PS ENGINEERING PMA450C Audio Selector Panel Multi Bluetooth Connectivity Marker Beacon Receiver User Manual
- June 11, 2024
- PS Engineering
Table of Contents
PMA450C Audio Selector Panel Multi Bluetooth Connectivity Marker Beacon
Receiver
Product Information: PMA450C Audio Selector Panel
The PMA450C is an Audio Selector Panel with a USB-C Charging System manufactured by PS Engineering. The device is covered under one or more of the following US Patents: 4,941,187; 5,751,817; 5,903,227; 6,160,496; 6,493,450. It is also FAA-TSO certified for C139a, C35d, and C71.
The audio panel features an OLED display and three line-select buttons to access advanced functionality. The front panel has a human-machine interface consisting of volume controls, com selectors for transmit and receive, and menu display with line select keys.
Product Usage Instructions
Before using the PMA450C, it is recommended to read the Pilot’s Guide and
Operation Manual carefully to understand all the features and functions of the
device.
Operating Controls
The front panel of the PMA450C has various operating controls that are easy to use. Here’s a rundown of each control:
- Volume Control and On/Off (Emergency–Fail Safe): The volume control knob is located on the left side of the panel. Pushing this knob turns the PMA450C on or off. When the device is turned off, the fail-safe circuit connects the pilot headset directly to COM 1 to prevent No Radio (NORDO) situations.
- Intercom Volume: There are two knobs to control the volume for intercom. The larger knob controls the intercom volume for passengers, while the smaller knob in the middle controls the volume for the pilot and copilot positions. Green bars to the left of the knobs light up, indicating the relative volume.
- Com Selector, Transmit, and Receive: There are four buttons that control the radios for transmit and receive. The bottom row (2) selects which radio to transmit on, C1 (COM 1) or C2 (COM 2). When the button is pushed to select the transmitter, the XMT and RCV indicators turn green. If you want to listen to COM 2 while talking and listening to COM 1, push the C2 (COM 2) RCV button (3). Its green indicator will light.
- Menu Display and Line Select keys: The OLED display and three line-select buttons allow access to advanced functionality. Press the line select button to select a specific item on each menu. Items are also toggled on or off by pressing the line select button.
Note: The volume controls do not affect radio or music volume unless desired.
Welcome to the PS Engineering PMA450C, Audio Selector Panel/Marker Beacon Receiver/Intercom System. This Pilot Guide will introduce you to the PMA450C and all of its features and functions. Although the PMA450C is one of the most capable audio panels ever made, the controls and display make it the easiest to operate. Please read this guide carefully before using the equipment so that you can take full advantage of its capabilities.
PMA450C Operating Controls
Operating Controls
Let’s take a look at the front panel, what we call the Human-Machine Inter-
face, but you can call it buttons and knobs.
Volume (1)
Starting from the left is Volume Control and on/off (or Emergency—Fail Safe).
Pushing the knob turns the PMA450C off or on. It will come on when the
avionics master is turned on. When the unit is turned off, the fail safe
circuit will connect your pilot headset directly to COM 1. That way, you will
never be “No Radio” (NORDO) because of an audio panel problem.
These knobs control the volume for the intercom. The larger knob controls the
intercom volume for the passengers, and the small knob in the middle controls
the volume for the pilot and copilot positions.
You will see that the green bars to the left of the knobs will light up when
you turn the knobs, showing you the relative volume, so you don’t have to
guess the volume your passengers hear, or see them wince when you talk.
These volume controls do not affect the radio or music volume—unless you want
them to. But we’ll cover that later.
Com Selector, Transmit (2) and Receive (3)
There are four buttons that control the radios you will transmit and receive.
The first thing to know is that you will never find yourself transmitting on a
radio that you aren’t listening to. The receiver selection is automatic.
The bottom row (2)(XMT) selects which radio you will transmit on, C1 (COM 1)
or C2 (COM 2). When you push the button to select the transmitter, the XMT and
RCV indicators turn green.
When you want to transmit on COM 2, just push the C2 XMT button, and both
indicators will switch over. If you want to listen to COM 2 while talking and
listening on COM 1. Push the C2 (COM 2) RCV button (3). Its green indicator
will light.
Here’s a hint. The PMA450C will remember when you were listening to a radio
only, and keep listening as you select it for transmit, and then switch back
when the XMT is deselected.
