SF340 Sound System

[kmox29]

Anyone know how to hook up an MP3 player to the jumpseat intercom on a Saab 340? I know the microphone plug-in is just a little smaller the the standard 1/4 inch plug for the speakers. (I tried it) I think I need to somehow find a plug that matches the microphone plug on a David Clark Headset. Any suggestions?

 

[Chicken Taco]

I understand that you need a .208 plug, which you can then wire to a standard 1/8 inch headphone plug for the player. Best place to get a .208 plug is somewhere like Aircraft Spruce, or you could just cut up an old PTT switch. This works great for playing tunes on the ground while killing time, we used to do it in PIT all the time. Of course I wouldn't suggest that you do it in flight, it would be a safety hazard and I'm sure a violation of your company's policies..

..CT

 

[NJA Capt]

Any suggestions?

(I hope you are just wanting to do that while jumpseating)
If not....Save the MP3 for the hotel, put down the USA Today and fly the airplane.

 

[kmox29]

Thanks Dad.

Let me clarify my "any suggestions" question. That was intended for suggestions relating to my post, not for parental guidance. I've flown with both Captains and FOs who read newspapers, books, and listen to music (MP3 or ADF). I have also flown with those who do nothing but stare out the window or constantly cross check their position with every VOR/GPS/FMS available. The amount of errors and missed radio calls are the same between both groups.

 

[Turbojet23]

I believe it's actually a .205" plug. There used to be a guy who sold these custom cables online but he is no longer in business.



“Chicken Taco” is correct though, you will need to mate this .205" plug and cable with a 1/8" stereo plug. Then all you have to do is turn the jumpseat mic switch to hot and play over the intercom. You could also plug it into your own mic jack, hit the PA button and put a heavy book on the cabin PTT switch for some nice boarding music. At your own risk of course.


http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/micjack/micjack.html

 

[parrothead]

Just take two picture hanging nails and wrap a wire around each of them. Solder them if you want. On the other end, get the male end that goes into your MP3 player and attach a wire on each terminal, secure it, and plug it in. The nails go into that European jack on the upper panel. Use the two holes that are closest together. That should work and it's cheap.

 

[rk772]

Thanks Dad.

Let me clarify my "any suggestions" question. That was intended for suggestions relating to my post, not for parental guidance. I've flown with both Captains and FOs who read newspapers, books, and listen to music (MP3 or ADF). I have also flown with those who do nothing but stare out the window or constantly cross check their position with every VOR/GPS/FMS available. The amount of errors and missed radio calls are the same between both groups.

Well said!!!

 

[NJA Capt]

Well said!!!

Well somebody needs to slap you around a little bit you snot nosed know-it-alls.
For years we hear you whine "I wanna fly a jet....whaaaaaaaaa." Then you get to fly one and all you want to do is read the paper and listen to mp3s.
Get a life and grow up.
It's not like those flying speed bumps fly 5 hour legs. My 4 year old has more attention span than you guys. Maybe cockpit cameras aren't such a bad idea after all.

 

[Smoking Man]

NJA Capt

When takeing a picture of your PFD (reflection of self in picture) inflight does that fall under flying the airplane?

Also lighten up on the slap around stuff.

 

[kmox29]

Mr. Dad

Wow...you have some anger issues (MUCH worse of an issue than reading or listening to music). First off, I fly a turboprop...it's got props...yes, props are for boats, but I get 'em on my airplane for free. Secondly, to generalize everyone on this thread is insane.

Flying at 12,000 feet or at FL 40-whatever (as indicated by your avitar) does not make the pilot. Neither does listening or reading while the autopilot tracks an LNAV or in my case flies a heading bug. I do not have AD/HD or any other disorder you might be thinking. I am simply able to multitask properly.

I know your type. I've flown with your type. There is nothing wrong with your type. Neither is there anything wrong with my type. You fly your airplane, I'll fly mine. We'll probably both live long lives with no violations. If you need to preach, start your own thread. Otherwise please stay off mine.

 

[FmrFreightDog]

Well said.

Don't worry. I'm sure NJA will have a long satisfying career with a FSDO someday.

 

[T-handle]

Wow we have a coporate troll in the arena.... let the mudslinging begin!

 

[AlwaysLearning]

Well somebody needs to slap you around a little bit you snot nosed know-it-alls.
For years we hear you whine "I wanna fly a jet....whaaaaaaaaa." Then you get to fly one and all you want to do is read the paper and listen to mp3s.
Get a life and grow up.
It's not like those flying speed bumps fly 5 hour legs. My 4 year old has more attention span than you guys. Maybe cockpit cameras aren't such a bad idea after all.

6000 hours and your calling someone else snot nosed know it all? Dude get a grip, and get over yourself, flying jets isn't that hard, stop pretending to make yourself feel better.

