Cables and adapters

Setup Instructions & User Guide for the Avee35 – fitting the Bose^®QC35^™.

Tusen takk (which is thank you in Norwegian ) – for purchasing the Avee aviation microphone !
We hope it gives you as much joy flying with it – as it gives us designing it – and flying with it!
In this leaflet we will show you how to prepare and connect the Avee microphone to your headset – and how to use it.
A pdf version of this document may be downloaded from this link:Users Guide Avee35 NG – Avee Microphone Version 4.4 – Oct 26 2021

How to prepare your headphones

The Avee microphone is using an adhesive magnetic stripe to attach safely to your Bose^® or Sony^® headset.

This solution makes it easy to attach and detach the Avee microphone from the headphone in seconds, and the Avee microphone stays safely in place whenever it is connected to the headphones.
Please follow these instructions to install the magnetic stripe properly to your headphones.

Step 1: Using the cleaning wipe supplied, clean the base of your headphones including the area surrounding the input jack. Ensure that you remove any residue that is adhered to the headphones. Let dry for a minute or two.

Step 2: We are now preparing to transfer the magnetic stripe to the headphones using the Avee microphone as a jig. Let the magnetic stripe be attached to the Avee microphone, and remove the adhesive stripe protective backing from the magnetic stripe.  The magnetic stripe should stay on the Avee microphone and the adhesive side should be facing the headphone.
Check out this video on how to do it as well!

Step 3: Guide the add-on to the base of the left headphone and firmly press it in place for minimum 30 seconds. Once attached, carefully unplug it to reveal the adhesive magnetic stripe being transferred to the headphones.
Press firmly on the tape to ensure all edges of the tape have adhered to the headphones.
Optimally the adhesive on the magnetic stripe needs a 24 hrs curing time.

That is all – the Avee aviation microphone is ready to be used!               

Connecting the Avee microphone to the aircraft

To start using the Avee microphone in the aircraft, follow this procedure:

1. Plug the Avee aircraft interface cable into the Avee microphone using the angled USB connector. Use force to make the USB C connector go all the way into the USB socket. The connection may be done in two directions – either the cable pointing upwards – or the cable is pointing downwards.
2. Attach the Avee microphone to the headset. Make sure the Avee microphone is clamped safely to the headset.
3. Plug the Avee aircraft interface into the aircraft. Please note that the aircraft connector might be the dual GA, Lemo Redel, Neutricon or XLR-5 – all depending on what you have purchased from us & what is available in your aircraft.
4. Switch on the ANR feature on the headphones. Please note that you will always have audio in your headphones regardless of battery status or headphones ANR power on/off.
   The Avee microphone output is NOT affected by headphone power status.
5. When the aircraft radio & intercom is switched on, the mic add-on will get bias power from the aircraft. This is indicated with a steady dimmed Power indicator light on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
6. The internal Bluetooth^® available in your Bose QC35^™ or Sony XM3/XM4 will automatically disconnect all units connected via Bluetooth when the Avee microphone is connected.
   To be able to listen to music or use your phone when flying, you need the Avee BlueLink. Check out our web pages for more info on this add-on product.

Headphone volume setting

Adjust the headphone volume by using the Volume knob on the Avee microphone.
Rotate anti clockwise for max volume and clockwise for minimum volume.
Please note that for most pilots the normal procedure for adjusting the headphone volume is by setting the Avee headphone volume to maximum – and then adjusting the volume from the aircraft audio panel.

In small GA aircrafts, the headset volume  is typically adjusted individually for pilot and co-pilot. Volume level in the left back seat is following the pilot volume level, while the right back seat is following the level set by the co-pilot.
In this case we suggest letting the back seaters adjust the volume level to lower level (if needed) using the volume control on the Avee microphone.

Microphone output level

The microphone output level is factory set to a normal output level, and will usually not require adjustments.
The output level may however be set by using the Mic level adjustment knob on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
To adjust – please use your finger nail or the corner of a credit card. Maximum clockwise is minimum level while maximum anti-clockwise is maximum level.
DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !  
Avoid setting the output level to high. This will make the noise cancelling microphone in the Avee pick up unnecessary cockpit/ambient noise.

Headset mono & stereo mode

The Avee microphone is set to the mono mode (factory setting), by turning the

Mono / stereo adjustment knob fully anti clockwise.  To set stereo mode, turn the

adjustment knob fully clockwise.

DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !  

Problem solving

1. Bad ATC reception – reading you two
The most common problem for fresh aviators, is that the microphone is placed too far away from the mouth. This makes the intercom and radio pick up little or no audio from you, and this will of course lead to problems. Keep the microphone approx.  6mm from your mouth at all times – and let the flat side & white dot face your mouth.
A good rule is that when you hear yourself well in the intercom, ATC and other aircrafts hear you well.
However – the intercom and the radio are to separate and independent systems and they behave differently.