Menu Display (6) & Line Select keys (5)
The PMA450C has an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display and three line-
select buttons to access the advanced functionality. Press the line select
button to select a specific item on each menu. Items are also toggled on or
off by pressing the line select button.
While you are navigating the menus, the screen automatically returns to the
“home” screen after a period of inactivity. This delay time is configurable
for between 1 and 30 seconds, on the initialization menu. A long press (>1
second) will back-up one menu level.
If you see a vertical bar next to a button, it indicates the button can
perform a function on that menu screen. 
A split bar on a line indicates that a secondary function is available when that button is held for more than 1 sec-ond. For example, on the home screen, this function is:
- Pilot Music on/off is a long press of the middle (Entertainment) button
Split Mode
In the SPLIT mode, the pilot position transmits and receives on COM 1, and the
copilot can transmit and receive on COM 2, independently.
Pressing the C1 and C2 XMT buttons together (above the └SPLIT┘ leg-end), puts
the PMA450C into SPLIT com mode.
- The intercom is deactivated automatically when you enter SPLIT mode.
- If you want to talk to the copilot, just push the ICS button until the green LED lights up CRW to turn the intercom on between pilot and copilot.
- Intercom between crew and passengers is not possible in split mode
- Swap Mode is not possible in Split Mode
The spatial component of IntelliAudio ® is defeated in split mode.
To exit SPLIT mode, simply press either the C1 or C2 XMT buttons.
Swap Mode (Switch from Com 1 to Com 2 remotely)
With optionally installed remote swap switch, you can change from the cur-rent
Com transceiver to the other by pressing this button.
The Swap switch can also serves as a remote intercom mode selector. By holding
the swap button for more than 1 second, the ICS mode will change from ISO-ALL-
CRW-ISO, etc. each time the button is pressed and held.
IntelliAudio® Dimensional Audio
To activate IntelliAudio, press the lowest line select button, IntelliAudio ,
then the lower select IntelliAudio off → on.
This button offers four modes, OFF, ON, AUTO, and Monitor.
If both radios are not already selected for reception, the other receiver will be selected for you automatically when Intel-liAudio is on.
With IntelliAudio on, radio communication audio signals are digitally processed to “appear” in a different location to the pilot and copilot positions, specifically 10 o’clock for COM 1 and 2 o’clock for COM 2. This improve speech comprehension by locating it in a manner easily differentiated by the brain.
Intercom and other audio is not spatially processed, only VHF COM audio for the pilot and copilot. Stereo headphones, in stereo mode, are required
NOTE: In order for IntelliAudio to function properly, STEREO Headphones
must be used, and in the STEREO mode.
IntelliAudio should be OFF unless BOTH pilot and copilot have Stereo head-sets
in Stereo mode.
ONLY the pilot and copilot headsets receive IntelliAudio
IntelliAudio: Auto
In AUTO mode, IntelliAudio reverts to normal (straight ahead) when one of the
radios is quiet for one second. Separation will return as soon as both radios
are active.
Com Monitor Mode
The next function in this menu is the Monitor function, which allows a
secondary com radio audio to be muted by the primary radio (selected for
transmit). This allows you to get weather information while the ATC
communication will instantly mute the weather broadcast.
To toggle the Monitor mode on and off, click the IntelliAudio button until
MONITOR appears. The radio indicator selected as monitored will blink.
Navaid Selection (4)
Your VHF Navigation receiver audio can be selected directly from the front
panel with the N1 and N2 (VHF Navigation receiver 1 and 2) buttons. The
selected source is indicated by a green LED.
Additional navigation aid or other audio sources can be selected using the
OLED menus.
Press the top line select RADIO-ICS and select the desired audio source.
When one of the menu–selected nevoid audio sources is selected, the letter “S” appears on the main screen as a reminder.
NOTE: Switched Inputs can be re-named at the configuration set up. See page 17 for more information.
In SPLIT mode, only the pilot will hear selected navigation audio. 
Speaker Amplifier (7)
If you want to listen to your radios over the cockpit speaker, press and hold
the N2 button (SPR is labeled under it) for 1 second or until SPR appears in
the display.
In “Split Mode,” audio that the pilot hears will also be present in the
speaker.
