PS Engineering PMA450C User manual
202-450-0800 Page 1June 2022 PMA450C Pilot Guide
;
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PMA450C
Audio Selector Panel
With
Multi-Bluetooth® Connectivity
Marker Beacon Receiver
IntelliVox® Intercom, IntelliAudio®
and
USB-C Charging System
Pilot’s Guide
and
Operation Manual
--
Flying never sounded so good ®
Page 2 Rev. 9 202-450-0800 PMA450C Pilot Guide
Subject Page
Alternate Intercom Mode 9
Bluetooth Connecon 12
Bluetooth Pairing 12
Bluetooth Reset 14
Bluetooth Setup 18
Bluetooth Telephone 13
COM select 3
Copilot as Passenger 9
IntelliAudio® Funcon 5
Intercom Modes 9
Intercom Operaon 8
Intercom Volume 8
Marker Beacon 7
Menu Display 4
Menu Time out 16
Monitor Mode 5
Music Distribuon 10
Music in ISO 12
Music Mung 11
Music Volume 11
Nav Audio Selecon 6
PS Streamer 21
Public Address 7
Recall funcons 18
Renaming Inputs 17
Recorder & Playback 14
Screen Adjustments 16
Speaker 6
Split Mode 4
Swap Mode 5
Timer Operaon 15
User Setup Menu 16
Volume 3
Wired Satellite phone 14
202-450-0800 Page 3June 2022 PMA450C Pilot Guide
Welcome to the PS Engineering PMA450C, Audio Selector Panel/Marker
Beacon Receiver/Intercom System. This Pilot Guide will introduce you to
the PMA450C and all of its features and functions. Although the PMA450C
is one of the most capable audio panels ever made, the controls and display
make it the easiest to operate. Please read this guide carefully before using
the equipment so that you can take full advantage of its capabilities.
PMA450C Operating Controls
Operating Controls
Let’s take a look at the front panel, what we call the Human-Machine Inter-
face, but you can call it buttons and knobs.
Volume (1)
Starting from the left is Volume Control and on/off (or Emergency—Fail
Safe). Pushing the knob turns the PMA450C off or on. It will come on when
the avionics master is turned on. When the unit is turned off, the fail safe
circuit will connect your pilot headset directly to COM 1. That way, you will
never be “No Radio” (NORDO) because of an audio panel problem.
These knobs control the volume for the intercom. The larger knob controls
the intercom volume for the passengers, and the small knob in the middle
controls the volume for the pilot and copilot positions.
You will see that the green bars to the left of the knobs will light up when
you turn the knobs, showing you the relative volume, so you don't have to
guess the volume your passengers hear, or see them wince when you talk.
These volume controls do not affect the radio or music volume—unless you
want them to. But we’ll cover that later.
Com Selector, Transmit (2) and Receive (3)
There are four buttons that control the radios you will transmit and receive.
The first thing to know is that you will never find yourself transmitting on a
Page 4 Rev. 9 202-450-0800 PMA450C Pilot Guide
radio that you aren’t listening to. The receiver selection is
automatic.
The bottom row (2)(XMT) selects which radio you will
transmit on, C1 (COM 1) or C2 (COM 2). When you push
the button to select the transmitter, the XMT and RCV indi-
cators turn green.
When you want to transmit on COM 2, just push the C2
XMT button, and both indicators will switch over.
If you want to listen to COM 2 while talking and listening on COM 1. Push
the C2 (COM 2) RCV button (3). Its green indicator will light.
Here’s a hint. The PMA450C will remember when you were listening to a
radio only, and keep listening as you select it for transmit, and then switch
back when the XMT is deselected.
Menu Display (6) & Line Select keys (5)
The PMA450C has an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display and
three line-select buttons to access the advanced functionality. Press the line
select button to select a specific item on each menu. Items are also toggled
on or off by pressing the line select button.
While you are navigating the menus, the screen automatically returns to the
“home” screen after a period of inactivity. This delay time is configurable for
between 1 and 30 seconds, on the initialization menu. A long press (>1 sec-
ond) will back-up one menu level.
