PS Engineering PMA4000 TSO User manual

1PMA4000 Pilot Guide & User Manual
9800 Martel Road
Lenoir City, TN 37772
www.ps-engineering.com
PMA4000
PMA4000
Audio Selector Panel
with
IntelliVox™ Intercom System
Pilot’s Guide/Operation Manual
July 2001
July 2001
PS Engineering, Inc. 2001 ©
Copyright Notice
Copyrighted information in this manual is subject to change without notice. PS Engineering reserves the right to
improve or change the products or contents of this manual, without notification of any person or agency. The
contents of this pilot’s guide may be downloaded, stored and reprinted for personal use provided that this
copyright information is included. Commercial use is strictly prohibited. For further information contact the
Publications Manager at PS Engineering, Inc., 9800 Martel Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772. Phone [phone]

2PMA4000-Pilot Guide & User Manual
1.General Instructions
1.1 SCOPE
This section provides detailed operating instructions for the PS Engineer-
ing PMA4000 Audio Selector Panel/Intercom Systems. Please read it care-
fully before using the equipment so that you can take full advantage of its
capabilities.
This section is divided into three sections covering the basic operating ar-
eas of the PMA4000 systems. They are: Audio Selector, Transceiver Selec-
tion and Intercom.
1.2 Approval Basis
None
1.3 Audio Selector
Through the use of four
latched, push-button, back-lit
switches, it is possible to se-
lect any or all receiver audio.
When selected, an internal
backlight will illuminate indi-
cating which audio source is
selected. The Com toggle
switch controls what trans-
ceiver is being heard by the
pilot and copilot. "C1" (Com
1) and "C2" (Com 2) push-buttons select the receiver, and are used to
monitor a com that is not selected for transmit. You will always hear the
audio from the transceiver that is selected by the 2-position mic selector
toggle switch.
The users can identify which receivers are selected by noting which push-
button switches are illuminated. Push buttons labeled N1 (Nav 1), N2
(Nav 2) are "latched" type switches. When one of these buttons is pressed,
it will stay in the "in" position. Press the switch again and it be in the
"out" position and remove that receiver from the audio. While selected, an
internal lamp will also annunciate the switch.
7PMA4000 Pilot Guide & User Manual
option, will send a replacement unit at our expense if the unit should be deter-
mined to be defective after consultation with a factory technician. The cus-
tomer is responsible for return shipment costs.
This warranty is not transferable. Any implied warranties expire at the expira-
tion date of this warranty. PS Engineering SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This warranty does not
cover a defect that has resulted from improper or unreasonable use or mainte-
nance as determined by us. This warranty is void if there is any attempt to dis-
semble this product without factory authorization. This warranty gives you
specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that may vary from
state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusions may not apply
to you.
Factory Service
The PMA4000 is covered by a one-year limited warranty. See warranty infor-
mation.
The unit is covered by a one-year limited warranty. See warranty information.
Call PS Engineering, Inc. at [phone] before you return the unit. This
will allow the service technician to provide any other suggestions for identify-
ing the problem and recommend possible solutions.
After discussing the problem with the technician and you obtain a Return
Authorization Number, ship product to:
PS Engineering, Inc.
Attn. Service Department
9800 Martel Road
Lenoir City, TN 37772
[phone] FAX [phone].
www.ps-engineering.com/suport.shtml
If no method of payment is provided, the units will be returned COD.
PS Engineering will not be responsible for units returned via US Mail.

6PMA4000-Pilot Guide & User Manual
The recorder function is automatic. Pressing the momentary switch associ-
ated with the playback, will cause the last message to played (incoming
radio and transmit sidetone). This will be heard in all headsets and
speaker (if selected). To hear older messages, push the playback button
repeatedly to “back up” the recorder, until the desired message is heard.
Holding the IRS playback button for three seconds will stop the message
playback and queues the system to the next preceding message. This al-
lows quick access to previous messages.
The recorder is a continuous loop, and newest ones will overwrite the old-
est messages.
The IRS has an internal squelch that prevents storing ‘dead’ air. A radio
signal of more than 1 VRMS is needed to trigger the IRS. Therefore, if the
IRS does not seem to be recording, increase the aircraft radio volume
slightly.
Limitations
Any entertainment device connected through the PMA4000 must be
switched off during take off and landing.
Emergency Procedures
In the event that the unit exhibits any anomalous behavior, such as an
audio failure, transmitter failure, or other difficulty, the unit can be
switched off in the following manner:
1. Placing the Intercom Mode Selector Switch (see Figure 1-2) into
the “OFF” position.
2. Pulling the Audio Panel Circuit Breaker.
This activates the fail-safe mode, which connects the pilot’s headset di-
rectly to Com 1. This allows communications or the pilot only, on Com 1
only.
Warranty and Service
Warranty
In order for the factory warranty to be valid, the installations in a certified
aircraft must be accomplished by an FAA-approved agency, and author-
ized PS Engineering dealer.
PS Engineering, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defect in mate-
rial and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of installa-
tion. During this one-year warranty period, PS Engineering, Inc., at its
3PMA4000 Pilot Guide & User Manual
1.3.1 Intercom Mode Selector Switch
Unit power is turned on and off by the mode se-
lector switch. In the OFF or "FAIL-SAFE" posi-
tion, the pilot is connected directly to Com 1 al-
lowing transmit and receive capability regardless
of unit condition. Any time power is removed or
turned OFF, the audio selector will be placed in
the fail-safe mode. The switch is a 3-position
mode switch that allows the pilot to tailor the
intercom function to best meet the situation.
ISO:(Up Position): The pilot is isolated from the intercom and is con-
nected only to the aircraft radio. He will hear the aircraft radio reception
(and sidetone during radio transmissions if provided by the transceiver).
Copilot and passengers will hear the intercom and music on Entertain-
ment input, but not the aircraft radio receptions or pilot transmissions.
ALL:(Middle Position): All parties will hear the aircraft radio, intercom,
and music from entertainment input. However, during any intercom com-
munications, the music volume automatically decreases when SoftMute is
active . The music volume increases gradually back to the original level
after communications have been completed.
1.3.2 Speaker Amplifier
Pressing the volume control will activate the cockpit speaker. This switch
will place all selected audio on the cockpit speaker when selected. The
speaker is automatically muted when the radio push to talk (PTT) is ac-
tive. To reduce power consumption and internal heat buildup, switch off
the speaker amplifier when not in use.
1.4 Microphone (Transmit) Selector Switch
Microphone Selector
The up switch position is COM 1. Both pilot and
copilot will be connected to the Com l transceiver.
While in the COM 1 or COM 2 mode, the intercom
functions normally. Both the pilot and copilot have
transmit capabilities on the selected transceiver.
All hear the selected audio if the intercom is in the
ALL mode. Only the person who presses their Push
To Talk (PTT), will be heard over the aircraft ra-
dio. Placing the toggle switch in the COM 2 position will place pilot and

