Audio Panel Headphone/Speaker

jweir43 · #1 08-01-2019, 05:02 PM

Be honest now. I know we all want all the bells and whistles we can get, but if a straight audio panel only has headphone outputs, and a speaker inclusion costs $XX more, how many of you really NEED a speaker output? So far as I know most of us fly with headphones only. It complexes up the design and it costs more money, which is passed on to you in the sales price.

How useful is a speaker output in today's world? I'll be honest with you. The last time I checked to see if my old audio panel's speaker output worked was 1989 during the audio panel installation. I have absolutely no idea if it works today.

Comments appreciated (audio panel in design is intended to sell for less than $300, maybe $350 or more with speaker option).

Jim

WingsOnWheels · #2 08-01-2019, 05:24 PM

I can think of zero reasons to have a speaker. I have a PMA5000EX audio panel and it works great. I have separate music inputs so the passenger can listen to my music or their own.

vlittle · #3 08-01-2019, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jweir43

Be honest now. I know we all want all the bells and whistles we can get, but if a straight audio panel only has headphone outputs, and a speaker inclusion costs $XX more, how many of you really NEED a speaker output? So far as I know most of us fly with headphones only. It complexes up the design and it costs more money, which is passed on to you in the sales price.

How useful is a speaker output in today's world? I'll be honest with you. The last time I checked to see if my old audio panel's speaker output worked was 1989 during the audio panel installation. I have absolutely no idea if it works today.

Comments appreciated (audio panel in design is intended to sell for less than $300, maybe $350 or more with speaker option).

Jim

Here’s a link or two to my open source Audio Mixer/Audio Panel. Hope it helps.
http://www.huvver.tech/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AMX-2A_install_B1.pdf.

http://www.huvver.tech/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AMX-2A-schematic.pdf

V

jweir43 · #4 08-03-2019, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vlittle

Here?s a link or two to my open source Audio Mixer/Audio Panel.

Well, since I put all my instruction manuals and schematics (as well as PC board layout and troubleshooting) on line with every product, I guess I'm sort of open-source as well.

HOWEVER, I do sell a full parts kit for those who don't want to go through the process of all that work laying PC boards out, drawing schematics, building up chassis/metalwork and the like.

That may or may not meet your definition of open-source, but I think it is sufficiently close.

Jim (Just call me Heathkit for Airplanes!!)

blueflyer · #5 08-03-2019, 05:51 PM

I have occasionally used the speaker while getting the weather just after start up. I don't really find it necessary. I guess I just do it cause its there. I'm sure I wouldn't miss it.

snopercod · #6 08-04-2019, 06:24 AM

I have a small "truckers" speaker and sometimes use it to listen to ATIS before startup. The only other time I use it is when doing a periodic test of my ELT.

erich weaver · #7 08-04-2019, 08:03 AM

Put me in the don?t have a speaker and don?t want one camp

Erich

thompsonbr87 · #8 08-04-2019, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snopercod

I have a small "truckers" speaker and sometimes use it to listen to ATIS before startup. The only other time I use it is when doing a periodic test of my ELT.

I've done this with other planes. It was helpful when renting. Kinda sucked to pay for listening to ATIS. Then I got a handheld.

BobTurner · #9 08-04-2019, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thompsonbr87

I've done this with other planes. It was helpful when renting. Kinda sucked to pay for listening to ATIS.

??? I have never seen a rental charged by when the electricity was on. Usually Hobbs (oil pressure activated), sometimes tach hours.
For the record, I?m in the ?no speaker, don?t miss it? camp.

RV7ForMe · #10 08-04-2019, 03:36 PM

No idea why but I was going to put a speaker in just to listen to the ATIS while on the ground. Also, I tent to listen to the engine for a few minutes after startup just to see if I hear anything funny. So during that time I don't wear a headset. Non of this is necessary but since I am building a plane I might as well build it the way I like it. I could however live without it.