2. Intercom squelch setting.
   On most GA aircrafts intercoms, the squelch is set manually.
   If the first part of the word is clipped – or the intercom squelch is not opening at all – this must be corrected by adjusting the squelch threshold in the aircraft.
3. Audio in left ear only:
   The Avee microphone is set to stereo mode. Set to mono mode to fix this issue.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Document information    

Document version:                              4.0  – March 17 2021

Valid for products:                              Avee35 NG  (for Bose^™ QC35^™ ) ,

                                                                 AveeXM3/XM4 NG (for Sony WH1000XM3/XM4           

Connectors

Headphone connector:

       Bose^®QC35^®                          2.5mm – four pin audio                
       Sony^® XM3/XM4^®                  3.5mm – four pin audio
Connector to aircraft interface cable             USB C                                            
Bias voltage accepted:                 9-16VDC   

Microphone                                
Type:                                            Noise reduction                           
Output signal:                               Adjustable with potentiometer
Output signal level:                      Adjustable between 0.5V RMS and 2V RMS

Default output level:                    0.7 V RMS @ 1khz / 74dB SPL                        

Headphone speaker                                                        

Audio level:                                  Adjustable with potentiometer (10-100%)

DISCLAIMER

Avee is an unlicensed third-party accessory and is not affiliated with Bose^® or Sony^®.
Bose^® or Sony^® does not approve or endorse the products manufactured by Avee.

Setup Instructions & User Guide for the Avee35 – fitting the Bose^®QC35^™.

Tusen takk (which is thank you in Norwegian ) – for purchasing the Avee aviation microphone ! We hope it gives you as much joy flying with it – as it gives us designing it – and flying with it!
In this leaflet we will show you how to prepare and connect the Avee microphone to your headset – and how to use it.

How to prepare your headphones

The Avee microphone is using an adhesive magnetic stripe to attach safely to your Bose^® or Sony^® headset.

This solution makes it easy to attach and detach the Avee microphone from the headphone in seconds, and the Avee microphone stays safely in place whenever it is connected to the headphones.
Please follow these instructions to install the magnetic stripe properly to your headphones.

Step 1: Using the cleaning wipe supplied, clean the base of your headphones including the area surrounding the input jack. Ensure that you remove any residue that is adhered to the headphones. Let dry for a minute or two.

Step 2: We are now preparing to transfer the magnetic stripe to the headphones using the Avee microphone as a jig. Let the magnetic stripe be attached to the Avee microphone, and remove the adhesive stripe protective backing from the magnetic stripe.  The magnetic stripe should stay on the Avee microphone and the adhesive side should be facing the headphone.

Step 3: Guide the add-on to the base of the left headphone and firmly press it in place for minimum 30 seconds. Once attached, carefully unplug it to reveal the adhesive magnetic stripe being transferred to the headphones.
Press firmly on the tape to ensure all edges of the tape have adhered to the headphones.
Optimally the adhesive on the magnetic stripe needs a 24 hrs curing time.

That is all – the Avee aviation microphone is ready to be used!               

Connecting the Avee microphone to the aircraft

To start using the Avee microphone in the aircraft, follow this procedure:

1. Plug the Avee aircraft interface cable into the Avee microphone using the angled USB connector. Use force to make the USB C connector go all the way into the USB socket. The connection may be done in two directions – either the cable pointing upwards – or the cable is pointing downwards.
2. Attach the Avee microphone to the headset. Make sure the Avee microphone is clamped safely to the headset.
3. Plug the Avee aircraft interface into the aircraft. Please note that the aircraft connector might be the dual GA, Lemo Redel, Neutricon or XLR-5 – all depending on what you have purchased from us & what is available in your aircraft.
4. Switch on the ANR feature on the headphones. Please note that you will always have audio in your headphones regardless of battery status or headphones ANR power on/off.
   The Avee microphone output is NOT affected by headphone power status.
5. When the aircraft radio & intercom is switched on, the mic add-on will get bias power from the aircraft. This is indicated with a steady dimmed Power indicator light on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
6. The internal Bluetooth^® available in your Bose QC35^™ or Sony XM3/XM4 will automatically disconnect all units connected via Bluetooth when the Avee microphone is connected.
   To be able to listen to music or use your phone when flying, you need the Avee BlueLink. Check out our web pages for more info on this add-on product.

Headphone volume setting

Adjust the headphone volume by using the Volume knob on the Avee microphone.
Rotate anti clockwise for max volume and clockwise for minimum volume.
Please note that for most pilots the normal procedure for adjusting the headphone volume is by setting the Avee headphone volume to maximum – and then adjusting the volume from the aircraft audio panel.

In small GA aircrafts, the headset volume  is typically adjusted individually for pilot and co-pilot. Volume level in the left back seat is following the pilot volume level, while the right back seat is following the level set by the co-pilot.
In this case we suggest letting the back seaters adjust the volume level to lower level (if needed) using the volume control on the Avee microphone.

Microphone output level

The microphone output level is factory set to a normal output level, and will usually not require adjustments.
The output level may however be set by using the Mic level adjustment knob on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
To adjust – please use your finger nail or the corner of a credit card. Maximum clockwise is minimum level while maximum anti-clockwise is maximum level.
DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !  
Avoid setting the output level to high. This will make the noise cancelling microphone in the Avee pick up unnecessary cockpit/ambient noise.

Headset mono & stereo mode

The Avee microphone is set to the mono mode (factory setting), by turning the

Mono / stereo adjustment knob fully anti clockwise.  To set stereo mode, turn the

adjustment knob fully clockwise.

DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !  

Problem solving

1. Bad ATC reception – reading you two
The most common problem for fresh aviators, is that the microphone is placed too far away from the mouth. This makes the intercom and radio pick up little or no audio from you, and this will of course lead to problems. Keep the microphone approx.  6mm from your mouth at all times – and let the flat side & white dot face your mouth.
A good rule is that when you hear yourself well in the intercom, ATC and other aircrafts hear you well.
However – the intercom and the radio are to separate and independent systems and they behave differently.

