Pilot Communications USA Performance Series User manual

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PA-1181T
Performance Series
Owner’s Manual
“Engineering Excellence”
This model is known for top of the line components. To distinguish this unit from our other passive
models we use all black chrome hardware to create a very sophisticated look in the cockpit. Enjoy
your personal music in true stereo through the combination cell phone/satellite input jack. We invite
you to compare with any of our competitor’s offerings. You’ll be pleasantly pleased.
Features
Passive Noise Reduction: (NRR) 24dB Soft Padded Protective Case
Cell / Satellite Phone Interface Pillow Top Head Pad
Full Flex “Memory” Microphone Boom Mono / Stereo Capability
Noise Canceling Electret Microphone
Triple Plated Black Chrome Hardware
Twin Layer Silicone Gel Ear Seals
Push-To-Talk Switch On Ear Cup
Dual Volume Controls Three Year Warranty
Auxiliary Audio Interface Weight: 13.4 Oz. (375 grams)
Additional Models
PA-1181TH Helicopter Version
Table of Contents
Introduction / Features 1.0
Fitting Your Headset 2.0
Microphone Placement 2.1
Volume Control 2.2
Mono / Stereo Selector 2.3
Cell / Satellite Phone Capable 2.4
Built-in Push-To-Talk 2.5
Music Input Jack 2.6
Twin Layer Gel Silicone Ear Seals 2.7
Pillow Top Head Pad 2.8
Soft Padded Headset Case 2.9
Taking Care Of Your Headset 3.0
Microphone Windscreen 3.1
Ear Cushions 3.2
Communication Cord 3.3

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2.0 Fitting Your Headset
Wearing your headset properly is paramount to achieving both comfort and maximum performance. First
slightly loosen the hand adjustable knobs on the headband. The headset should be placed on your head
and slowly pulled down so that the ear cups are properly positioned over each ear for maximum noise
attenuation. Tighten the knurled knobs when the headset feels correct. It should apply slight pressure on
your head without being snug. You may need to make your final adjustments in the high noise environment
of the cockpit.
2.1 Microphone Placement
Your headset comes with a full flexible “memory” microphone boom and a noise canceling electret
microphone. The boom can be rotated 360 degrees for left or right side use. Proper placement of the
electret microphone is critical in order to achieve clear communications. The microphone should be placed
at the corner of the mouth approximately 1/4” away from the lips.
2.2 Volume Control
The PA-1181T is fitted with two individual volume controls, one each for the right and left side of the
headsets. When adjusting the volume control, the pilot-in-command should adjust his or her volume control
first with the audio system turned on. Please remember that you may be dealing with 3 volume controls -
radio, intercom and headset.
2.3 Mono/Stereo Selector (On Comm-Cord Splitter)
Your headset comes standard with a Mono/Stereo selector switch which is located on one side of the
triangular splitter. “M” indicates the mono position while “S” indicates the stereo position. It should be noted
that if you are using a monaural intercom and your headset is set in the stereo position, you will only hear
through one speaker of your headset. With a stereo intercom you will hear true stereo in both ears.
2.4 Cell / Satellite Phone Capable
Having the capability in an emergency of being able to place a cell phone call from your aircraft is one of the
reasons PILOT has installed a cell/satellite jack on the headset. Located on the non-boom side ear cup, a
2.5mm jack is in place. It will work with 90% of cell phones in the marketplace. An adapter may need to be
purchased from your local electronics shop in order to utilize this feature.
2.5 Built-In Push-To-Talk Switch
Your PILOT PA-1181T is fitted with a Push-To-Talk button on the opposite side of the ear cup with the
comm-cord. It’s great for flight instructors or to use in case of an inoperative portable PTT or yoke mounted
PTT.
2.6 Music Input Jack
The cell/satellite phone jack can also be used as a music-input jack. Plug in your favorite music source,
IPOD®, MP3® or CD player and you’ll hear true stereo music in your stereo headset.
2.7 Twin Layer Silicone Ear Seals
Your headset is fitted with our proprietary twin layer gel silicone ear seals. This new design cuts about 30%
of the weight of normal silicone ear seals and provides a slightly larger inner diameter for enhanced comfort
for your ears. From our testing we have determined that these are the most noise attenuating ear seals
available today.
2.8 Pillow Top Head Pad
The PA-1181T has an oversized head cushion to distribute the weight of the headset. No more hot spots!
2.9 Soft Padded Headset Case
We provide you with a soft padded headset case to protect your headset. You should treat your headset like
you would treat any other electronic product of value. Keep it clean, and keep it out of extreme temperatures
(hot or cold). Take care of your headset for best and long lasting results.

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3.0 Taking Care of Your Headset
Treat your headset like you would treat your stereo and computer at home. To insure the full life of your
headset, keep it clean and free of dirt. Clean your headsets with non-alcohol wipes or a soft cloth slightly
dampened with water and a mild soap. Never use alcohol. Plastic parts dry out or fray when exposed to
alcohol based products. Headband, ear cups, ear seals and cords can be lightly cleaned but one should be
careful around the microphone and speakers on the headset.
3.1 Microphone Windscreen
Pilot Communications USA recommends periodically replacing the microphone windscreen if necessary.
The foam microphone windscreen helps eliminate the popping “P”s and “T”s and annoying breath puffs
when you’re communicating with the headset. The foam microphone windscreen also helps protect the
microphone from moisture and other elements that may cause damage to the electronics. You may use mild
soap and water to clean your foam windscreen. Place the foam windscreen in mild soapy water. Rinse and
make sure the windscreen is fully air dried before reattaching to the microphone.
3.2 Ear Cushions
Ear seals also need periodic replacing. Usage and temperature variations are two factors that will influence
the life span of your ear seals. We have several types of seals on our headsets. Generally, PVC, foam and
silicone gel style ear seals can be wiped off with mild soap and water. Do not submerge the ear seals in
water. All three types of seals have vent holes and water would enter the vent holes and ruin the ear seal.
3.3 Communication Cord
Take care of your communication cord. Wires in the cord can break if abused. Always disconnect them by
disconnecting the plugs, not by pulling the cords. Pulling on the cord, instead of the plugs is a major cause
of headset repairs, causing breaks and static. We recommend storing your headset in a headset case or
flight bag and keeping the cords free of obstruction to reduce wear and tear on your headset.
Pilot Communications USA