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voice-activated stereo intercoms, which place all of the audio controls in a single console. This saves room on the panel and streamlines installation.
Still, thats not the only way to skin the audio cat. Several manufacturers offer standalone intercoms whose only job is seat-to-seat communication. But in an age of sophisticated audio panels, is there still a place for these products? Yes, but only for owners whose needs are modest and who don’t foresee wanting things like entertainment, traffic systems or GPS systems that output high-quality audio. Basic stand standalone intercoms are inexpensive-under $500 for most-but not necessarily cheap to install. If youre a dyed-in-the-wool utilitarian who only wants to talk to the passengers, one of these could be a good choice. Just know this: Dedicated intercoms don’t have growth potential-what you see is what you get. A full-blown audio panel may be a better choice.
Cost/Benefit
There’s no arguing that an integrated audio system upgrade, such as Garmins GMA340 or PS Engineerings PM8000, pays big returns in overall audio quality and builds in room for future growth. They also save room on the panel by keeping intercom and audio switching controls in a single box. Further, integrated audio panel/intercom systems have switched and unswitched auxiliary inputs for remote traffic systems, cellphone inputs, autopilot automation and engine monitoring warnings.
Downside? You have to wire all that stuff and that can get expensive. Even so, we strongly suggest considering a new combination audio panel/intercom and the rewiring and clean-up that goes along with the installation. In our view, investing in good audio is money we’ll spent. And pay a little extra for sturdy and attractive audio jack housings and push-to-talk switches for pilot and copilot, along with entertainment input jacks installed in areas that are easy to access without cluttering up the cabin with wires.
If the aircraft doesnt have an intercom of any kind-kind of rare these days-there wont be passenger audio jacks and the shop will need to remove or at least access the interior to route the wiring, mount the audio jacks and reassemble the interior. If this is the case, consider a full audio system upgrade rather than a standalone intercom. The fewer times a shop removes and reinstalls interior components, the better. Some interiors just never seem correct after removal.
Installation costs could get into the thousands for just a standalone intercom and it doesnt make much sense to spend that sum just for an intercom when a new integrated audio panel wont cost much more.
But if you currently have a good audio panel, say the Bendix/King KMA24, and the associated wiring is in good shape, a standalone intercom might be the best choice. Or, if you have a dated intercom such as the David Clark Isocom or an old Sigtronics SPA400, a modern intercom upgrade would be worth considering. Keep in mind, however, that your shop might want to replace the wiring and this sometimes means starting from scratch. don’t try to talk them out of it; performance will suffer with old, ratty wiring.
PS Engineering
Pioneers in aircraft audio, PS Engineering set the standard by which all intercoms are judged, in our view. The PM1000-series four-seat intercom offers excellent audio with features that pilots want, chief among them being dual independent volume and squelch control for pilot and copilot, which is standard on the PM1000II. The rear seats retain the same volume and squelch setting as the copilot. Prices are $299 to $499.
The PM1000II is available with dual entertainment input-it comes standard with a single input-which allows crew and passengers to listen to their own music.