2. Intercom squelch setting.
   On most GA aircrafts intercoms, the squelch is set manually.
   If the first part of the word is clipped – or the intercom squelch is not opening at all – this must be corrected by adjusting the squelch threshold in the aircraft.
3. Audio in left ear only:
   The Avee microphone is set to stereo mode. Set to mono mode to fix this issue.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Document information    

Document version:                              4.0  – March 17 2021

Valid for products:                              Avee35 NG  (for Bose^™ QC35^™ ) ,

                                                                 AveeXM3/XM4 NG (for Sony WH1000XM3/XM4           

Connectors

Headphone connector:

       Bose^®QC35^®                          2.5mm – four pin audio                
       Sony^® XM3/XM4^®                  3.5mm – four pin audio
Connector to aircraft interface cable             USB C                                            
Bias voltage accepted:                 9-16VDC   

Microphone                                
Type:                                            Noise reduction                           
Output signal:                               Adjustable with potentiometer
Output signal level:                      Adjustable between 0.5V RMS and 2V RMS

Default output level:                    0.7 V RMS @ 1khz / 74dB SPL                        

Headphone speaker                                                        

Audio level:                                  Adjustable with potentiometer (10-100%)

DISCLAIMER

Avee is an unlicensed third-party accessory and is not affiliated with Bose^® or Sony^®.
Bose^® or Sony^® does not approve or endorse the products manufactured by Avee.

 The Avee Aviation Microphone Setup Instructions & User Guide

Tusen takk (which is thank you in Norwegian ) – for purchasing the Avee aviation microphone ! We hope it gives you as much joy flying with it – as it gives us designing it – and flying with it!
In this leaflet we will show you how to prepare and connect the Avee microphone to your headset – and how to use it.
A pdf version of this document may be downloaded from this link: Users Guide Sony XM3 and XM4 – Avee Microphone Version 4.5 – August 20 – 2021

How to prepare your headphones
The Avee microphone is using an adhesive magnetic stripe to attach safely to your Bose^™ or Sony^™ headset.

This solution makes it easy to attach and detach the Avee microphone from the headphone in seconds, and the Avee microphone stays safely in place whenever it is connected to the headphones.
Please follow these instructions to install the magnetic stripe properly to your headphones.

Step 1: Using the cleaning wipe supplied, clean the base of your headphones including the area surrounding the input jack. Ensure that you remove any residue that is adhered to the headphones. Let dry for a minute or two.

Step 2: We are now preparing to transfer the magnetic stripe to the headphones using the Avee microphone as a jig. Let the magnetic stripe be attached to the Avee microphone, and remove the adhesive stripe protective backing from the magnetic stripe.  
The magnetic stripe should stay on the Avee microphone and the adhesive side should be facing the headphone.
Check out this video on how to do it as well!

Step 3: Guide the add-on to the base of the left headphone and firmly press it in place for minimum 30 seconds. Once attached, carefully unplug it to reveal the adhesive magnetic stripe being transferred to the headphones.
Press firmly on the tape to ensure all edges of the tape have adhered to the headphones.
Optimally the adhesive on the magnetic stripe needs a 24 hrs curing time.

That is all – the Avee aviation microphone is ready to be used!      

Connecting the Avee microphone to the aircraft

To start using the Avee microphone in the aircraft, follow this procedure:

1. Plug the Avee aircraft interface cable into the Avee microphone using the angled USB connector. Use force to make the USB C connector go all the way into the USB socket. The connection may be done in two directions – either the cable pointing upwards – or the cable is pointing downwards.
2. Attach the Avee microphone to the headset. Make sure the Avee microphone is clamped safely to the headset.
3. Plug the Avee aircraft interface into the aircraft. Please note that the aircraft connector might be the dual GA, Lemo Redel, Neutricon or XLR-5 – all depending on what you have purchased from us & what is available in your aircraft.
4. Switch on the ANR feature on the headphones. Please note that you will always have audio in your headphones regardless of headphone battery leven or headphones ANR status and
   The Avee microphone output is NOT affected by headphone battery power level.
5. When the aircraft radio & intercom is switched on, the mic add-on will get bias power from the aircraft. This is indicated with a steady dimmed Power indicator light on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
6. The internal Bluetooth^® available in your headset will automatically disconnect all units connected via Bluetooth^® when the Avee microphone is connected.
   To be able to listen to music or use your phone when flying, you need the Avee BlueLink. Check out our web pages for more info on this product.
   
   

Headphone volume setting
Adjust the headphone volume by using the Volume knob on the bottom of the Avee microphone. Rotate clockwise for minimum volume and anti-clockwise for maximum volume.
Please note that for most pilots the normal procedure for adjusting the headphone volume is by setting the Avee headphone volume to maximum – and then adjusting the volume from the aircraft audio panel.
In small GA aircrafts, the headset volume  is typically adjusted individually for pilot and co-pilot. Volume level in the left back seat is following the pilot volume level, while the right back seat is following the level set by the co-pilot.
In this case we suggest letting the back seaters adjust the volume level to lower level (if needed) using the volume control on the Avee microphone.

Microphone output level
The microphone output level is factory set to a normal output level, and will usually not require adjustments.
The output level may however be set by using the Mic level adjustment knob on the bottom side of the Avee microphone and your finger nail or the corner of a credit card as a tool.
Level 9 is maximum and level 1 is minimum level. Factory setting level is 3.
Avoid setting the output level to high. This will make the noise cancelling microphone in the Avee pick up unnecessary cockpit/ambient noise and the signal might saturate.

