Rhino
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2009
- Messages
- 1,483
I'm toying with the idea of a DIY solution that provides some audio panel capability with two radios, without having to buy an audio panel. It can't be done without buying some hardware and engaging in some very involved wiring, but I think it can be done in a workable and relatively inexpensive way. I'll preface this by saying I don't know if this is a good idea, or whether or not it will work. I also have no way to test it. But I've been getting a lot of queries concerning the feasibility of something like this, so I decided to play around.
Below is a first draft of my idea. It uses three readily available switches, two relays, and two AMX-2A mixers from VX Aviation. Not being an engineer, I've probably complicated it needlessly, but I'm hoping some of our engineering types can point out what I got wrong (and I'm sure I got some things wrong).
IMAGE DELETED. SEE MOST RECENT DRAFT BELOW.
This setup removes the volume control capability from the SV-INTERCOM-2S, so it's all or nothing. In fact. it bypasses the intercom almost entirely, and could be made to replace it completely with a bit more work. You could add some rheostats for volume control if you wanted. I didn't add a whole lot extra, because it eventually gets to the point that you may as well just get the audio panel. In fact, I may revamp it at some point to eliminate the intercom entirely.
There's somewhat less than $400 of equipment to purchase here, and a lot more work.
This configuration allows each pilot to choose what they listen to, Com 1, Com 2, or both. That's why it requires two mixers, and bypasses most of the intercom. The intercom mixes, but it doesn't give the ability to only listen to specific radios.
There is a com 1/com 2 selector switch for PTT, but it affects both pilots simultaneously. They will both transmit on whichever radio is selected.
This configuration is mono only. Unless you have twin engines or dual EMS modules, you aren't using stereo anyway.
I haven't gotten to designing it yet, but music can be added, either through the intercom or directly from the mixers. Again, it will be mono only though. You can get stereo mixers, but they cost more, and this is intended as a poor man's alternative to an audio panel.
Anyway, feedback is appreciated.
Below is a first draft of my idea. It uses three readily available switches, two relays, and two AMX-2A mixers from VX Aviation. Not being an engineer, I've probably complicated it needlessly, but I'm hoping some of our engineering types can point out what I got wrong (and I'm sure I got some things wrong).
IMAGE DELETED. SEE MOST RECENT DRAFT BELOW.
This setup removes the volume control capability from the SV-INTERCOM-2S, so it's all or nothing. In fact. it bypasses the intercom almost entirely, and could be made to replace it completely with a bit more work. You could add some rheostats for volume control if you wanted. I didn't add a whole lot extra, because it eventually gets to the point that you may as well just get the audio panel. In fact, I may revamp it at some point to eliminate the intercom entirely.
There's somewhat less than $400 of equipment to purchase here, and a lot more work.
This configuration allows each pilot to choose what they listen to, Com 1, Com 2, or both. That's why it requires two mixers, and bypasses most of the intercom. The intercom mixes, but it doesn't give the ability to only listen to specific radios.
There is a com 1/com 2 selector switch for PTT, but it affects both pilots simultaneously. They will both transmit on whichever radio is selected.
This configuration is mono only. Unless you have twin engines or dual EMS modules, you aren't using stereo anyway.
I haven't gotten to designing it yet, but music can be added, either through the intercom or directly from the mixers. Again, it will be mono only though. You can get stereo mixers, but they cost more, and this is intended as a poor man's alternative to an audio panel.
Anyway, feedback is appreciated.
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