Using the Intercom of a GTR 205X with two radios

[JDA_BTR]

The GTR205X does everything that my audio panel does - almost. It has bluetooth, streams music, takes phone calls, you name it. What it doesn't do is permit com1/com2 switching. So if I want a second radio, I'm to install an audio panel. It seems such a waste to do that.

So I'm thinking through a little audio board that I can use to select Com1/2. Any thoughts or suggestions? I'd probably save 50 hours of time just putting in an audio panel but maybe there is something more interesting to do about it.

 

[12vaitor]

No clean solution on trying to switch or mix the two radios. First you have to switch the two MICs and PTTs (pilot/copilot) between the two radios, then you have to route the associated radio headset audio from the active radio to the headsets. You could use something like a 20P2T multi deck switch to switch between two identically setup GTR205s to do what you want without an external audio panel. I use a 4P3T switch with a PM3000 intercom to switch between COM1 and COM2 and do not use the intercom features of my GTR200. Music/BT/Phone are handled by the Lightspeed Zulu 3s.

John Salak
RV-12 N896HS

 

[planenutz]

Good advice from John... but your statement about saving 50 hours and just putting in an audio panel is probably the easier option.

I was faced with exactly this issue myself a couple of months ago and after considering the alternatives chose to reuse a PS Engineering intercom I had available in stock. It has a small footprint in the panel and provided all the functionality I needed without creating a micky-duck system I might have problems troubleshooting in future. If you're good with PCB's and prototyping you could have some fun though.

 

[blaplante]

Helping a guy upgrade I recently ran into the exact same issue.
single GTR200B, serving as an intercom. Adding a GPS+COM.
In the end, installed a PMA4000 (picked up on eBay for $350)
there's a reason why the Garmin 200 installation manual shows an Audio Panel when you have two radios, as you've found.

Thoughts (had & discarded)
VFR only? Carry a handheld. Possibly even setup an external antenna for it.

Wire the 2nd com into the first com's aux input, and add a switch to be able to turn listen on/off easily. Of course the GTR200B already has a monitor function, but the 2nd volume control could be useful.

Separate jacks to the second com for that 'rainy day' gotta use the #2 to transmit.

I agree, these days when we don't need ADF, Marker, DME, etc. inputs, a whole audio panel seems like expensive overkill. Part of the decision was re-sale, owner didn't want some weirdness that would confuse and put off a prospective buyer down the road.