The Bose® Aviation Headset X Owner’s Guide
Safety Information We, the offerer: Bose® Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA Acknowledge our sole responsibility, that the product: Kind of equipment: Bose Aviation Headset X Type Designation: AHX-02, AHX-03, AHX-04, AHX-05, AHX-06, AHX-07, AHX-08 is in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s): EMC-directive 89/336/EEC Accredited test laboratory: Mikes Product Service GmbH, Ohmstrasse 2-4, D-94342 Stasskirchen, Germany EC Certificate of Conformity #: E9 99 03 14490 008, T
Cautions and Advisories Operational advisory The Bose® Aviation Headset X, an active noise reducing (ANR) headset, is a complex electronic device. As with any complex device, it is possible for this headset to fail during operation. Failure may include loud tones, distortion, and loss of communications signal in the headset when used in the ANR mode. The headset includes redundant circuitry to reduce the effects of such failures.
Cautions and Advisories Listening to your aircraft With the headset’s combination of both active and passive attenuation, typical aircraft sounds (for example, those from engines, propellers, warning alarms, and other sound sources) may sound different to you. We strongly recommend that, as a responsible pilot, you ensure that you can hear and recognize these sounds when using the Bose® Aviation Headset X while operating any aircraft.
Cautions and Advisories Water damage Do not attempt to use or repair the headset if it has been immersed in water. Contact the Bose® Aviation Headset Department for assistance. See the inside back cover for address information. Chemicals Certain chemicals may harm the headset. Seek information about specific chemicals from the chemical manufacturers.
Contents Safety Information .................................................................................................. 2 Cautions and Advisories Operational Advisory ..................................................................................... 3 Hearing Safety ............................................................................................... 3 Cautions ........................................................................................................
Contents Operating the installed headset .................................................................. 17 Power switch ........................................................................................ 17 Volume control ..................................................................................... 17 Volume control using multiple headsets .............................................. 18 Control module mounting clip .............................................................
Introduction Headset introduction Congratulations on purchasing the Bose® Aviation Headset X. This headset uses advanced electronic noise reduction circuitry and acoustical design to reduce aircraft noise. The headset reduces noise with only slight headband clamping force, and it can be worn comfortably for extended periods. You may have a battery powered version of the Bose Aviation Headset X, or an installed version. The illustrations in Figure 1 show the two different headsets.
Introduction Headset description The Bose® Aviation Headset X comes in several variations for both general aviation and helicopter use. These variations are defined by the configuration of the attaching cable and the headset’s power source. Common features Headsets have the following features (see Figure 1).
Introduction Boom microphone cable variation table Note: You will need to verify the type of headset connection required by your aircraft communications panel before choosing a configuration from the table below.
Preparing the Bose® Aviation Headset X Preparing the Bose Aviation Headset X for use Most Bose headsets are shipped with the boom microphone cable attached. Some headset configurations are shipped with the cable packed separately in the shipping container. All headset configurations allow the boom microphone cable to be attached to either earcup, at the user’s option.
Preparing the Bose® Aviation Headset X Attaching the boom microphone cable Attach the boom microphone cable to the earcup as follows: 1. Ensure that the cable connector and the mating earcup connector are clean and free of debris. 2. Retract the headset to its fully-closed position and ensure the earcups are together. 3. Place the cable into position. 4. Ensure that the cable connector is properly aligned with the earcup connector pins. If not aligned properly, damage may result. 5.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Wearing the headset User comfort and good noise reduction performance require a proper fit. Note the left and right earcup markings and place the headset on the head as shown in Figure 3. Lightly grasp both earcups and position them so that your ears are completely inside the ear cushions and you feel even, gentle pressure around your ears. Adjust the headband to rest gently on top of your head.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Microphone placement Clear communications depend on proper microphone placement. Follow these three steps for proper placement: 1. Identify the left and right earcups and put on the headset. 2. While holding the boom pivot in place, grasp the boom with your fingers and move the microphone housing to your mouth. Note: Make sure the microphone is positioned with its label side closest to the mouth. Do not purse your lips.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the battery powered headset (cont.) Stereo/mono switch The stereo/mono switch is provided only on the general aviation, battery powered headsets. The battery powered versions of the headset are shipped from the factory in the MONO setting. If your audio or intercom communications system is in stereo, be sure to set the switch to stereo (see A in Figure 5). Figure 5 To headset Battery powered control module: A To communications/ audio panel C A.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the battery powered headset (cont.) Volume control Control of the volume level of the Bose Aviation Headset X requires adjustments at both the aircraft intercom or radio and at the headset control module. Avoid setting the volume levels too high. Exposure to loud sounds may cause hearing damage. Note: The headset volume control cannot completely turn off the volume. The headset volume control is located on the control module, as shown in Figure 5.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the installed headset Power switch Turn on active noise reduction by setting the power switch to ON. See Figure 6 for details. For volume control, follow the instructions in Volume control below. Figure 6 1 2 1. Power switch 2. Volume controls Volume control Control of the volume level of the Bose Aviation Headset X requires adjustments at both the aircraft intercom or radio and at the headset installed control module.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the installed headset (cont.) Volume control using multiple headsets When an aircraft has more than one headset connected to its audio system, the pilot in command should adjust the volume of his/her Bose Aviation Headset X as follows: 1. Turn off active noise reduction by setting the power switch to OFF. 2. Set the volume on both earcups to maximum. 3. Adjust the aircraft intercom or radio master volume to hear communications clearly.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the installed headset (cont.) Installing the aircraft panel connector Mount the connector into a cutout, as shown in Figure 7. Connect the eight wires as follows: • Two for the microphone • Two for audio • One for power • One for ground • Two for audio shields Audio and microphone wires should be connected to the back of the existing microphone and headphone jacks, leaving existing jacks intact for use with conventional headsets.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X The pinout for the optional installed connector is: Pin Wire Color Description Headset power (10-32 VDC). Use a 1/4-amp fuse or a 1/ -amp circuit breaker. 2 1 Red 2 Black System ground. Connect to the existing audio ground. 3 White Phone communication-L 4 Black Phone communication-R 5 White Microphone/Hi-audio. Connect to the portion of the existing microphone jack that corresponds to the ring position of a headset microphone plug.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the installed headset (cont.) • The Bose aircraft panel connector cannot be installed to an audio system using transformer-coupled audio outputs. Call the Bose Aviation Headset Department for details. • Adhesives approved for use with this connector are: • Ciba-Geigy Uralane 5754-A/B • Lord 710 • VTCS-6 Vibratite • Do not let cyanoacrylate-based adhesives, flux remover, or other caustic compounds contact the connector body.