Headset mono & stereo mode
The Avee microphone is set to the mono mode (factory setting), by turning the mono / stereo adjustment knob fully to ‘M’.  To set stereo mode, turn the adjustment knob fully to S.  

Important: Please note that most aircrafts have a mono radio & intercom system. If you set the Avee to stereo mode in an aircraft with mono support, you will loose the sound in the right earphone.

Problem solving

• Bad ATC reception – reading you two
  The most common problem for fresh aviators, is that the microphone is placed too far away from the mouth. This makes the intercom and radio pick up little or no audio from you, and this will of course lead to problems. Keep the microphone approx.  6mm from your mouth at all times – and let the flat side & white dot face your mouth.
  A good basic rule is that when you hear yourself well in the intercom, ATC and other aircrafts hear you well.  
  However – the aircraft intercom and the radio are usually two separate and independent systems and they behave differently.
• Intercom squelch setting.
  On most GA aircrafts intercoms, the squelch is set manually.
  If the first part of the word is clipped – or the intercom squelch is not opening at all – this must be corrected by adjusting the squelch threshold in the aircraft.

2. Audio in left ear only:
   The Avee microphone is set to stereo mode. Set to mono mode to fix this issue.
   
   

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 
Document version:                  4.5  – August 20th 2021
Valid for products:                  AveeXM3/XM4 NG (for Sony WH1000XM3/XM4)

Connectors
Headphone connector:                            3.5mm – four pin audio
Connector to aircraft interface cable     USB C                                          
Bias voltage accepted:                              8-16VDC 

Microphone                             
Type:                                           Noise reduction                        
Output signal:                           Adjustable with potentiometer
Output signal level:                 Adjustable between 0.5V RMS and 2V RMS
Default output level:               0.7 V RMS @ 1khz / 74dB SPL                 

Headphone speaker                                                 

Audio level:                                Adjustable with potentiometer (10-100%)

DISCLAIMER
Avee is an unlicensed third-party accessory and is not affiliated with Bose^™ or Sony^™.
Bose^™ or Sony^™ does not approve or endorse the products manufactured by Avee.

Setup Instructions & User Guide for the Avee700 – fitting the Bose^® 700.

Tusen takk (which is thank you in Norwegian ) – for purchasing the Avee aviation microphone ! We hope it gives you as much joy flying with it – as it gives us designing it – and flying with it!
In this leaflet we will show you how to prepare and connect the Avee microphone to your headset – and how to use it.
A pdf version of this document may be downloaded from this link:Users Guide Avee700 NG Aviation Microphone – Version 4.2 – August 20 2021

How to prepare your headphones

The Avee microphone is using an adhesive magnetic stripe to attach safely to your Bose^® or Sony^® headset.

This solution makes it easy to attach and detach the Avee microphone from the headphone in seconds, and the Avee microphone stays safely in place whenever it is connected to the headphones.
Please follow these instructions to install the magnetic stripe properly to your headphones.

Step 1: Using the cleaning wipe supplied, clean the base of your headphones including the area surrounding the input jack. Ensure that you remove any residue that is adhered to the headphones. Let dry for a minute or two.

Step 2: We are now preparing to transfer the magnetic stripe to the headphones using the Avee microphone as a jig. Let the magnetic stripe be attached to the Avee microphone, and remove the adhesive stripe protective backing from the magnetic stripe.  The magnetic stripe should stay on the Avee microphone and the adhesive side should be facing the headphone.

Step 3: Guide the add-on to the base of the left headphone and firmly press it in place for minimum 30 seconds. Once attached, carefully unplug it to reveal the adhesive magnetic stripe being transferred to the headphones.
Press firmly on the tape to ensure all edges of the tape have adhered to the headphones.
Optimally the adhesive on the magnetic stripe needs a 24 hrs curing time.

That is all – the Avee aviation microphone is ready to be used!

Connect the Avee microphone to the aircraft
To start using the Avee microphone in the aircraft, follow this procedure:

1. Plug the Avee aircraft interface cable into the Avee microphone using the angled USB connector. Use force to make the USB C connector go all the way into the USB socket. The connection may be done in two directions – either the cable pointing upwards – or the cable is pointing downwards.
2. Attach the Avee microphone to the headset. Make sure the Avee microphone is clamped safely to the headset.
3. Plug the Avee aircraft interface into the aircraft. Please note that the aircraft connector might be the dual GA, Lemo Redel, Neutricon or XLR-5 – all depending on what you have purchased from us & what is available in your aircraft.
4. Switch on the ANR feature on the headphones. Please note that you will always have audio in your headphones regardless of battery status or headphones ANR power on/off.The Avee microphone output is NOT affected by headphone power status.
5. When the aircraft radio & intercom is switched on, the mic add-on will get bias power from the aircraft. This is indicated with a steady dimmed Power indicator light on the bottom side of the Avee microphone.
6. The internal Bluetooth^® available in your Bose^™ 700 headset will automatically disconnect all units connected via Bluetooth when the Avee microphone is connected.To be able to listen to music or use your phone when flying, you need the Avee BlueLink. Check out our web pages for more info on this add-on product.

