Backseat Intercom

[xrs135]

How difficult/expensive is it to have an intercom installed in the back seat so that people in the back can be "in the loop" with those up front? I don't really even need it for both back seats, as I never fly with 4 people... but having at least one plugin back there might be nice! Anybody have experience with this?

[carusoam]

If you have the 4 place intercom already it's low cost wires and receptacle hardware.

Could require a few hours of running wires after that.

My solution was to use a splitter plug and extension wires to the kids in the back... Available from sportys..

This works well for them to hear what is going on. The microphone aspect takes additional effort...

Best regards,

-a-

[kerry]

I like the sigtronics SPA400.  It has a nice wiring harness and easy schematic to follow.  Sigtronics also has excellent customer support.

[PaulB]

I did something similar to Anthony. Since I fly with back seaters rarely I figured I didn't need something permanent. I got a splitter and a 2 place portable intercom from aircraft spruce. Hooked the splitter Into the right seat then the intercom into that. The 2-3 times a year I use it I have wires running to the back seat but it works well and cost me around $200 total

[TWinter]

I think having the jacks wired and installed in the side panel was about $500-$600 a few years ago. I added it as an after thought while I had it there for other work. I was surprised it was so pricey when I got the bill, but I guess when you figure labor is at about $85-90 an hour it was about right. The parts are cheap, the labor not so cheap. Doing it over I would have done the portable route.

[carusoam]

It would be nice to have stereo plugs all the way around...

At the speed of technology spreading, it won't be long before this will be BT or wifi...

Best regards,

-a-

[Mooneymite]

The two back-seat intercom connections are probably the most under-utilized feature of my Mooney.

[xrs135]

Thanks for all the replies! Portable/temporary option it is!!

[xrs135]

I ended up going with this...

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/avpages/avhss.php

I think it should get the job done for the rare occasion that I have somebody in the back!

[bonal]

That looks pretty handy, do the extra users have to be quite when PIC is on mike

[xrs135]

Not sure, but I don't think so as long as it's plugged into co-pilots side

[Marauder]

Not sure, but I don't think so as long as it's plugged into co-pilots side

As long as it's plugged into the co-pilot jack and they don't have a PTT they are using, it will work. If your front intercom has an "isolate" function for the crew, they (backseat folks) will be on it.