If you see a vertical next to a
button, it indicates the button can
perform a function on that menu
screen.
A on a line indicates that a
secondary function is available when that button is held for more than 1 sec-
ond. For example, on the home screen, this function is:
·Pilot Music on/off is a long press of the middle (Entertainment) button
Split Mode
In the SPLIT mode, the pilot position transmits and receives on COM 1, and
the copilot can transmit and receive on COM 2, independently.
Pressing the C1 and C2 XMT buttons together (above the └┘ leg-
end), puts the PMA450C into SPLIT com mode.
The intercom is deactivated automatically when you
enter SPLIT mode.
If you want to talk to the copilot, just push the ICS
button until the green LED lights up CRW to turn the
intercom on between pilot and copilot.
Intercom between crew and passengers is not possible
in split mode
202-450-0800 Page 5June 2022 PMA450C Pilot Guide
Swap Mode is not possible in Split Mode
The spatial component of IntelliAudio ® is defeated in split mode.
To exit SPLIT mode, simply press either the C1 or C2 XMT buttons.
Swap Mode (Switch from Com 1 to Com 2 remotely)
With optionally installed remote swap switch, you can change from the cur-
rent Com transceiver to the other by pressing this button.
The Swap switch can also serves as a remote intercom mode selector. By
holding the swap button for more than 1 second, the ICS mode will change
from ISO-ALL-CRW-ISO, etc. each time the button is pressed and held.
IntelliAudio® Dimensional Audio
To activate IntelliAudio, press the lowest line select button, IntelliAudio -
Timerthen the lower select IntelliAudio off→on.
This button offers four modes, OFF, ON, AUTO, and Monitor.
If both radios are not already selected for
reception, the other receiver will be se-
lected for you automatically when Intel-
liAudio is on.
With IntelliAudio on, radio
communication audio signals
are digitally processed to “appear” in a
different location to the pilot and copilot positions, specifically 10 o’clock
for COM 1 and 2 o’clock for COM 2. This improve speech comprehendsion
by locating it in a manner easily differentiated by the brain.
Intercom and other audio is not spatially processed, only VHF COM audio
for the pilot and copilot. Stereo headphones, in stereo mode, are
IntelliAudio: Auto
In AUTO mode, IntelliAudio reverts to normal (straight ahead) when one of
the radios is quiet for one second. Separation will return as soon as both
radios are active.
The next function in this menu is the Monitor function, which allows a sec-
ondary com radio audio to be muted by the primary radio (selected for trans-
NOTE: In order for IntelliAudio to function properly, STEREO Headphones must
be used, and in the STEREO mode.
IntelliAudio should be OFF unless BOTH pilot and copilot have Stereo head-
sets in Stereo mode.
ONLY the pilot and copilot headsets receive IntelliAudio
Page 6 Rev. 9 202-450-0800 PMA450C Pilot Guide
mit). This allows you to get weather information while the ATC
communication will instantly mute the weather broadcast.
To toggle the Monitor mode on and off, click the IntelliAudio
button until MONITOR appears. The radio indicator selected as
monitored will blink.
Navaid Selection (4)
Your VHF Navigation receiver audio can be selected directly
from the front panel with the N1 and N2 (VHF Navigation re-
ceiver 1 and 2) buttons. The selected source is indicated by a green LED.
Additional navigation aid or other
audio sources can be selected using the
OLED menus.
Press the top line select RADIO-ICS and
select the desired audio source.
When one of the menu–selected navaid audio sources is selected, the letter
“” appears on the main screen as a reminder.
NOTE: Switched Inputs can be re-
named at the configuration set up.
See page 17 for more information.
In SPLIT mode, only the pilot will
hear selected navigation audio.
Speaker Amplifier (7)
If you want to listen to your radios over the cockpit speaker, press and hold
the N2 button (SPR is labeled under it) for 1 second or until SPR appears
in the display.
In “Split Mode,” audio that the pilot hears will also be present in the speaker.
Unswitched audio #1 & #2, (the inputs dedicated to autopilot disconnect,
altimeter warning, etc.) will come through the speaker regardless of the
speaker button position. Use of a cell phone will mute the radio audio over
the speaker.