Headphone volume setting

On the Bose^™ 700 the headset volume can be adjusted from the headset itself. Please check out the user manual for the Bose 700 for detailed info.
Please note that for most pilots the normal procedure for adjusting the headphone volume is by setting the Avee headphone volume to maximum – and then adjusting the volume from the aircraft audio panel.
In small GA aircrafts, the headset volume  is typically adjusted individually for pilot and co-pilot. Volume level in the left back seat is following the pilot volume level, while the right back seat is following the level set by the co-pilot.
In this case we suggest letting the back seaters adjust the volume level to lower level (if needed) using the volume control on the Avee microphone.

Microphone output level

The microphone output level is factory set to a normal output level, and will usually not require adjustments.
The output level may however be set by using the Mic level adjustment knob on the Avee microphone.
To adjust – please use your finger nail or the corner of a credit card.
DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !

Maximum clockwise is minimum level while maximum anti-clockwise is maximum level.
Avoid setting the output level to high. This will make the noise cancelling microphone in the Avee pick up unnecessary cockpit/ambient noise.

Headset mono & stereo mode

The Avee microphone is set to the mono mode (factory setting), by turning the Mono / stereo adjustment knob fully anti clockwise.  To set stereo mode, turn the adjustment knob fully clockwise.

To adjust – please use your finger nail or the corner of a credit card.

DO NOT USE FORCE – and DO NOT USE A SCREW DRIVER !   

Problem solving

1. Bad ATC reception – reading you two
The most common problem for fresh aviators, is that the microphone is placed too far away from the mouth. This makes the intercom and radio pick up little or no audio from you, and this will of course lead to problems. Keep the microphone approx.  6mm from your mouth at all times – and let the flat side & white dot face your mouth.
A good rule is that when you hear yourself well in the intercom, ATC and other aircrafts hear you well.
However – the intercom and the radio are to separate and independent systems and they behave differently.

2. Intercom squelch setting.
   On most GA aircrafts intercoms, the squelch is set manually.
   If the first part of the word is clipped – or the intercom squelch is not opening at all – this must be corrected by adjusting the squelch threshold in the aircraft.
   3. Audio in left ear only:
   The Avee microphone is set to stereo mode. Set to mono mode to fix this issue.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Document information    

Document version:                      4.0  – March 17 2021

Valid for product:                                            Avee700 NG  (for Bose® 700)                

Connectors

Headphone connector:

       Bose® 700                              2.5mm – four pin audio                
Connector to aircraft interface cable             USB C                                            
Bias voltage accepted:                 9-16VDC   

Microphone                                
Type:                                            Noise reduction                           
Output signal:                               Adjustable with potentiometer
Output signal level:                      Adjustable between 0.5V RMS and 2V RMS

Default output level:                    0.7 V RMS @ 1khz / 74dB SPL                        

Headphone speaker                                                        

Headset audio level                                       Adjustable from Bose® 700 headset (see Bose® 700 manual how to adjust.)

Default volume headset:                              

Bose®  700 Battery OK:                            The last set audio level will be used.

Battery empty:                                        Maximum volume

DISCLAIMER

Avee is an unlicensed third-party accessory and is not affiliated with Bose® or Sony®.
Bose® or Sony^® does not approve or endorse the products manufactured by Avee.

What is an TSO/ETSO approval

The TSO (US Technical Standard Order) and its European equivalent ETSO (European Technical Standard Order) authorization, represents one way (and not the only way) to have products, parts and appliances approved.
The TSO/ETSO  is an optional step in a design process which ensures that a part or appliance complies with a minimum performance standard.

Is the Avee Aviation Microphone TSO/ETSO approved ?
The complete headset solution with the Avee Aviation Microphone is not TSO or ETSO approved.
The reason for this is simple: as a manufacturer of the microphone part of the solution only, we do not have full control of the production line of the headsets we are adapting to (Bose & Sony) and hence: we can not obtain a TSO/ETSO approval.

The Avee microphone add-on itself is designed in compliance with TSO standards , while the Bose & Sony headsets most likely are designed according to different standards than the TSO.

This fact does however not mean that the quality of headset from Bose & Sony is higher – or lower – than headsets manufactured according to the TSO standards.

Their design standard is simply not TSO.

It is a fact that the quantity of high quality headset products coming out from Bose & Sony are far superior to the quantity of aviation headsets being produced.
Making low quality products would not be a good business model for sure, and the quality of Bose & Sony headsets is simply excellent.

Our competitors TSO approval

We do know that some of our competitors state their products are TSO compliant – or even have a TSO approval.

This might be correct for part of the product , but will unfortunately not apply for the complete headset solution with a Bose or Sony (non TSO) headset.

The complete system as ONE UNIT has to be approved  – from cable to ear cushions. This is not possible for aviation microphone systems like the Avee – or any other mixed system.

Who require the TSO approval
It is important to know that the request for a TSO approved headset is an airline request, and not a FAA request.
Headsets used by the pilots in aircrafts do not need a TSO or ETSO approval.

We estimate we sell around 90% of our products to commercial pilots, but we do see that the TSO requirement from airlines in the US is far more common than in airlines in the rest of the world.

Read more here
https://www.easa.europa.eu/faq/19442

In-flight tests – Youtube videos
Please press this link to see the “In flight test: Avee700 and BlueLink (French) – Vincent Bazillio“

Please press this link to see the “In flight test: Avee for QC35 (French) – Vincent Bazillio“

Cable & connector wiring diagram
Several connectors are used in aircraft to connect the headset, and here we give you the pinout for the most common connectors we support at Avee.