Unstitched audio #1 & #2, (the inputs dedicated to autopilot disconnect,
altimeter warning, etc.) will come through the speaker regardless of the
speaker button position. Use of a cell phone will mute the radio audio over
the speaker.
Depending on installation, important audio annunciations such as radar
altimeter or autopilot disconnect will come over the speaker even if it is not
selected, while other unstitched but muted inputs (#3 & #4), such as GPS
alerts, will only be present if the SPR button is selected. Consult your
professional avionics installer for these important configuration details.
Public Address Function
To access PA function, press and hold the N1 button for more than 1 second,
until the display adds PA. 
When the pilot is speaking on the PA through his microphone, all intercom
except for the Pilot will be disabled for complete and uninterrupted
announcements.
The pilot microphone will be heard on the speaker and headsets when the pilot
PTT is used, and PUBLIC ADDRESS is displayed.
The copilot can continue to use the selected com radio while the pilot will be
heard over the speaker.
To exit PA mode, push and hold the N1 button again until PA is off or cycle power on the audio panel.
Marker Beacon Operation (9)
(050-450-0801 Only)
The Marker Beacon Receiver uses visual and audio indicators to alert you when
you cross over an ILS Marker Beacon transmitter.
The Marker receiver is always on, Push the “MKR” button to hear the tones. AUD
will light up green when the marker audio is on.
The Blue lamp, labeled “O”, is the Outer Marker and has an associated
400-Hertz ‘dash’ tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of two
tones/flashes per second when the aircraft is in the range of the Outer Marker
Bea-con.
The Amber lamp, labeled “M”, is the Middle Marker lamp and is coupled with a
1300 Hertz tone. It is keyed alternately with short ‘dot’ and long ‘dash’
bursts at 95 combinations per minute.
The White lamp, labeled “I”, is the Inner marker and has a 3000 Hertz ‘dot’
tone. The lamp and tone will be keyed at a rate of six times per second.
If you want to test the marker lights, press and hold the MKR button for 1
second, which turns on the indicator labeled “T/M” and illuminates all three
lamps simultaneously to assure the lamps (internal and external) are in
working order. Releasing the button returns to the last sensitivity.
If you want to mute the audio over a marker station, pressing the MKR for one
second causes the marker audio to mute for that beacon. The next beacon
received will be heard.
Marker Beacon sensitivity can be changed from Low to High sensitivity by
pressing and holding the MKR button until “H” appears in the display,
indicating High sensitivity is activated. Hold the MKR button again to set to
Low sensitivity.
Intercom Operation (8)
The PMA450C uses our patented IntelliVox® squelch control. It is complete-ly
automatic. Through individual signal processing, the ambient noise appearing
in all six microphones is constantly being sampled. Non-voice sig-nals are
blocked. When someone speaks, only their microphone circuit opens, placing
their voice on the intercom.
Since IntelliVox is designed to block continuous tones, people humming or
whistling in monotone may be blocked after a few moments.
For consistent performance, any aircraft headset microphone must be placed
within ¼-inch of your lips, preferably against them. (ref: RTCA/DO-214A,
1.3.1.1 (a)).
NOTE
It is also a good idea to keep the microphone out of a direct wind path.
Moving your head through a vent air stream may cause the IntelliVox® to open
momentarily. This is normal.
The IntelliVox® is designed to work with normal aircraft cabin noise levels (70 dB and above). It loves airplane noise! Therefore, it may not recognize speech and clip syllables in a quiet cabin, such as in the hangar, or without the engine running. This is normal.
If your cockpit is unusually loud or windy, PS Engineering recommends
installation of a Microphone Muff Kit from Oregon Aero
(1-800-888-6910). This will not only
optimize VOX performance,
but will improve the overall clarity of all your communications.
Intercom Volume Control (1)
The smaller inner volume control knob adjusts the loudness of the intercom for
the pilot and copilot. It has no direct effect on selected radio levels, music
input levels or passengers’ volume level. Go to page 11 to see how to adjust
the music volume.
The outer, larger volume control knob controls intercom volume for the passengers. It has no effect on radio or music levels. When you turn the volume knobs, the green volume bar indicator will show the level of the changing intercom volume.
Adjust the radios (at the radio itself) and intercom volume for a comfortable listening level.
Mono headsets in Stereo Installation
Not recommended, because the benefit of IntelliAudio® is lost. However, if
desired, the PMA450C can be installed monaurally by using the LEFT audio
connections only (left side contains Fail-Safe audio).
