ANR headset - Noisy Intercom
 

Sharing a problem that seems to be quite common with ANR headsets:

I can hear all the time a background white noise on the intercom.

The intensity of the background noise depends on the other pilot's headset type. (Sennheisers seem to cause the worst noise, don't know why!)

ps: boeing 738

Are you aware of any intercom "squelch" or "auto mute" portable accessory for the flight deck?
Something that would only allow me to listen to the intercom if the other pilot is actually talking!

I found this:
PS Engineering :intercoms

and this:
Pilot USA Portable 2-Station VOX Minicom - MyPilotStore.com

But I am not sure if they work and don't want to waste money!

Thanks in advance!

I'm guessing the problem isn't there when the other pilot disconnects their headset? Please confirm.

If it is coming from the other pilot then is there a vox control on their side?

correct, if the other pilot deactivates the intercom (or disconnects the headset) then the problem goes away.

Unfortunately on the 737 there is no vox or squelch..

What happens when you swap headsets so you use their headset on your side, and have them use yours on their side. Do they hear the same background noise when using your headset on their side?

already tried to swap, they hear the same background noise! Even tried with another ANR headset, and again same background noise..
I think the problem is that most microphones are too sensible and they just broadcast all the cockpit noise through the intercom!

That's why I was trying to find some tool to introduce an automute or squelch function to stop this..

intercom noise filter
 

Hi,

I am finalising the design for the intercom noise killer which just allows voice to be carried by the mic. It works the same as the radio in transmit mode.

Your headset mic jack plugs into the box and the other lead just goes into the mic socket. Unfortunately needs a 9V battery or a 12V supply.

Not too sure if you have cigarette lighters on your instrument panel!

Ray

I wonder if you have a generic ANR headset, or one compatible with your particular aircraft - as all should be. In other words, most generic ones simply act in a broadband manner, whereas proper sets target specific damaging frequencies. The former run the risk of reducing sounds (audio cues) you want to hear.

Is it an analogue system, or a digital (programmable) one? With the latter, you plug it in before flight and dial in the aircraft type you are about to fly, and it blows the EPROM. Clever systems will give you the option of which seat; for example, front or rear crew in a helicopter.

Also, all ANR sets should be integrated with the intercom to ensure the performance of the latter does not deteriorate when the set is plugged in; or when some users don't have ANR and other do. The latter is perhaps the major design issue here as speech ineligibility changes enormously.

I suspect there are many who just get an ANR set at random and expect it to work in all environments.

Any news on this?
I am quite keen to find a box to put between my headset and the 'wall sockets' on a Falcon 7x. It is ONLY an intercom thing.

Thanks!