AL

 

[HawkDrvr]

I have to agree, with NJA Capt., although not entirely...

Something about posting on a public forum asking about how to techno-geek a system which allows you to jam along to your favorite music genre while in-flight doesn't jive with what I would expect of the "professionals" flying my family around.

Now I am going to sound like your dad. Did he ever say anything to you to the effect of, "just because other people do it doesn't make it right..." There's lots of morons out there, doesn't mean you have to model yourself after them. Wait until someone balls up an airplane while doing this and witness the public outrage. Read the thread http://forums.flightinfo.com/showthread.php?t=46541, the public already has a negative perception of pilots. We don't need to add any fuel to the fire.

I have seen MANY people get in trouble in this business by being immature, but have yet to see anyone's professionalism burn them. Everyone screws up eventually, but if you don't have the reputation of being the guy/gal that spends his/her time jamming through the skies listening to your MP3 player you are more likely to come out of it clean.

I really don't care what you do, just my years of experience giving some advice. Been there, seen these people at work, and shake my head every time.

 

[kmox29]

I can see your viewpoint (phrased a lot better than NJ's rant). I think we'll have to agree to disagree. I do not feel that having music playing softly in the background compromises safety. If one were to listen to music too loud and was "jammin" as you say, then it could be an issue.

I'm not sure what classifies as "jammin", but you can be rest assured that I will not be playing air guitar as I taxi up to the gate. In reality, I probably wouldn't be listening to music during anytime other than cruise flight.

As far as the public's perception of pilots, they would never see me listening to music. In my opinion, I see far worse perception issues around the terminal. Some pilots look like an unmade bed...I know you've seen them. Some go walking around the terminal with a guitar slung around their back. Very few (myself included at times) wear their uniform hats. And as unfair as it may seem, some of us are very unhealthy...in all aspects.

My point (now that I've turned my own post into a professionalism debate) is that it does not affect safety OR public opinion. Our company allows, per the FOM, reading of company related material during flight. Why is it OK for me to read the latest company newsletter, but not the USA TODAY? Honestly ask yourself, would your cruise segment flying ability or decision making be degraded with music in the background?

 

[HawkDrvr]

I think you are getting my point, and we at least agree on a certain level. My first real flying job came in the form of the right seat of a Saab 340. A REALLY BIG break for me and I can honestly tell you that my reputation for handling things conservatively and professionally has gotten me far in this business (probably more so than my total time). I just have been where you are now and wanted to impart some wisdom that will take you far. Now is the time for you to build your reputation as a professional, DO NOT SCREW IT UP. Like it or not, how your peers view you will one day get your arse out of the sling.

Believe me, don't give people any extra rope to hang you with. Do all things in moderation, use your head and you will be fine. Remember that YOU WILL screw up one day and your track record up to that point will play a huge part in whether you come through it clean.

Be safe...

 

[NJA Capt]

HawkDrvr,
From one 125 driver to another, you are the true voice of wisdom, and very well spoken.

To the others:
Tongue and cheek don't come across very well on a PC. But I will try less caffeine tomorrow . If I were any more laid back I would be lying down.
I guess I keep picturing that kid from Iron Eagle I, with the walkman in the F16, flying an RJ.

 

[Diesel]

The king air i used to fly had a 10 disc cd player in the back. It was for the pilots. Whenever someone would talk on the radio or intercom it would mute. Pretty cool stuff.

Now that was a aircraft soundsytem.

 

[kmox29]

HawkDrvr,

I do understand where you're coming from. I have been with my current airline for 6 years, 5 of which was an FO on a RJ85. Now I'm on the SF340 as a CA.

If you were to ask my peers, I believe they would consider me a professional. I don't mean to toot my horn, but I believe I do a professional, safe job flying airplanes and making decisions. Of course I've made mistakes (both while reading and while cross checking everthing). However, I would never compromise safety. We just have a different opinion as to whether background music would affect safety.

NJA Capt,

As a 121 guy, I never flew an F16. Be rest assured though, I would have had better music in MY tape deck as I took out those oil fields trying to save my Dad. I also would have studied my manuals better so I would've known without a doubt if that missle would fire on the ground or not

I just didn't want you to generalize all of us regional guys with a couple of sentences. Most of us are very good pilots who fly 5-7 legs per 14 hour day. Sometimes crossing the same line of weather multiple times. I believe we are some of the safest pilots in the skies. Think about how many times per day we fly during the "critical phases of flight". Flying NDB approaches is more the norm than the exception (curse you CIU). Yet, we have very few accidents.

That is not meant to slight ANY other pilot in ANY other operation. Just giving my "props" (pun intended) to all my regional folks.

Boy did I get off my original thread. Thanks to those who wrote their suggestions.

 

[BODENE]

Hooking up your MP3

You can order the cable from Flightcom. I believe it is about $7.00. Works great on those long flights.


Good luck!!