Do NOT short left and right together.
NOTE: Mono headsets that short the tip and ring (i.e. older models) will introduce some audio distortion when used. Modern, stereo headsets are recommended in ALL positions. Do not use IntelliAudio® unless both pilot and copilot have stereo headsets.
Intercom Modes (8)
The ICS button cycles through the frequently used intercom modes, from left
to right, then right to left as: ISO, ALL, CRW and CRW, ALL, ISO. The green
indicator shows which mode is currently active.
ISO (Pilot Isolate): The pilot is isolated from the intercom and connected only to the aircraft radio system. Pilot will hear the aircraft radio reception (and sidetone during radio transmissions). Copilot and passengers can talk together but neither will hear aircraft radio receptions or pilot transmissions. The pilot can hear music if desired.
ALL: Everybody hears the aircraft radio and intercom. Crew and passengers will hear selected Music. During any radio or intercom communications, the music automatically mutes, and increases gradually back to the orig-inal level when it is quiet. The music muting can be triggered by radio only, radio and intercom, or nothing, for a “Karaoke” mode.
CRW (Crew): Pilot and copilot can talk to each other and have exclusive access to the aircraft radios. They may also listen to Music sources. Passengers can continue to communicate with themselves without interrupting the crew and may listen to music as configured.
Alternate Intercom and Copilot as Passenger (CPX) Modes
What if the folks in back do not want to listen to the radio chatter, but want
to converse with the pilot and copilot positions? That is where our Alternate
Intercom Mode comes in handy. This mode allows intercom conversations between
crew and passengers, without affecting the crew’s radio communications. The
passengers do not hear the aircraft radio audio, and passengers microphones
are blocked from the crew while the radio is active. Passengers can still talk
to each other while the crew is listening to the radio.
To activate the Alternate Intercom Mode, press RADIO-ICS→ Intercom: to switch
between Standard, Alternate modes and CP Pax modes.
Okay, now the person in the copilot seat does not wish to interact with the aircraft operation. When you configure the PMA450C as “Copilot as Passenger,” the intercom station wired as copilot will be a passenger only.
To enable the Copilot as PAX Mode, press RADIO-ICS→ Intercom: to switch between Standard, Alternate and CP Pax modes. This is indicated by CPX on the display.
The position will have intercom with the pilot, except when there is radio
traffic, and never hear any radio audio. The intercom microphone to the pilot
position will not be heard while there is radio audio present. Copilot seat
becomes “front” and passenger becomes “rear” for the Music distribution menu.
In this configuration, CREW mode cannot be activated. CPX shows on the home
screen to remind you that your copilot is not normal.
Both of these modes will reset to normal at power off, unless you change the
option in the user setup menu .
Music Control, Distribution and Muting
Push and hold the middle line select button on the main menu to toggle the
music on or off for the pilot. When music is active for the pilot, a music
icon (♫) appears in the display. If you don’t hear your music in the pilot
seat, look for that icon (also check the volume lev-el).
The PMA450C has two independent music inputs at
the rear connector, and the ability to receive streaming music from either of
two Bluetooth modules available in the PM4A50B, depending on how you have
configured the au-dio panel.
The Music 1, Music 2, Bluetooth or a combination of inputs can be selectively
delivered to the pilot, copilot and/or passengers using the music distribution
menu.
Press Entertainment → Music Distribution→ and select desired combination.
If you do not have a Bluetooth music device paired to the audio panel, the
Bluetooth option will not appear.
Because of the unprecedented flexibility of the PMA450C which has two (2)
Bluetooth modules built-in, BT1 should be connected to a phone while
BT2 must be connected to an iPad or other music streamers. ( NOTE:
although phones can be connected to BT2, they can only act as streaming de-
vices for music, not calls. Shown above, the pilot is connected to their phone
(BT1) while the copilot is connected to the phone and to BT 2, which can send
audio from Foreflight or music. BT2 can not be connected to a phone for
telephone use, only entertainment.
NOTE: BT2 should be used for applications that provide voice
announcements or checklists to avoid clipping of words.
Refer to the section on user setup on page 18 for information on using the
second Bluetooth module as audio streaming output.
