users. Refer to
Section 3 (Operation) for specific operational details.
Note: Significantly different headsets may have different microphone characteristics.
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 and Connections
The unit is shipped from the factory with all internal adjustments set to the normal test levels. Once
installed in the aircraft, it may be desirable to change some of these settings to best suit the local
operating environment. The internal adjustments are located along the sides of the unit.

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
SM69 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-4
2.5.1 Left Side Adjustments
MUTE
MUSIC
BASS
ICSICS
BAL
RL
The adjustments found on the left side of the unit are:
- ICS BAL R/L, which controls the ICS Balance
- ICS BASS, which controls the ICS bass level
- MUSIC MUTE, which controls the Music mute level.
2.5.2 Right Side Adjustments
RLLR
MUSIC
BAL
MUSIC
BASS
RX
VOLBAL
RX
S/T
TX
The adjustments found on the left side of the unit are:
- RX BAL R/L, which controls the RX Balance
- RX VOL, which controls the RX volume level
- MUSIC BASS, which controls the Music Bass level
- MUSIC BAL R/L, which controls the Music balance.
- TX S/T, which controls the sidetone level
2.6 Accessories Required But Not Supplied
Installation kit p/n AA12S-IKC (crimp) is required to complete the installation. The kit consists of one
44-Pin D-min Female Crimp Kit (NAT Part No. D44SL-IKC) and one 25-Pin D-min Male Crimp Kit
(NAT Part No. D25PL-IKC).
D44SL-IKC consists of
Quantity Description NAT Part No.
1 D-min 44 Socket Housing 20-20-044
44 Mini D Crimp Socket 20-26-703
1* Jack Screw Set 20-27-002
1* Lock Clip Set 20-27-004
1 25 Pin Connector Hood 20-29-026
D25PL-IKC consists of
Quantity Description NAT Part No.
1 D-min 25 Socket Housing 20-11-025
25 MS Crimp Pin 20-26-891
1* Jack Screw Set 20-27-002
1* Lock Clip Set 20-27-004
1 25 Pin Connector Hood 20-29-026
* Use as required.
ENG-FORM: 805-0117.DOT
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SM69 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 2 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 2-5
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2.7 Installation Drawings
DOCUMENT REV. DESCRIPTION TYPE SERIAL NO.
AA12S-001
AA12S\001\403-0 1.10 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Interconnect All
AA12S\001\405-0 1.10 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Connector Map All
AA12S\001\905-0 1.10 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Faceplate All
AA12S\001\922-0 1.10 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Mechanical Installation All
AA12S-004
AA12S\004\403-0 1.00 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Interconnect All
AA12S\004\405-0 1.00 Compact Stereo Audio Controller Connector Map All
Section 2 ends following the above documents

RL
RX
BAL VOL
RX BASS
MUSIC BAL
MUSIC
RL
S/T
TX
BAL
ICS ICS
BASS MUSIC
MUTE
LR

AA12S Series Compact Audio Controller
SM69 Installation and Operation Manual
Section 3 Rev: 1.00 Issue 4 Page 3-1
Section 3 Operation
3.1 Introduction
Information in this section consists of functional and operational procedures for the AA12S Series
Compact Audio Controller.
3.2 General Information
The AA12S is a compact Dzus-mounted audio controller with an integral 4-place stereo voice-activated
intercom. It provides intercom capabilities for the pilot, copilot and two passengers (PAX). The AA12S
accepts stereo music inputs from either portable or fixed entertainment systems to produce high quality
stereo headset output.
VOX/TX Annumnciator RX Select Switches TX Select Switch
Radio functions include selectable transmit capability for pilot and copilot on 3 COM radios and a PA.
Receive audio selections include COM1, COM2, COM3, MKR, NAV, ADF, and DME.
3.3 Controls and Indicators
3.3.1 Radio Selection
3.3.1.1 Receive
The AA12S is typically configured to select the RX audio from three transceivers and up to four additional
receivers.
The RX Select switches are white double-throw centre-off switches. Receiver audio can be selected by
setting the appropriate RX select switch to the down position.
Transceiver audio can either be selected by setting the appropriate RX select switch to the up position, or
as a function of the TX select switch. The transceiver that is selected by the TX select switch is also
automatically selected for receive. Receive/sidetone audio for the selected COM is automatically
provided.
When a switch is in the centre-off position, no transceiver/receiver audio is selected.
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