The dual GA connector
The most commonly used aviation headphone connection is the dual general aviation connector, and these connectors are found in large commercial aircraft, from Airbus and Boeing – to general aviation aircraft like Cessnas and Diamond.
The advantage of this connector is that it is fairly affordable and widely used.
The disadvantage is that the two connectors are almost similar in thickness, and it is very easy to plug in the thinnest connector in the thickest hole; then to find that it was the wrong hole. More annoying than a real problem.
The dual GA contains separate pins for the left and right speakers, but this stereo support feature is almost never used in aircraft.

The dual GA pinout
The dual general aviation connector consists of two connectors;

• the 5.2mm connector, which contains the signals for the microphone and push-to-talk
• the 6.3mm connector, which includes the headset left and right (if available)
  .

The pinout is according to the following:

• Tip – 5.2mm connector
  Push-to-talk signal.
  Not connected on Avee cables
• Ring – 5.2mm connector
  Microphone +,
  Avee: red wire
• Sleeve – 5.2mm connector
  Microphone ground
  Avee: yellow wire
  .
• Tip – 6.3mm connector
  Speaker left.
  Avee: white wire
• Ring – 6.3mm connector
  Speaker right.
  Avee: green wire
• Sleeve – 6.3mm connector
  Speaker ground
  Avee: black wire
  .

The XLR-5 connector
The five-pin XLR-5 connector is used mostly in commercial aircraft from Airbus and some Boeing aircraft.
It is hardly ever found in GA aircraft.
The real advantage of this connector is that all headset signals are carried by one connector only (as opposed to the dual GA).
The XLR-5 does not support separate pins for the left and right speakers; hence it does not support stereo, but for all practical purposes, this is absolutely not a problem.
The XLR-5 has a separate pin for feeding (old) ANR with power. Our impression is that this is not a feature that is popular among the ( technical side of the) airlines, and Avee is not using this feature.

The pinout on the XLR-5 is according to the following:

• Pin 1
  Left and right headset speaker
  Avee: white and green wire
• Pin 2
  Speaker ground
  Avee: black wire
• Pin 3
  Microphone signal
  Avee: red wire
• Pin 4
  Microphone ground
  Avee: yellow wire
• Pin 5
  Not defined
  Avee: not connected
  .

The 174/U or TP-120 connector
The 174/U or TP-120 connector is a connector used mostly on helicopters, but we have even seen it on smaller commercial aircraft.
The connector has only four pins (hence; not supporting stereo), is tiny and rugged, and very simple to plug into the aircraft.
The disadvantage of this connector is that is rarely used and (extremely) expensive.
The fact that several pinout options exist for the same connector makes it somewhat difficult to cope with.

We support the US NATO / IMSA pinout which is according to the following:

• Tip
  Microphone ground
  Avee: yellow
• Ring 1
  Headphone speaker left and right
  Avee: White and green
• Ring 2
  Microphone signal
  Avee: Red
• Sleeve
  Speaker ground
  Avee: black
  .

The Neutricon and Lemo Regel connectors
Give us a shout – or wait for it to happen!

Document version December 21st 2022

How to use the BlueLink MkII
In this presentation, we are going through all features of the Avee BlueLink.

Technical specifications are found in the BlueLink Technical spesifications tab on this page.

We would recommend skimming through this document quickly before you start using the BlueLink. That will save you a lot of work (and frustrations).

You will be able to configure and test the BlueLink from home – ‘almost’ as you were in an aircraft – but you will need to know how to do it!

How the BlueLink is connected to the aircraft
The BlueLink MkII is connected to the Avee microphone using any Avee400 cable. Typically a 45 cm cable is used when the BlueLink is clipped on your seatbelt, but any available Avee400 cable length can be used. 

The straight end of this cable is plugged into the top of the BlueLink, and the angled connector is plugged into the Avee microphone.

Another Avee400 cable is plugged into the side of the BlueLink and then plugged into the aircraft via the appropriate adapter (dual GA/XLR-5 etc).

The BlueLink side keys
The BlueLink has 5 keys on the side according to the drawing:

• On / off key
  To switch the BlueLink on & off and to do a full reset
• Function key
  From this key you set the BlueLink mute mode in addition to some other features describe later.
• Volume + and volume – to set the level of the Bluetooth audio source 
• Play / pause & accept call / hang up
  .
  

All keys are covered in detail further down in this document.

The keys can be operated in several ways:

• tapping: short press
  
• Press and hold for a second – or two
• Double tap: two quick presses within a short second
• Tap and hold: short press&release and then press and hold
• Double tap and hold:2x short presses&releases and then press and hold 
  .

The BlueLink Led indications
On the top of the BlueLink you find the BlueLink Status indication led.

This led is indicating the status of the BlueLink:

• Blue blinking led: pairing mode
• Green blinking led: connected
• Green blinking led with occasional red: connected, but battery getting low.
• Green & blue blinking led: reconnecting
• Red blinking red: active phone call
  .
  

The BlueLink Voice Detect indication led is found on the bottom side of the BlueLink; close to the USB charging connection.

• Green steady led: Normal operation
• Blue led: steady and flashing. Indicates that aircraft audio is detected.
• Orange flashing led: in mute level or mute length setting.  
  .
  

Audio messages from the BlueLink
On some commands, the BlueLink responds by issuing audio mesages.