NOTE:
All music devices should be turned off for takeoff, landing, or any critical
phase of flight. FAA Regulation 14 CFR 91.21 restricts the use of portable
electronic devices.
§91.21 “(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may
operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the
operation of, any portable electronic device on any of the following U.S.-
registered civil aircraft. . .
“(b)(5) Any other portable electronic de-vice that the operator of the aircraft has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.”
You can refer to Advisory Circular 91.21-1C for more information, at www.faa.gov.
Music Muting
The PMA450C SoftMute™ circuit mutes the music whenever there is conversation
on the radio, the intercom, or both, depending on the “Mute” mode you have
selected. When that conversation stops, the music returns to the previous
level over a second or so.
The mute mode functions are controlled through Music Mute Menu which has three
modes for music inputs, ALL, Mute Off & Radio mute.
- ALL – music will mute with either intercom or radio communication
- Mute Off – music will not mute except during outgoing radio transmissions.
- Radio – Radio will mute music, but intercom will not mute music.
The PMA450C defaults to Mute ALL when turned on, unless Mute Recall mode is
enabled in setup .
In addition to the panel mute menu, a remote switch may be installed to al-low
the passengers local access to their Mute Off mode. When this switch is
grounded, the menu choice is overridden.
Music Volume (1)
You can adjust the music volume for crew and passengers from the Entertainment
menu of the PMA450C:
Press Entertainment → Music Volumes → set desired user’s volume for using the
small knob. The LED Volume bar and the numeric volume will show the volume
level.
Music in Pilot ISO mode
When the isolate (ISO) mode is activated, the music for the pilot is
automatically disabled. If desired, the pilot can elect to hear Bluetooth,
Music #1 or #2, in the ISO mode by toggling the Entertainment line select with
a long press or holding the Entertainment line-select button, while in the ISO
mode.
Bluetooth® connections
The first thing to know is that the PMA450C with a PS Streamer (Part Number
050-450-0801 and –0901) has two Bluetooth Modules, (BT1 and BT2 by default).
When you search from your Bluetooth-equipped phone or music source you will
see BT1 and BT2 followed by the unit serial number (these can be renamed in
the user settings menu. The last four digits are the unit serial number by
default).
BT2 can be configured in the user menu as either a Music input, or a Audio
Streaming output to a compatible video action camera or other device. The
factory default is Music Input.
Pairing Bluetooth devices
The audio panel is discoverable, and will not require a PIN unless you set up
that function in the user menu.
When Bluetooth is paired, Bluetooth icons and the battery status of a device
is displayed in the upper right corner of the home display.
The picture at right shows the PMA450C paired for music/audio/phone input from
two Bluetooth devices.
Once paired, the audio panel will accept streamed music and telephone calls
from the music source and/or smartphone.
The PMA450C can be paired with up to eight individual devices, and will
automatically reconnect with the first two it finds. When more than eight are
paired, the PMA450C will drop a device to allow the new device to be added.
When the PMA450C is first powered on, an auto connect sequence attempts to
connect the BT to previously paired devices. During this period connection
times may vary from 10 seconds to 1 minute. Although the PMA450C can store up
to eight devices, we recommend limiting the number if practical. During start-
up, the PMA450C will look for each previously paired device which may slow
connection time.
Hint, if your old phone is not recognized by the PMA450C, you may need to
reset from the Bluetooth menu.
If you see a Bluetooth symbol with a little flag, it means the BT2 has been
configured as a PS Streamer output, and it will not show up as a music
distribution option.
P airing separate music and telephone devices
It is possible to use a different music source (iPad, iPod with Bluetooth
adapter, Bluetooth enabled laptop, etc.) and telephone.
NOTE: A previously paired iOS Hands Free device may experience from one
to several connect/disconnects sequences when the PMA450C is first pow-ered
on. This is normal and will result in the device remaining connected when the
auto connect process is completed.
If two iOS devices are paired and connected to the PMA450C, and one of them
does not auto connect on the next power cycle (perhaps it isn’t in the
airplane, or the Bluetooth is turned off), it will be ignored until it is
recon-nected manually.
Bluetooth® Telephone Mode
The PMA450C serves as a full duplex interface for telephone systems such as
portable cellular phones with Bluetooth connectivity.
Warning:
United States FCC Regulations contained in 47 CFR § 22.925 currently contain
prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones. “Cellular telephones
installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of
aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching
the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular tele-phones on
board that aircraft must be turned off.”
