I just added the PAR200B to my AFS5600 system. I previously had a single Dynon (also with the remote Trig transceiver) and a stand alone AFS intercom. Wiring it into the AFS Control Module made this a relatively easy mod. Running another Com antenna was a pain in the RV8.
Not thrilled with some features. Buttons with multiple functions can lead to multiple pushes to get where you want. Intercom does not have a squelch adjustment, so a headset with mic gain might be mandatory. I had to use the mic gain on my Lightspeed to prevent unwanted intercom opening. It has a remote "Swap" function from Com1 to Com2, but no remote flip/flop to switch standby to primary. And the button to push on the panel is NOT the one with the arrows, but the one with the line next to it. Haven't investigated any of the Bluetooth functions yet.
Once setup correctly, I suspect I'll get used to it. But I doubt I'll ever be a real fan.
Hi Jim, thanks for the PIREP. Regarding the intercom trip level, it's important to have the mic no further than 1/4" away from your mouth. The gain adjustment on the Lightspeed is very handy when the cockpit noise is extra loud. IntelliVox hasn't changed since 1997 when we patented it and frankly, it has been very well received.
The top softkey controls what the concentric knobs on the left side do. When " Frq" is displayed, the knobs change Mhz and Khz, when it say "Vol" then the small knob changes the intercom volume and the large knob changes the radio volume.
The top softkey, if held in for several seconds, does get you to a second setup screen, but this is a one-time setup. It allows you to adjust the radio transmit sidetone, and whether the radio will act as a 25 kHz or an 8.33 kHz radio. No other function related to the top softkey.
The middle softkey is simply for storing and recalling frequencies, there are no other functions related to the middle softkey.
The bottom softkey (double arrow graphic) has two functions. A short press swaps the standby frequency to the active frequency. If you press and HOLD the button soft key, it turns on and off our IntelliAudio. IntelliAudio places Com 1 at the 10 o'clock position and Com 2 at the 2 o'clock position.
There are no functions that are not labeled (hidden). Pressing and holding the N2 button (SPR) turns the cabin speak on and off and by pressing and holding the N1 Button (MON) it turns on and off the Monitor function. When this is on, you'll hear both frequencies but when the primary frequency becomes active, the standby frequency is muted.
I hope some of the explanations will make flying behind the PAR200B a bit easier and thank you very much for trusting us with your audio control.