PTT intercom anyone?

[grayforge]

After reading that the new Garmin GTR 200 Radio/intercom has the option for a manual PTT on the intercom...

I'm toying with the idea of using a PTT switch instead of VOX for intercom. I got used to this from my early flying days. Gives you a more definitive on/off than VOX, where sometimes you don't quite trigger the mic.

Have many folks done this? I suppose it might be possible to wire them up and decide later.

Thanks,
Russ

[rjtjrt]

Russ
As I am sure you know, the PTT intercom is great, but can be a problem if PTT switch is on control stick, especially if this is so for passenger.
On helicopter this is overcome by a foot switch.
John

[DaleB]

For what it's worth... the intercom on our Harley touring bike is set up so you can use either VOX or PTT. We tried it both ways. PTT got to be a real hassle when carrying on an extended conversation. I took the time to get the VOX adjusted as good as it's going to get; we both like it that way a lot better.

Different modes of travel, but similar conditions -- two people, noisy environment, long trips.

[java]

Maybe I'm lucky, but VOX works so well I have no idea why anyone would want ptt on the intercom. Loud cockpit for sure, but intercoms/audio panels are so good these days, I just don't see this as a problem that needs solving.

For the record, I have a PS Engineering PAR100EX, but before the panel upgrade had a basic PS intercom that worked fine too.

My 0.03 cents (I offer more than Stein's 0.02 cents, because we all know he hungers for our money, as my t-shirt says... and my bank account)

[grayforge]

Hmmm... good points. Maybe place the pilot's PTT switch on the stick and the passenger's between the seats.

[BobTurner]

I have a -10 with minimal interior, fairly noisy. Intercom always breaks squelch immediately if someone speaks, otherwise is squelched off. PTT isn't needed for the intercom.

[grayforge]

Guess I'm old school. I'll give the VOX a try when I get my system (likely GTR 200) in.

[N804RV]

Flew for years with an ICS cord that had a ptt switch that clipped to my survival vest. It wouldn't be hard to wire up one for a GA passenger.

The bigger problem would be sourcing a 3 position trigger switch for the pilot's stick that has a proper detent for ICS. And then, learning not to hot-mike that smart comment about ATC that you meant for only your passenger's ears.

[Andy Hill]

I've installed both ATR500 and TY91 with PTT intercom, each has VOX as well.

What I've done is use a 3 way toggle switch. Centre is "Off", Latchable toggle "On" one way, Spring "On" the other.

95%+ of the time it is left latched On, and use the VOX, which works well. 5% of the time - high speed aeros, taxiing canopy open, it can be switched off and used PTT with the spring On if required.

I've put the PTTs on a sidewall, not a stick / throttle. Enough time instructing formation in a Yak-52 trying to hit a PTT on a moving throttle to talk In fact, the shortcomings of the Yak system were the basis for the above design. It is easy to fit, works well, albeit is somewhat "bullet proof" and the VOX only solution would suit most IMHO...

[rzbill]

VOX is fine for me. Would never consider going to PTT.

Two VOX issues that I (and possibly others) have to address.

1) Getting the passenger to place the mic very close to the lips.

2) Not blowing the fresh air vent directly on the mic.