When the Bluetooth-enabled cell phone rings, the incoming call menu opens,
showing caller ID (if provided), and you can answer by pushing the top line-
select button.
The ICS button controls who is on the telephone.
In ALL intercom mode, all crew and passengers will be heard on the phone when
they speak. Everybody will hear selected audio. Com audio is automatically
heard in the headsets.
In CREW mode, the pilot and copilot are connected to the telephone. The pilot
and copilot will have transmit capability on the other selected transceiver
Com 1 or 2, simply by using their respective PTT switch.
In ISO intercom mode, when the PMA450C is in the TEL mode, the pilot position
is in the “Phone Booth.” Only the pilot will hear the telephone, and only he
will be heard. There will not be telephone sidetone in ISO. The pilot will
also have access to Com 1 or 2, and will transmit on that radio using the PTT.
All other selected audio is provided.
PS Engineering does not guarantee compatibility with personal cellular telephones.
Cellular telephone sidetone
Some cell phones do provide side-tone, and when combined with audio panel
sidetone audio distortion may occur. In PMA450C Telephone side-tone can be
enabled or disabled on the Telephone menu which is active when a call is in
progress.
Bluetooth Reset
If your Bluetooth devices have trouble connecting, it may be necessary to
reset the Bluetooth Module. The PMA450C Bluetooth Reset function is accessible
from the user setup menu. (See also User Setup Menu, page 18)
During the unit boot up process (while the version numbers appear on the
screen), hold the lower line select button until the setup screen appears.
This places the unit into the “User Setup Mode → Bluetooth→ BT 1 Con-fig.”,
and allows resetting the Bluetooth Module.
When Unpair All is pushed, BT 1 is reset and ALL Bluetooth devices are erased
from BT1. To reset BT2, change the configuration to “Streamer”, and then back
to Music, if desired. Cycle the PMA450C power to exit setup screen. You will
need to “Forget” the PMA450C and add it again after resetting.
Wired telephone/Satcom mode
The PMA450C can accommodate a wired telephone input as well as a Blue-tooth
connection. However, only one can be active at a time. The Bluetooth icons are
absent from the wired menu.
The wired telephone screen menu is activated when audio is detected from the
phone. Side tone and telephone volume can be controlled from this menu. The
telephone au-dio distribution is the same as Bluetooth, above.
This menu will switch off 25 seconds after the incoming conversation ends, or
press End Call. ****
NOTE: The PMA450C does NOT answer or hang up the wired phone from this menu.
Recorder and playback (3)
The PMA450C has an internal recorder. This digital system stores the last
incoming audio from the radio you have selected for transmit. It can store as
many as 8 incoming messages, and up to 45
seconds of audio. The pilot and copilot hear the playback.
The radio recording is automatic.
To play back the last recorded message, press and hold the COM Receive
pushbutton associated with the selected radio transmitter. You can either wait
for the message to finish playing before accessing the prior message, or
cancel the current playback and step backward. To cancel the playback, press
and hold the COM receive button for two seconds. The next time the button is
pressed for one second, the next earlier message is received.
The screen displays a status message to indicate that playback is in progress.
The playback will stop whenever there is more incoming selected COM au-dio,
and the message can be replayed from the beginning by pressing the selected
COM receive button again.
USB Charging Port (10)
The PMA450C contains a USB-C charging port that is capable of providing 5VDC,
3 amps of current (15W) to charge the batteries in smart phones and tablets
used as Personal Electronic Devices. This is NOT a data transfer jack.
User Setup menus
The PMA450C has many user adjustable functions accessible from a setup menu.
During the unit boot up process, press the lower line select button until the
setup screen appears. This will place the unit into the “User Configurable
Mode- home screen”. This allows adjustment for:
- Adjust Screen (OLED) & Timeout
- Rename Switched Inputs
- Bluetooth functions
- Adjust radio volumes
- Recall Mute Modes
- Recall Alternate and Copilot as passenger Intercom Modes
Cycle the PMA450C power to exit setup mode.
OLED Screen Adjustment
The first items are adjustments to the display, allowing the installer or user
to tailor the display to suit the cockpit conditions.
There are two functions: Display Bright-ness & Display Timeout.
The display will vary in real time while adjustments are made. LED bar &
numeric indication will vary.
