Cockpit Intercom...

[sagrada737]

General Question:  What are you using for an Intercom with your flight deck setup?

My thoughts were to use a Telex intercom system that could be adapted to PC style headsets.  But perhaps there is a lower cost solution.   There are also server-type sound software eg. Ventrilo, or Mumble, but I would prefer a hardware solution.

Mike

[Kennair]

Hi Mike, I can certainly vouch for Ruscool's FS Intercom cards.  We use 3 of these in our sim, one for each station (Capt, FO & Obs).  Although not the cheapest option (also not the most expensive) they are custom designed for flightsim so incorporate all functions for PC in/out, various PTT options and accept most headset/mikes and offered us a no fuss approach to in-cockpit communications.  The NZ boys are also very helpful if you have questions or issues.  I'm not affiliated with them in any way just a happy customer.

Ken.

[Bob Reed]

Hi Mike, I can certainly vouch for Ruscool's FS Intercom cards.  We use 3 of these in our sim, one for each station (Capt, FO & Obs).  Although not the cheapest option (also not the most expensive) they are custom designed for flightsim so incorporate all functions for PC in/out, various PTT options and accept most headset/mikes and offered us a no fuss approach to in-cockpit communications.  The NZ boys are also very helpful if you have questions or issues.  I'm not affiliated with them in any way just a happy customer.

Ken.

I too can vouch for Ruscool's hardare. I have several of there B200 panels and their Beech gear lever. Very nice stuff. We are also about to install their intercom hardware in the sim so stay tuned I will report on that as well.

[jackpilot]

Go for a real aircraft intercom.
The GA models are avail on EBay for 50 to 100$ average.
They work perfectly with 12V from the PSU and have sidetone /full duplex with FO or observer / pilot iso /  audio input (music or in our case ATC from the PC)
Besides they allow using real headsets and not the cheepo PC variety.

I prototyped it in the pedestal to test the concept then moved the plugs where they belong (Thank U Steve)
The intercom box is small enough to be installed behind the liners with the controls accessible. (see pic). It can also be placed in the pedestal and interfaced with the real ACP if you are brave enough for the task.

One among many:
[ebay]130935001999[/ebay]

[Trevor Hale]

I Use the Same thing, a Real Intercom and have anyone coming to visit bring their real Headset as well.  For me it adds the realism I want, and when I Push to talk the output goes right to the Vatsim PC.

The other advantage is anyone with a headset, Pilot or Co-Pilot can talk to ATC, without having to hand the headset from one pilot to the other.

[ETomlin]

Great info here guys. Thanks!

[JCosta]

Go for a real aircraft intercom.
The GA models are avail on EBay for 50 to 100$ average.
They work perfectly with 12V from the PSU and have sidetone /full duplex with FO or observer / pilot iso /  audio input (music or in our case ATC from the PC)
Besides they allow using real headsets and not the cheepo PC variety.

I prototyped it in the pedestal to test the concept then moved the plugs where they belong (Thank U Steve)
The intercom box is small enough to be installed behind the liners with the controls accessible. (see pic). It can also be placed in the pedestal and interfaced with the real ACP if you are brave enough for the task.

One among many:
[ebay]130935001999[/ebay]

Hi Jack,

Could you please tell me more how does the intercom box works? how is it interfaced with the PC? I am bulding a 737 cockpit and I am not sure how do I connect the headset to the PC?. I pretend to use real telex headsets... What you have done looks great but that is one area I know very little about. I guess the push to talk switch on the yoke must be wired and an assignment via fsuipc is need... if you have a scheme or a tutorial on the subject that would be awsome... best regards, Jose

[jackpilot]

Two aspects to it
Intercom: as the name implies comm between two pilots.
You hear also your own voice (sidetone) .
Most real GA intercoms allow for an audio input (ex:music from CD)
Use this input to feed  the PC ATC in from the ATC sound card/channel.

Each intercom is + - different. They usually come with a manual and a connection pin out diagr. This what you need to figure out how to get the best of it.

I do not use vatsim, but someone might chime in with the info.