To be able to hear these messages, you need to connect your headset to the BlueLink.

How to charge the BlueLink
The Avee BlueLink contains a lithium battery and needs to be charged. It can not receive charge power from for example the XLR-5 connector.

• Charging is started by plugging in the included USB C cable iinto the bottom side of the BlueLink. The other end (USB type A) is connected to a power source.
• The BlueLink indicates charging with a short green flash every second.
• Charging is finished when the BlueLink is giving a 500ms flash every second.
• Charging typically takes one hour.
  .
  

Please note that the BlueLink is not operational when charging is active!

How to switch the BlueLink on and off
The BlueLink can be switched on in two ways:

• by tapping (we define tapping as as a short press 1-100ms) the on / off key 
• By connecting the BlueLink to an aircraft with the Avee400 cable & Avee41x adapter.
  .
  

In both cases, the BlueLink responds by turning on and giving the audio message ‘Avee BlueLink Power On’ in the headset (if connected).

The BlueLink can be switched off manually by pressing and holding the on/off key for three seconds.

The BlueLink responds by giving the audio message ‘Power off’.

The BlueLink is automatically switched off:

• after 6 minutes if not connected to an aircraft (avionics on & bias voltage detected).
• The BlueLink is issuing the message ‘Power off’ 20 seconds prior to switching the power off in this case.
• Please note: you can extend this time by new 6 minutes by pressing any key on the BlueLink. 
• After 60-80 seconds if not paired with any Bluetooth device.
  .
  

How to pair the BlueLink with a Bluetooth device (phone/pad etc)
The BlueLink is going to pairing mode when it is switched on the first time and not paired to any device.

This is indicated with a flashing blue indication led on the BlueLink.

Pairing
Go to your Bluetooth device -> settings and connect to the Avee BlueLink.

When paired, the BlueLink will respond with the audio message ‘Device connected’. 

The indication led will start flashing green every second when a device is connected.

Unpairing/factory reset
The BlueLink can be deleted from a Bluetooth device by deleting it on the Bluetooth device paired list.

Factory reset 
The BlueLink can be reset to factory settings by the following procedure:

• Switch the BlueLink off
• When the BlueLink is off, press and hold the on/off key for 13 seconds. The Bluelink will issue the audio message ‘Full reset’. 
  .
  

Automatic reconnects
The BlueLink is automatically reconnecting to the last device it was connected to when it is powered on (manually or automatically).

The BlueLink is issuing the message ‘Device connected’ when a reconnect is successfully done. A reconnect is typically done with 5 seconds of BlueLink power on.

Battery level
You can get the battery level on the BlueLink by double tapping Mode key.

The BlueLink will respond with the audio message ‘Battery fully charged’ or ‘Battery level xx percent’ (in 20 percent steps).  

Aircraft stereo or mono
The BlueLink will always feed stereo music to the Avee aviation microphone & headset – regardless of if you have stereo available in your aircraft (almost no aircraft do).

However: if you do have stereo audio available in your aircraft – set the BlueLink to stereo mode by pressing and holding the 

Mode key and ‘Volume -‘ key for a second. Do the same again, and the BlueLink switches back to Aircaft mono (which is the default).

If you set the BlueLink to Aircraft Stereo, and the aircraft do not support stereo (or wired on left channel only) – you will most likely loose the aircraft audio in the right ear. 

Please note: The Mono stereo setting on the Avee microphone should be set to Mono – or the same setting you normally use.

The Avee microphone is detecting that a BlueLink is present and gives you full stereo Bluetooth audio as long as the red led is lit on the Avee microphone. 

BlueLink test mode
Before we go into playing with the BlueLink we will introduce the BlueLink Testmode function. This function is generateing the bias voltage internally – the voltage that is feeding the microphone/headset when in the aircraft. 

This again makes it possible to test almost all functions on the BlueLink when not connected to an aircraft – and it is very handy; believe me.

When the Avee microphone is connected to the BlueLink – and NOT being in connected to an aircraft, the Avee microphone will not have a red light (power) simply because there is no bias voltage available. 

We can turn on this voltage by going to BlueLink testmode:

• Make sure the BlueLink is on and NOT connected to a USB source
• Press and hold the ‘Mode key’ and ‘Volume + key for a second’.
• The BlueLink will respond with the audio message ‘BlueLink Test Mode’, and the internal bias generator will be switched on.
• Verify that the red led on the Avee microphone is now switched on.
• When talking into the microphone, you should now hear your own voice in the headset (slightly muffled).
• Whenever you talk, you will see the blue Voice Detect indication led switch on – indicating (simulated) aircraft audio is detected.
  .
  

You find the BlueLink Voice Detect indication led on the left side of the USB charge plug in the bottom of the BlueLink.

The Testmode feature will make it much easier for you to understand how the BlueLink is working.

Playing music
Whenever the BlueLink is connected to your Bluetooth device, it can play and pause music, go to previous & next songs in addition to control Bluetooth volume settings.

This is all done with the top-most play & pause key. 

Open your connected device and go to play music to see how this works practially:

• Play music
  Tap the play & pause music switch. The connected device will toggle between play & pause music.
  Music should be heard in your headset.
  .
• Adjust Bluetooth device volume
  Adjust the output volume by using the volume keys. Verify that the volume on the phone is changing accordingly.
  The volume keys can be tapped, tapped repetitively, or held in. 
  The volume will change fast accordingly.
  