To change the display:
Press the line select for the desired item
Turn the small, inner knob to change the brightness as desired.
Cycle the PMA450C power to exit setup screen.
Display Timeout
This is a feature that allows the user to adjust how quickly the screen menus
timeout (revert to main menu) and can be configured from 1 second to 30
seconds by turning the inner knob.
For a user who is unfamiliar with the product, this will give them enough time
to learn the system. After becoming more familiar, the user can speed up the
menu screen timeout as de- sired. A long press of the line select will also
back up a menu level.
Cycle the PMA450C power to exit setup screen. 
Rename “Switched” Inputs
The system is factory set to default as ADF, DME as shown.
The two inputs are from top to bottom:
- Switched input #1 J1, Pin 7 with respect to (wrt) Pin 8 (Default ADF)
- Switched input #2 J1, Pin 21 wrt Pin 22 (Default DME) which is combined with input #3 J1, Pin 23 wrt Pin 43
You can to rename these inputs. There is a
maximum 9 letters per line, and A — Z, a — z and 0 – 9 are available.
- Press the line select for desired input.
- Turn the large outer knob to select the letter to change.
- Turn the small, inner knob to increment or decrement the letter.
- You can clear the whole line quickly by turning the outer knob to move the cursor all the way to the right until the line clears.
Cycle the PMA450C power to exit setup mode.
Bluetooth Setup (BT1 and BT2)
There are two Bluetooth modules in the PMA450C. There are three Bluetooth 1
functions that can be changed in the user setup screen, Unpair All, Pair PIN
code, and device ID.
Unpair All (Bluetooth Reset)
When this is pushed, all Bluetooth devices are erased from BT1, and can then
be added back as desired. This is useful in some cases where the unit or
operator lose track of the devices paired, and cannot get them to connect.
To Reset BT 2, change the function from Music to Streamer, and back if
desired. All devices are cleared when the function is changed.
PIN: The 4 digit pass code can be changed to any number desired. The
default is 0000. This is useful if the owner wants to restrict access to the
audio panel Bluetooth functions.
Some phones will not pair if a Personal Identification Number (PIN) is
required. To disable the PIN Enter configuration menu, select Bluetooth.
Select PIN code for editing. Press PIN button one more time. “Bluetooth Reset”
will appear on screen. When the menu returns, the PIN code will report
“Disabled”.
To re- enable the PIN code for a different device, press the PIN button.
“Bluetooth Reset” will appear on screen. When the menu returns, the last
stored PIN code will be shown.
ID: As shipped from the factory, the modules are labeled as BT 1 and BT 2,
with the last four numbers of the serial number.
The PMA450C can be renamed using this mode to show up on the devices with a
personalized identifier.
Recall Options
As shipped by the factory, the PMA450C automatically defaults to “Mute On.”
This ensures that the music will always be muted until intentionally changed
by the pilot. The PMA450C defaults to Standard Intercom from Alternate
Intercom on power up.
Owners who want the PMA450C to remember the last music mute state can set the
“Recall Mute.”
The intercom mode options Standard, Alternate Intercom and CPX mode set can “Recall ICS” in the user setup menu.
Volume Adjustments
The Marker Beacon receiver Switched receiver and speaker audio volume can be
adjusted from the menu. 
PS Streamer Operation
The PMA450C is equipped with a PS Streamer audio module. This module provides a Bluetooth® output of selected signals from the audio panel. These can be streamed to devices such as a GoPro Hero 3 or 4 equipped with a SENA GP10 adapter or other compatible de-vice.
Set the PMA450C to Stream Audio Out
In order to have the audio panel stream audio out, you need to config-ure
Bluetooth Module #2 as an output, in the user setup page.
During the unit boot up process, press the lower line select button until the
setup screen appears. This will place the unit into the “User Configurable
Mode- home screen”.
When Bluetooth 2 is set as a Streamer, exit the user setup function by cycling
power on the PMA450C
Pairing to External Device
It is a good idea to turn off any Bluetooth Devices in the area. This will
speed up the process and prevent the module from pairing to a device other
than the desired one. It is also good to turn off the device you want to use,
until you are ready to pair it.
To pair the PMA450C PS Streamer with a compatible device, access the streamer
menu from Radio-ICS ➔More ➔Streamer➔ Config ➔ Pair. Now, turn on the desired
device and initiate the pairing on the device as well.