Using the Bose® Aviation Headset X Operating the installed headset (cont.) Figure 9 Installation to existing aircraft stereo jacks 10-32 V DC .5A RED BLK WHT BLK BLK WHT WHT/BLU 1 V+IN 2 GND 3 COMM L 4 COMM R 5 MIC HI 6 MIC LO BLK Audio Microphone - Jack TIP (PTT) Existing wiring to aircraft stereo intercom/audio panel.
General Care and Maintenance Instructions for continued airworthiness Bose recommends following the General Care and Maintenance instructions in this guide. With normal use, items such as windscreens and ear cushions may require periodic replacement. If cleaning or replacement of these items is needed, follow the recommendations on the following pages. All other care and maintenance in and out of the warranty period must be performed by Bose or an authorized dealer.
General Care and Maintenance Cleaning instructions (cont.) Wind screen Remove the wind screen from the microphone as described in Replacing the wind screen on page 26. Wash the wind screen by immersing in mild soapy water. Rinse, air-dry, and reattach the wind screen. Protective inner screen The inner screen, shown in Figure 11, is critical to proper headset operation. Do not attempt to remove, replace, repair, or clean this component.
General Care and Maintenance Replacing the ear cushion Replace the ear cushion as follows. See Figure 11: 1. Grasp the ear cushion skirt where it folds into the slot on the earcup. 2. Gently pull the ear cushion skirt up and away from the earcup. 3. Properly position the replacement ear cushion against the earcup. 4. Tuck an edge of the ear cushion skirt into the slot behind the ear cushion flange. Do not fold the skirt over. 5. Work the remainder of the skirt into the slot completely around the earcup. 6.
General Care and Maintenance Replacing the wind screen Replace the wind screen as follows (see Figure 12): 1. Remove the attaching band by rolling away from the tip of the microphone. 2. Gently pull the wind screen from the microphone. 3. Remove the attaching band. Cut the band with small clippers if necessary. 4. Slide-on the replacement wind screen and ensure that it fits securely over the microphone. 5. Roll a new attaching band over the installed windscreen to the proper position.
General Care and Maintenance Replacing the headband cushion The headband cushion is designed to give the maximum level of comfort to your headset. Please follow the maintenance instructions below for regular care. Bose® recommends that the cushion be replaced after regular care and maintenance fails to restore the wool pile to its original size and shape. If necessary, replace the headband cushion as outlined below. See Figure 14 for details. 1.
Troubleshooting In case of difficulty Identify the problem in the left column of the table. Perform the corrective actions suggested in the right column. If the problem persists, contact the Bose® Aviation Headset Department, using the contact information on page 33 of this guide, for assistance. Problem What to do Communication but no active noise reduction in either ear • Ensure that the headset is powered, and that the ON/OFF switch is set to ON.
Troubleshooting Problem What to do Low rumbling sound with headset turned on in a quiet environment • Adjust the earcup fit to create a better seal on the head. The headset’s low-force design makes it sensitive to items that interfere with the seal around the ear. Ensure that the ears are completely inside the ear cushions and that items such as a hat or eyeglasses with thick temples do not interfere with the seal. • Check ports at the outside surface of each earcup to ensure they are not blocked.
Technical Information Sound pressure levels (SPL) are relative to 20 micropascals. Headphone Damage could occur to avionics equipment that is intended for use only with 600-ohm headsets. If in doubt, consult the avionics equipment manufacturer.
Technical Information FAA Technical Standards Order The Bose® Aviation Headset X, its interface, cables, and electret boom microphone are FAA approved to TSO C57a and C58a. It has been designed to function in or withstand exposure to the following environmental conditions: Environmental categories cited refer to RTCA/DO-160C, December 4, 1989 and DO-214, March 4, 1993.
Service & Warranty Information Ordering spares and accessories The following accessories and customer replaceable components may be purchased directly from Bose®: • Cable for general aviation and helicopters, as described in the boom microphone cable variation table • Ear cushions • Carry bag • Wind screen with attachment band • Aircraft panel connector installation kit • Battery cover • Fleece headband cushion Contact the Bose Aviation Headset Department for ordering information.
Service & Warranty Information Service Contact the Bose® Aviation Headset Department for: • Spare parts and accessories • Technical advice • Installation information • Warranty and repair information To return your headset to Bose: 1. If the headset is being returned during a Bose® thirty-day trial period, request a return authorization number from the Bose Aviation Headset Department. Clearly mark the return authorization number on the outside of the package. 2.
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©2001 Bose Corporation The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA 259880 AM Rev.