  
• Please note that it is not possible to set the aircraft radio & intercom volume from the BlueLink. These settings are performed from the aircraft.
• The BlueLink can ONLY ADJUST THE BLUETOOTH DEVICE volume.
  .
  

Next song
The next song is selected by double tapping the Play Key. The next song should start playing (regardless of if the BlueLink was in pause mode before this command).

Previous song
The previous song is selected by pressing and holding the Play key for two seconds. The BlueLink should now play the previous song (again regardless of if the BlueLink was in pause mode before this command).

Muting Bluetooth audio
Automatic Bluetooth audio muting is a very important feature on BlueLink, and we have three different ways or modes for muting. To hear which mode is currently active, tap the Mode key.

The BlueLink will respond with the audio message: Level mute (factory setting) or Audio-book mute or Mix Audio.

Level mute
In level mute mode, the Bluetooth audio is 

• immediately muted to a configurable level whenever audio is detected from the aircraft (intercom & radios) and 
• slowly going back to normal level at a configurable time after aircraft audio is not detected.

Audio-book mute
In this mute mode, the Bluetooth audio is 

• immediately paused whenever aircraft audio is detected. 
• starts playing again at a configurable time after aircraft audio is not detected.

Mix mute
The mix mute is no mute at all really: when this mode is selected, aircraft audio is mixed with Bluetooth audio.

(You could create the same mode by selecting Level mute and configuring the mute level to max setting. We have chosen to add this mode for the sake of simplicity. )

Selecting mute mode
The mute mode is selected by pressing and holding the Mute key for around one second.

The BlueLink will respond by stepping through and announcing the three different mute modes.

Please keep in mind that you can hear which mode is currently active by tapping the mode key.

Setting the mute level when in level mute mode
The level to which the BlueLink is muting Bluetooth audio can be set by using the following simple (..) procedure:

1. Turn on the BlueLink Testmode function (if not in an aircraft)
2. Play music from the BlueLink and set the audio level to a comfortable level (please note that a comfortable level will depend on if you are actually in an aircraft or not…) 
3. Set the headset ANR ON.
4. Make sure the BlueLink is in level mute by tapping the mode key. The BlueLink should respond with the audio message ‘Level mute’. If this is not so, select the correct mute mode by checking out the ‘Selecting mute mode’ in the previous chapter. It is not possible to set the mute level when not in ‘Level mute’ mode.
5. Now it comes to the point where you have to focus and do two things at the same time (and it is most easily done with two hands):

1. 1. Tap and hold (repeating: tap and hold) the mode key: the BlueLink will respond with the audio message ‘Set mute level’.
   2. The BlueLink mute indication led will start flashing orange and you will now hear the music muted in the headset. 
      1. Adjust the muted level with the volume keys (still while holding the mode key).
      2. When you are happy with the mute level: release all keys.
      3. The music level will go back to the level you set before the procedure started, and the Mute Indication led will turn green. 
         .
         

Setting the mute length – level mute and audio-book mode
The mute length – the time the BlueLink is level muting (level mute mode) or pausing BlueTooth audio (in Audio-book mode) can easily be configured individually for each of these two modes by using this simple procedure:

1. Switch on the ANR on the headset and play some nice music from the BlueLink.
2. Select the mode for which you would like to adjust the mute length.
3. Tap the mode key to hear which mode you are in (level mute or Audiobook mute): Press and hold to switch to a different mute mode.
4. Please note that mix mode can not be selected when setting mute length.
5. Ok; time to focus:
   1. Double tap and hold (yes; that was double tap and hold) the mode key.
   2. The BlueLink is responding with the audio message Set Mute Length and the Mute Indication Led is flashing orange.   
   3. Hold the Mode key as long as you want the BlueLink to mute or  pause Bluetooth audio when aircraft audio is detected.
   4. Let go the Mode key when you are happy with the mute length. The Mute Led will turn green.
   5. If you are not happy with the result; simply do it again.
      .
      

Phone functionality
For many of us folks flying smaller aircraft, the phone functionality comes in handy; when you are lost in air (it can happen), when you forgot the PPR (happens often) – or your better half is calling (happens very often). 

When someone is calling in – you can accept the call by tapping the play key. The call will come into your headset and you can talk like normal.

Rejecting an incoming call – or ending an active call – is done by holding the play key for a second. The BlueLink will in this case respond with the message ‘Call ended’ and hang up.

What you hear as default ( aircraft mode)
When you are in an active call, the default is that you hear the aircraft audio as normal, you hear the person calling, and the calling person and your co-pilot/atc can hear you.
Your co-pilot/ATC can not hear the voice of the person calling in.

If you would like to have a more private call, you have two choices:

• private mode or
• full private mode
  .
  

These modes are selected by pressing and holding the mode key for a second (then letting go): looping from Aircraft mode to Private mode to Full private mode.

So in short:

• Aircraft mode: You can hear the co-pilot or ATC, the co-pilot and ATC can hear you (of course you need the ptt to talk to ATC).
•  
• Private mode: You can hear the co-pilot or ATC, the co-pilot and ATC can NOT hear you (not even when you press the ptt to talk to ATC).
•  Full private mode: You can hear nothing but the person on the phone: You can not hear the co-pilot or ATC, the co-pilot or ATC can NOT hear you .
  .

When you eventually hang up, the BlueLink mode goes back to normal Aircraft mode.

****** This manual will be updated on a regular basis ******