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Microphone does not pick up sound | Bose A20 Aviation Headset
Determine if any recent changes have been made to the headset or aircraft.
If any changes or modifications have been made to either the headset or the aircraft, look into whether or not those changes could have unexpectedly caused this issue.
Determine if sidetone is a feature of the connected intercom.
The level of your own voice heard through the headphones is known as sidetone. Sidetone is a common feature but is not found in all aircrafts or intercoms, especially portable intercoms. If sidetone cannot be heard, determine if sidetone is a feature of the connected intercom.
Determine if the 6-pin-to-G/A adapter is being used.
If using the 6-pin-to-G/A adapter cable, check the condition of the cable and its connectors. If the adapter is damaged, replace it.
Determine if any non-Bose adapter cables are being used.
The connectors on Bose aviation headsets are built to military specification standards and meet TSO certifications. Microphone audio issues can occur with certain portable radio adapters due to the use of non-military spec microphone jacks. The contacts within the mic jack may not line up properly to make a solid connection to the mic plug. Tolerances across numerous adapter cables have a wide range of deviation.
Try a different adapter, rotating the mic plug or reposition its depth in the jack until a connection is made. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer of the adapter or device being connected.
Try a different adapter, rotating the mic plug or reposition its depth in the jack until a connection is made. If the issue persists, contact the manufacturer of the adapter or device being connected.
Check if your own voice can be heard clearly through the headset.
You should be able to hear sidetone (the sound of your own voice in the headset). If you cannot hear sidetone, the issue is not with the headset. Check the settings on the audio panel and/or intercom.
Check if the headset works while connected but powered off.
If the headset works without power, the connections are correct and the headset electronics are the issue.
Connect the headset to a different panel jack or, if possible, to another aircraft.
Non-TSO equipment, worn jacks/loose connections, or incorrectly wired jacks (i.e. reversed stereo or mic / ground wires) in the aircraft can cause issues. If available, try connecting the headset to another jack in the aircraft or to jacks in a separate aircraft. If the headset works fine when connected elsewhere, the panel jack or wiring to the jack is the issue.
Disconnect all other headsets connected to the aircraft.
Unplug any other headsets connected to the aircraft intercom. If the issue goes away, it is related to another headset. Reconnect the headsets one-by-one to determine which, then check the settings for that headset.
Determine if the microphone type on your headset matches the type required by the aircraft intercom.
Aircraft communication systems are typically designed for one type of microphone: dynamic or electret. If the wrong microphone type is connected to the intercom, the mircrophone will not work properly.
Check the audio panel settings.
On the audio panel, adjust the squelch setting to match the headset mic level. Open or close the squelch setting while speaking into the mic until the mic signal is clear and consistent. Some audio panels have an Auto-Squelch (VOX) feature which can still be manually adjusted using squelch controls.
Plug in a different headset.
If available, connect a different headset to the aircraft to determine if the issue is related to the aircraft panel or its settings.
Clean the headset cable connectors with isopropyl alcohol.
The connectors at the end of the headset cable might have debris or corrosion on them. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to a cloth, wipe the metal connectors, then dry them with a clean cloth. Once cleaned and dried, connect the headset and try again.
The Down Cable may need service.
If the steps provided do not resolve your issue, the Down Cable may need service. Follow the link for more information on how to service your product. Depending on your product and region, you will be provided a contact number or the ability to setup service online.
Click here to start service
Click here to start service
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