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A panel mount
version of the Independence is also available. The new PA 17-79
XLP was designed to be used on the International Space Station and
is now also available for general aviation use. The new panel mount
version weighs only 9.9 ounces (280.7 grams). The PA 17-79 XLP can
also be used with a 9V battery pack allowing the unit to be portable
and used in various aircraft.
Enhanced
Voice Intelligibility (EVI)
The Independence headset has incorporated into its integrated circuitry
a proprietary DSP circuit which enhances all audio within the speech
frequencies. The result is more intelligible incoming ATC transmissions.
Incoming speech frequencies are amplified 2-4 dB for more clarity
and intelligibility. This is particular favorable for pilots who
may have suffered some hearing loss over the years.
Modular
Flexible Design
The PA 17-79’s modularity includes some unique features. We have
designed the Independence headset to be modular with the introduction
of a detachable comm-cord and microphone boom. This modularity makes
the unit “field repairable”. Pilots can use the headset without
the comm-cord when they are doing their preflight around the aircraft.
The detachable comm-cord enables the user to use the headset in
different applications by simply purchasing the appropriate comm-cord.
Industrial users can wear a modified version with or without a microphone
and protect their hearing as well as have the flexibility to walk
around without worrying about a power source. The user can adjust
the microphone boom from left to right by plugging into the 3.5
mm jack on either the left or right ear cup. One can remove the
microphone boom by fully extending the headband to its largest size
so approximately only ¾” of the headband is passing through the
rubber bushing located in the center of the ear cup. Then grasp
the tip of the headband and slowly pull/twist the headband through
the rubber bushing. To reattach, line up the molded rubber pieces
and headband and snap the rubber molded piece back onto the pivot.
Comfort
Features
The headset is fitted with a breathable sheepskin headpad which
is attached to the headband with a Velcroâ closure. This headpad
virtually eliminates all complaints of hat spots caused by non-breathable
synthetic headpads used by other manufacturers. The natural headpad
combined with the wide single pivot suspension of the headband assures
a comfortable fit. The foam ear seals are extra soft and generously
proportioned and fit around the ear to distribute pressure. Silicone
gel ear seals are available as an accessory.
On/Off
– DNC Activation
The Independence headset has a black waterproof cover over the push
button On/Off switch on the right shoulder of the ear cup which
has the comm-cord jack. To turn the unit on, push the button all
the way down till it clicks. There is a green LED light located
@1 inch to the upper left of the On/Off button that will illuminate
when the unit is turned on. To turn the unit off, press the button
again. When not wearing the headset, one can visually see if the
headset is turned on by viewing the green LED power indicator.
Mono/Stereo
Selector Switch Individual Ear Cup Volume Adjustments
The Independence DNC headset can be used in either monaural or stereo
modes. A selector switch (M/S) and individual right and left ear
cup volume adjustments are placed conveniently on the comm-cord
for easy access. Each ear cup’s audio volume can be individually
adjusted in either mono or stereo mode. This allows users who may
have suffered previous hearing loss in one ear to have perfect audio
adjustment in both ears.
Rechargeable
Battery, Power Jack and Charger
The PA 17-79 is totally self-contained and requires no external
power. One has the independence of not having to choose whether
one wants a portable or a panel mounted version as with other ANR
headsets. A rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack
is installed inside the ear cup. This type of battery has no “memory
effect” as with other rechargeable NiCAD batteries. There are two
3.5mm jacks for charging the battery. They are located on each ear
cup directly below the overhead cord where it enters the cup. These
jacks serve a dual purpose and can also be used to plug in the microphone.
The unit has been designed so when the NiMH battery’s power gets
down to 7V, the LED light will not illuminate even though the headset’s
active noise canceling may work for another 45-50 minutes. By not
illuminating the LED when the battery pack reaches 7V, one will
be reminded that the battery is low and the headset should be recharged.
We have tried to eliminate the false security of seeing a lighted
LED and assuming there is power for extended use.
Fitted with an internal NiMH rechargeable battery pack, the self-contained
Independence can give the user @40-50 hours of continuous use on
a full charge. A “smart” wall charger with a red LED light is supplied
with the headset along with a comm-cord, conveniently packaged in
a custom padded cordura case. The charger’s LED will illuminate
while charging and turn off when fully charged.
The charger will continue to trickle charge the unit while plugged
in even though the LED will not be on. The battery pack can be topped-off
by recharging at anytime. The battery pack is able to be charged
@1000 times before factory replacement and has a duty life of @5000
hours of usage. It should be noted the unit will work in the active
mode while it is charging if the optional DC to DC charger is being
used, but it is not recommended due to the clutter of cords.
For maximum performance and duration of the battery, after 50 hours
of use, we recommend the headset be used until the battery is totally
depleted, before fully recharging the unit. This conditions the
battery for maximum utilization and long life. Use of any other
battery charger than the “smart” charger supplied with the headset
may damage the unit and void your warranty.
Note: Before
use, the Independence headset must be initially charged for 5-6
hours, or until the “smart” charger’s LED turns off. The batteries
have only a slight charge when installed at the factory so a full
charge is recommended.
- Independence
Series Features
31 dB Noise Reduction at 100 Hz
Totally self-contained unit
Panel power version available (PA 17-79 XLP)
Electret noise canceling microphone
Digital signal processor
IC Enhanced voice audio-in
Surface mount technology
Very lightweight: 15.5 oz. (440 grams)
100% closer tolerance military components
Mono/stereo switch
Dual volume controls
Rechargeable NiMH battery pack
Detachable microphone & boom
Battery life: @1000 charges or @5000 hours total usage
10.15 VDC “Smart” battery charger w/LED
Sheepskin headpad
ISO 9000, 9001 PCB
Tamper-proof circuit board
Gel coated circuit board for added reliability
Field repairable design
A custom padded protective case
5-Year factory warranty
Made in the USA of domestic and foreign components
Pilot Communications
reserves the right to change specifications and components as needed
to improve the product’s performance and durability.
- Accessories
DC to DC charger (cigarette lighter adapter)
Throat microphone
Silicone gel ear seals
Retrofit metal headband
Soft foam cotton headpad
Cloth ear seal covers
Comm-cords for various applications
- Technical
Specifications
Microphone
PA 11 Noise Cancelling Electret Microphone
Generating Element: Electret Condenser – Noise Cancelling
Polar Pattern: Bi-directional
Frequency Response: 150 – 4000 Hz
Impedance: 50 ohms @ 16VDC
Sensitivity: 100 dB @ 1mW input
Power Requirements: 8 - 16VDC
Current Drain: 8 mA at 8 VDC
Color/Case Materials: Black ABS
Weight: 6 grams
Mating Connector: U-173/U
- Transducers
Audio Speaker Impedance: 300 Ohm
Military: 19 Ohm
Nominal Power: 100 mW
Max Power: 200 mW
SPL: 102 + 2dB at 1 KHz
Effective Frequency Range: 400 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Effective DNC Frequency Range: 30 Hz - 8000 Hz
Active Noise Reduction: 18 - 22 dB at 100 Hz
Maximum Ambient Noise Level: 120 dB SPL
- Enhanced
Voice Intelligibility (EVI) Circuit
2 - 4 dB Gain at 500 - 1000 Hz when DNC is ON
Signal Noise Ratio: Less than 58 dB
- Nickel
Metal Hydride Battery
8.4V 720 mAH
Battery Charger: 110V Input 10.15 VDC 90mA 220V Input 10.15 VDC
90mA
Charge Time: @5 – 6 hours
Usage Time: @45 – 50 hours continuous usage depending on noise
level
Battery Life: @1000 charges or @5000 hours total usage
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