PS Engineering 6000 audio panel

[geoffb]

Looking at a PMA6000B audio panel to replace my King KMA-12 and PS1000 intercom.  The intercom is dying, or has died on me.  Looks like the 6000B it at a good price/performance point and will help tidy the panel up.  Anyone have any experience with these?

[KSMooniac]

Any PSE product will be a major upgrade and I wouldn't hesitate to make the jump. The only thing I'd check out is if the 6000 tray is compatible with the later models. I know the Garmin GMA 340 tray works with the 8000 and newer PSE panels, but I'm not sure how far back will work. That would make future upgrades much simpler.

Even if it isn't compatible with the newer products it still is very likely a great choice for modest expense.

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[Marauder]

Looking at a PMA6000B audio panel to replace my King KMA-12 and PS1000 intercom.  The intercom is dying, or has died on me.  Looks like the 6000B it at a good price/performance point and will help tidy the panel up.  Anyone have any experience with these?

Looks like it does most of the things my 8000BT with the exception of the Bluetooth. I love my 8000 and I think you will be happy with the 6000.

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[N601RX]

I had the same kma audio panel and ps intercom you have last year.  The integrated intercom will free up some panel space and any modern unit you choose is going to give better sound and features. Also be aware that if you plan on putting the audio panel at the very top of the radio stack depth is limited.  Some audio panels are rectangular if viewed from the side and will not fit at the very top of the older Mooney radio stacks. Most of the newer ones have a sloped rear section so they are thinner at the very back and will allow you to mount them up closer to the top.

The 6000 is a mono unit and the wiring isn't compatible with the newer units from either company.  Starting  with the garmin 340 and pma8000 units both companies standardized the basic functions wiring pinouts and some trays meaning it's a cheap and easy job to swap from one to the other or newest model made by either company.  Also be aware that unless you are installing it yourself the cost of the audio panel is a small part of the total cost of buying and installing one, especially so if you are buying a used unit.  

I purchased a gma 340 unit about a year ago from someone who wanted to upgrade to the new model with Bluetooth.  The unit I purchased was 1 year old and he gave me the install kit that came with his new unit for $700. If I decide I want one of the fancier models in a few years I can simply sell it for around what I paid for it and put in the new model with minimal changes.

[carusoam]

For ease of installation check for compatibility between the new and old boxes you are choosing.

BK's new audio panel is a repackaged PS engineering box and is supposed to be a slide in replacement.

Something I had considered briefly...

My existing system isn't stereo, doesn't have BT and other things make me consider Big G when I start upgrading...

I need to move more weight back away from the panel. Remote mounted things may help...

Best regards,

-a-

[Marauder]

For ease of installation check for compatibility between the new and old boxes you are choosing.

BK's new audio panel is a repackaged PS engineering box and is supposed to be a slide in replacement.

Something I had considered briefly...

My existing system isn't stereo, doesn't have BT and other things make me consider Big G when I start upgrading...

I need to move more weight back away from the panel. Remote mounted things may help...

Best regards,

-a-

I personally love having the Bluetooth capability built into the unit. It is able to handle multiple connections and is great for streaming music or picking up clearances through landlines.

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[DXB]

BTW I have a functional 6000M recently removed from my plane that I'd be willing to sell cheap

[geoffb]

DXB, drop me a PM.

[geoffb]

I don't see the need fore Bluetooth and I honestly have never felt comfortable with music playing in the headset while I'm flying.  Headsets are mono so no need for stereo.  The real motivation is to replace the old PS intercom and free up panel space in the process. N601RX, thanks for the heads-up on the mounting depth.  I've got a Brittain AP, so I wouldn't be at the top of the stack.  Initial install will probably be at the bottom of the stack as that's where the intercom currently resides.

 

As far as King, Garmin and PSE, I think they are all PSE panels, aren't they?

[N601RX]

The new King and PSE are made by PSE. The old Kings were made by King.  Garmin has always made their own. 

I don't use Bluetooth for musc either, but it is very useful with foreflight alerts and for phone usage just before takeoff.   I have Bluetooth headsets so all the Foreflight alerts come over my headsets.  There are also some Bluetooth dongles you can plug into the music jack to give you the same connectivity.  

[Bob]

 

I don't see the need fore Bluetooth and I honestly have never felt comfortable with music playing in the headset while I'm flying.

I have a 8000BT and really like it.  The nice thing is the options it offers.  If I don't want music as I pilot the plane, I still enjoy the benefit for the passengers.  Give them music and wake them on long final. 

You can direct the music just to them while you have it off for you.  Most the time I like music, only since the auto mute settings allow you to not mute, only mute music during radio transmissions, or mute while using radio or when someone talks or coughs.

Not sure of the 6000 vs the 8000, but here is the manual for the 6000   http://www.ps-engineering.com/docs/PMA6000B_IM.pdf

Also a note for the installation.  My avionics guy wired the sound alert for traffic thru the ADF button and relabeled it.  It is a nice feature to hit one button and turn the traffic voice off if you are tired of hearing it while in the pattern for example.

[Yetti]

I have a 6000 MS that waiting for me to finish up the leather seat project.  One thought is the 44 pin Molex connectors that the 6000 uses are not available from common online sources any longer.   I would think that avionics shops still have them.    That is not to say that a standard 44 pin correct pitch edged connector won't work just fine.  They were about $15 dollars from digikey

[rbridges]

 

I don't see the need fore Bluetooth and I honestly have never felt comfortable with music playing in the headset while I'm flying.  Headsets are mono so no need for stereo.  The real motivation is to replace the old PS intercom and free up panel space in the process. N601RX, thanks for the heads-up on the mounting depth.  I've got a Brittain AP, so I wouldn't be at the top of the stack.  Initial install will probably be at the bottom of the stack as that's where the intercom currently resides.

 

As far as King, Garmin and PSE, I think they are all PSE panels, aren't they?

I lived without bluetooth for several years with my KMA24, but upgrading to a bluetooth audio panel is nice.  I agree about the music.  I fly IFR quite a bit, and radio calls seem to interrupt music too much for me to enjoy it.  I put my wife on ISO so that she can listen to her music without the interruptions.  I've also used my phone/bluetooth to call ATC since I'm at  a non-towered airport.  Bluetooth is nice but I'd agree that it's a luxury, not a necessity.

[N601RX]

I've purchased a lot of install supplies from Lane Pilot before. He has most anything needed and gets them out to you quickly. Stein is also a good source for newer stuff, but doesn't always have contacts for older stuff.

An audio panel wiring harness is very time consuming. You can expect to spend 30+ hours if you have to connect to multiple com and nav radios. Supplies, shielded wire, contacts, solder sleeves, jacks,  ext will cost around $350  

http://lane-pilot.com/contacts8260pins_c_16.html

[ryoder]

 

I lived without bluetooth for several years with my KMA24, but upgrading to a bluetooth audio panel is nice.  I agree about the music.  I fly IFR quite a bit, and radio calls seem to interrupt music too much for me to enjoy it.  I put my wife on ISO so that she can listen to her music without the interruptions.  I've also used my phone/bluetooth to call ATC since I'm at  a non-towered airport.  Bluetooth is nice but I'd agree that it's a luxury, not a necessity.

This is why I don't like flight following.  I like to enjoy music while flying and stream directly to my headset.

[Bob]

 

This is why I don't like flight following.  I like to enjoy music while flying and stream directly to my headset.

I have found, the higher you fly, less traffic and fewer frequency changes.  A few years back I went Chicago to Phoenix with one fuel stop.  They reported traffic one time.

 

[geoffb]

I dont go anywhere without  flight following.