4PMA4000-Pilot Guide & User Manual
copilot on Com 2.
The PMA4000-Series has an automatic selector mode. Audio from the se-
lected transceiver is automatically heard in the headsets and speaker
(when selected). You can check this function by switching from COM 1 to
COM 2 and watch the selected audio light on the selector change from C1
to C2. This ensures the pilot will never transmit on a radio is not listening
to.
When switching from COM 1 to COM 2 while Com 2 has NOT been se-
lected, Com 1 audio will be switched off. In essence, switching the mic
selector will not effect the selection of Com receiver audio.
1.4.1 Volume Control
The pilot volume control knob adjusts the loud-
ness of intercom and music in the pilot’s head-
phones only. It has no effect on selected radio
audio levels. The copilot volume control adjusts
the loudness of the intercom and music in the
copilot headset. The passenger volume is also
adjusted by the copilot volume control. Most
general aviation headsets have a built-in volume
control, so volume can be adjusted “locally.” The copilot volume control is
also controllable through the rear connector, so a tandem aircraft can ad-
just the volume from a different location.
1.4.2 VOX-Squelch Control
The PMA4000 incorporates PS Engineering’s revolutionary IntelliVox™.
No adjustment of the squelch control is required. Through two individual
signal processors, the ambient noise appearing in all four microphones is
constantly being sampled. Non-voice signals are blocked. When someone
speaks, only their microphone circuit opens, placing their voice on the in-
tercom.
The system is designed to block continuous tones, therefore people hum-
ming or whistling in monotone may be blocked after a few moments.
For best performance, the headset microphone must be placed within ¼
inch of your lips, preferably against them. It is also a good idea to keep the
microphone out of a direct wind path. Moving your head through a vent
air stream may cause the IntelliVox™ to open momentarily. This is nor-
mal.
For optimum microphone performance, PS Engineering, Inc. recommends
installation of a Microphone Muff Kit from Oregon Aero (1-800-888-
6910). This will not only optimize VOX performance, but will improve
5PMA4000 Pilot Guide & User Manual
the overall clarity of all your communications.
1.4.3 Intercom Modes
The audio selector panel has provisions for an entertainment input device.
While in the ISO (Isolate) mode, only the copilot and the four passengers
will hear entertainment device. In normal operation, whenever a person
speaks or if the aircraft radio becomes active, the music will automatically
mute and then will gradually return to the original listening level when the
radio or intercom activity ceases.
If a stereo entertainment device is used, the left and right channels can be
combined in the plug to provide full sound.
Push to talk intercom mode
In some extremely high noise environments, it may be desirable to have a
push to talk (PTT) intercom, instead of relying on voice-activation (VOX).
In the PMA4000 audio panel the PTT intercom capability is added. To
operate the PTT, Activate the panel-mounted VOX override switch. Then,
the ICS PTT switch on the pilot or copilot side will allow voice on the in-
tercom.
Internal Recorder System (Part number 11941, only)
The PMA4000 (part number 11941) has an available internal recorder op-
tion. This stores the last 60 seconds of radio traffic from the selected
Comm transceiver (the one selected for transmit).
Mode Pilot Hears Copilot
Hears Passenger
Hears Comments
ISO A/C Radio
Pilot Sidetone
(during radio
transmission)
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
This mode allows the pilot to
communicate with the air
traffic control without the copi-
lot or passengers bothered by
the conversations. Copilot
and passengers can continue
to talk and listen to music
All Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
Radios
Sidetone
Pilot
Copilot
Passengers
Entertainment
This mode allows all on board
to hear radio reception as well
as communicate on the inter-
com. Music and intercom is
muted during intercom and
radio communications