Depending on installation, important audio annunciations such as radar al-
timeter or autopilot disconnect will come over the speaker even if it is not
selected, while other unswitched but muted inputs (#3 & #4), such as GPS
alerts, will only be present if the SPR button is selected. Consult your profes-
202-450-0800 Page 7June 2022 PMA450C Pilot Guide
sional avionics installer for these
important configuration details.
Public Address Function
To access PA function, press and
hold the N1 button for more than 1 second,
until the display adds .
When the pilot is speaking on the PA through
his microphone, all intercom except for the
Pilot will be disabled for complete and uninterrupted announcements.
The pilot microphone will be heard on the speaker and headsets when the
pilot PTT is used, and PUBLIC ADDRESS is displayed.
The copilot can continue to use the selected com radio while the pilot will be
heard over the speaker.
To exit PA mode, push and hold the N1
button again until PA is off or cycle power
on the audio panel.
Marker Beacon Operation (9)
(050-450-0801 Only)
The Marker Beacon Receiver uses visual and audio indicators to alert you
when you cross over an ILS Marker Beacon transmitter.
The Marker receiver is always on, Push the "MKR" button to hear the tones.
AUD will light up green when the marker audio is on.
The Blue lamp, labeled “O”, is the Outer Marker and has an associated 400-
Hertz 'dash' tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of two tones/
flashes per second when the aircraft is in the range of the Outer Marker Bea-
con.
The Amber lamp, labeled “M”, is the Middle Marker lamp and is coupled
with a 1300 Hertz tone. It is keyed alternately with short 'dot' and long 'dash'
bursts at 95 combinations per minute.
The White lamp, labeled “I”, is the Inner marker and has a 3000 Hertz 'dot'
tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of six times per second.
If you want to test the marker lights, press and hold the MKRbutton for 1
second, which turns on the indicator labeled "T/M" and illuminates all three
lamps simultaneously to assure the
lamps (internal and external) are in
working order. Releasing the button
returns to the last sensitivity.
If you want to mute the audio over a
marker station, pressing the MKR
for one second causes the marker
Page 8 Rev. 9 202-450-0800 PMA450C Pilot Guide
audio to mute for that beacon. The next beacon received will be heard.
Marker Beacon sensitivity can be changed from Low to High sensitivity by
pressing and holding the MKR button until “H” appears in the display, indi-
cating High sensitivity is activated. Hold the MKR button again to set to
Low sensitivity.
Intercom Operation (8)
The PMA450C uses our patented IntelliVox® squelch control. It is complete-
ly automatic. Through individual signal processing, the ambient noise ap-
pearing in all six microphones is constantly being sampled. Non-voice sig-
nals are blocked. When someone speaks, only their microphone circuit
opens, placing their voice on the intercom.
Since IntelliVox is designed to block continuous tones, people humming or
whistling in monotone may be blocked after a few moments.
For consistent performance, any aircraft headset microphone be placed
within ¼-inch of your lips, preferably against them. (ref: RTCA/DO-214A,
1.3.1.1 (a)).
It is also a good idea to keep the microphone out of a direct wind path. Mov-
ing your head through a vent air stream may cause the IntelliVox® to open
momentarily. This is normal.
The IntelliVox® is designed to work with normal aircraft cabin noise levels
(70 dB and above). It loves airplane noise! Therefore, it may not recognize
speech and clip syllables in a quiet cabin, such as in the hangar, or without
the engine running. This is normal.
If your cockpit is unusually loud or windy, PS Engineering recommends
installation of a Microphone Muff Kit from Oregon Aero (1-800-888-6910).
This will not only optimize VOX performance,
but will improve the overall clarity of all your
communications.
Intercom Volume Control (1)
The smaller inner volume control knob adjusts
the loudness of the intercom for the pilot and
copilot. It has no direct effect on selected radio
levels, music input levels or passengers' volume
level. Go to page 11 to see how to adjust the
music volume.