This may take 60 seconds to complete.
You will not need to manually connect each time the device and PMA 450B are
disconnected.
Depending on the Bluetooth device receiving the audio, pairing may have to be
initiated on the device, or the audio panel first. 
NOTE: During the time that the Streamer module is in the pairing process,
BT1 is disabled, so music and telephone will not be available. When paired, a
Bluetooth “OUT” symbol (a small flag in the symbol) will appear in the display
.
NOTE: If the device has not paired in about a minute, press “Cancel” on the PMA450C. Wait 2 seconds, and press “Pair” again. Repeat until the device connects.
Streamer on/off
From the main menu, Select: Radio-ICS ➔More ➔Streamer➔ Source
Press the middle line select button to select the PS Streamer source.
The PS Streamer remembers this setting when the audio panel is turned off. You
will not need to activate the PS Streamer for each flight and the module will
reconnect when activated.
Steamer Source Selection
The output can contain either the audio heard by the pilot (radio, intercom,
mu- sic, etc.) or only communications radio audio.
From the PS Streamer menu, push the middle line select but-ton to toggle
between communication radio audio and all audio heard in the pilot headset,
including radio, intercom, music and telephone.
Streamer Volume
The volume of the radio output to the PS Streamer module can also be adjusted,
press Radio-ICS More ➔Streamer➔ Volume, and use the small knob to set the
level. We recommend starting at 10, the highest level. 
Warranty & Service
In order for the factory warranty to be valid, the installations in a
certified aircraft must be accomplished by an FAA-(or other ICAO agency)
certified avionics shop and authorized PS Engineering dealer. If the unit is
being installed by a non-certified individual in an experimental aircraft, a
factory-made intercom harness must be used for the warranty to be valid.
PS Engineering, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defect in material
and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of retail sale by
authorized PS Engineering dealer. During the first twelve (12) months of the
two-year warranty period, PS Engineering, Inc., at its option, will send a
replacement unit at our expense if the unit should be determined to be
defective after consultation with a factory technician. For the remaining
twelve (12) months of the two-year warranty period, PS Engineering will send a
no-cost replacement unit at customer shipping expense.
All transportation charges for returning the defective units are the
responsibility of the purchaser. All domestic transportation charges for
returning the exchange or repaired unit to the purchaser will be borne by PS
Engineering, Inc. The risk of loss or damage to the product is borne by the
party making the shipment, unless the purchaser requests a specific method of
shipment. In this case, the purchaser assumes the risk of loss.
This warranty is not transferable. Any implied warranties expire at the
expiration date of this war-ranty. PS Engineering SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. This warranty does not cover a defect
that has resulted from improper handling, storage or preservation, or
unreasonable use or maintenance as determined by us. This warranty is void if
there is any attempt to dissemble this product without factory authorization.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights, which may vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the
exclusion of limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusions may not apply to you.
All items repaired or replaced under this warranty are warranted for the
remainder of the original warranty period. PS Engineering, Inc. reserves the
rights to make modifications or improvements to the product without obligation
to perform like modifications or improvements to previously manufactured
products.
Factory Service
The units are covered by a two-year limited warranty. See warranty
information. Call PS Engineer-ing, Inc. at
865-988-9800 before you return any
unit. This will allow the service technician to provide any other suggestions
for identifying the problem and recommend possible solutions.
After discussing the problem with the technician and you obtain a Return
Authorization Number, ship product to:
PS Engineering, Inc.
Attn: Service Department
9800 Martel Rd.
Lenoir City, TN 37772
865-988-9800 FAX
865-988-6619 Email: contact@ps-
engineering.com
Units that arrive without an RMA number, or telephone number for a responsible contact, will be returned un-repaired. PS Engineering is not responsible for items sent via US Mail.
PS Engineering, Inc. 2022 ©
Copyright Notice
Copyrighted information in this manual is subject to change without notice. PS
Engineering reserves the right to improve or change the products or contents
of this manual, without notification of any person or agency. The contents of
this pilot’s guide may be downloaded, stored and reprinted for personal use
provided that this copyright information is included. Commercial use is
strictly prohibited. For further information contact the Publications Manager
at PS Engineering, Inc., 9800 Martel Road, Lenoir City, TN 37772. Phone
865-988-9800