The outer, larger volume control knob controls intercom volume for the pas-
sengers. It has no effect on radio or music levels. When you turn the volume
knobs, the green volume bar indicator will show the level of the changing
intercom volume.
Adjust the radios (at the radio itself) and intercom volume for a comfortable
listening level.
202-450-0800 Page 9June 2022 PMA450C Pilot Guide
Mono headsets in Stereo Installation
Not recommended, because the benefit of IntelliAudio® is lost. However, if
desired, the PMA450C can be installed monaurally by using the LEFT audio
connections only (left side contains Fail-Safe audio).
Do NOT short left and right together.
Intercom Modes (8)
The ICS button cycles through the frequently used intercom modes, from
left to right, then right to left as: ISO, ALL, CRW and CRW, ALL, ISO.
The green indicator shows which mode is currently active.
ISO (Pilot Isolate): The pilot is isolated from the intercom and connected
only to the aircraft radio system. Pilot will hear the aircraft radio recep-
tion (and sidetone during radio transmissions). Copilot and passengers
can talk together but neither will hear aircraft radio receptions or pilot
transmissions. The pilot can hear music if desired.
ALL Everybody hears the aircraft radio and intercom. Crew and passengers
will hear selected Music. During any radio or intercom communications,
the music automatically mutes, and increases gradually back to the orig-
inal level when it is quiet. The music muting can be triggered by radio
only, radio and intercom, or nothing, for a “Karaoke” mode.
CRW : Pilot and copilot can talk to each other and have exclusive
access to the aircraft radios. They may
also listen to Music sources. Passen-
gers can continue to communicate
with themselves without interrupting
the crew and may listen to music as
configured.
Alternate Intercom and Copilot as Passenger (CPX) Modes
What if the folks in back do not want
to listen to the radio chatter, but want
to converse with the pilot and copilot
positions? That is where our Alternate
Intercom Mode comes in handy. This
mode allows intercom conversations between crew and passengers, without
affecting the crew’s radio communications. The passengers do not hear the
aircraft radio audio, and passengers microphones are blocked from the crew
while the radio is active. Passengers can still talk to each other while the
crew is listening to the radio.
To activate the Alternate Intercom Mode, press RADIO-ICS→ Intercom:
to switch between Standard, Alternate modes and CP Pax modes.
Page 10 Rev. 9 202-450-0800 PMA450C Pilot Guide
Okay, now the person in the copilot seat does not wish to interact with the
aircraft operation. When you configure the PMA450C as “Copilot as Passen-
ger,” the intercom station wired as
copilot will be a passenger only.
To enable the Copilot as PAX Mode,
press RADIO-ICS→ Intercom: to
switch between Standard, Alternate
and CP Pax modes. This is indicated
by CPX on the display.
The position will have intercom with the pilot, except when there is radio
traffic, and never hear any radio audio. The intercom microphone to the pilot
position will not be heard while there is radio audio present. Copilot seat
becomes “front” and passenger becomes “rear” for the Music distribution
menu. In this configuration, CREW mode cannot be activated. CPX shows
on the home screen to remind you that your copilot is not normal.
Both of these modes will reset to normal at power off, unless you change the
option in the user setup menu (see page 18).
Music Control, Distribution
and Muting
Push and hold the middle line select
button on the main menu to toggle the
music on or off for the pilot. When music
is active for the pilot, a music icon (♫)
appears in the display. If you don’t hear
your music in the pilot seat, look for
that icon (also check the volume lev-
el).
The PMA450C has two independent mu-
sic inputs at the rear connector, and the
ability to receive streaming music from either of two Bluetooth modules
available in the PM4A50B, depending on how you have configured the au-
dio panel.
The Music 1, Music 2, Bluetooth or a combination of inputs can be selec-
tively delivered to the pilot, copilot and/or passengers using the music distri-
bution menu.
Press Entertainment → Music Distribution→ and select desired combi-
nation.
If you do not have a Bluetooth music
device paired to the audio panel, the
Bluetooth option will not appear.
Because of the unprecedented flexi-
bility of the PMA450C which has two
(2) Bluetooth modules built-in, BT1
should be connected to a phone while
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