DC-8 STUDY GUIDE

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................... 1
TABLE OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................................................... 2
COMMUNICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................ 3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................... 4
FLIGHT INTERPHONE SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................... 4
AUDIO CONTROL PANELS ............................................................................................................................................. 5
SERVICE INTERPHONE SYSTEM .................................................................................................................................. 6
FLIGHT AND SERVICE INTERPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH (IF INSTALLED).............................................................. 7
RADIO POWER SELECTOR SWITCH (IF INSTALLED) .................................................................................................. 7
PILOT CALL SWITCH....................................................................................................................................................... 7
NORMAL OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
FLIGHT INTERPHONE RECEPTION OR TRANSMISSION ............................................................................................ 8
HF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM................................................................................................................................. 8
GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
HF-1/HF-2 CONTROL PANEL ........................................................................................................................................ 10
SQUELCH CONTROL .................................................................................................................................................... 10
NORMAL OPERATION ....................................................................................................................................................11
POST FLIGHT..................................................................................................................................................................11
VHF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................ 12
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 12
VHF COMM/NAV CONTROL PANEL.............................................................................................................................. 12
VHF COMM (8.33) AVTECH RADIO TUNING PANEL ................................................................................................... 13
GENERAL OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................. 13
SELCAL SYSTEM ..................................................................................................................................................... 15
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................................................... 15
GENERAL OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................. 16
RECEIVING A SELCAL .................................................................................................................................................. 16
POST FLIGHT................................................................................................................................................................. 16

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TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1: CONTROLS and INDICATORS...................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 2: AUDIO CONTROL PANEL (TYPICAL) ........................................................................................................... 5
Figure 3: 71 SERIES AUDIO CONTROL PANEL .......................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4: COCKPIT HEADSET ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 5: CALL BUTTON ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 6: HF SYSTEM - SCHEMATIC (TYPICAL)......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 7: HF CONTROL HEAD (TYPICAL) ................................................................................................................. 10
Figure 8: 71 SERIES HF CONTROL HEAD ................................................................................................................ 11
Figure 9: VHF COMMUNICATION CONTROL HEAD (TYPICAL)............................................................................... 12
Figure 10: 71 VHF COMMUNICATION CONTROL HEAD ........................................................................................... 12
Figure 11: AVTEC VHF COMMUNICATION (8.33) CONTROL TUNING PANEL ........................................................ 13
Figure 12: VHF COMMUNICATIONS - SCHEMATIC .................................................................................................. 14
Figure 13: SELCAL CONTROL HEAD......................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 14: SELCAL SYSTEM - SCHEMATIC ............................................................................................................... 17

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COMMUNICATIONS

Figure 1: CONTROLS and INDICATORS

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INTRODUCTION
The Communication Systems in the DC-8 consist of the following:
• HF Communication System
• VHF Communication System
• Selective Calling System (SELCAL)
• Flight Interphone System
• Service Interphone System
• Call System
Additional communication receiver facilities are available by using the Low Frequency Band of the ADF
receivers, and the VHF NAV receivers above 108.0 MEGAHERTZ.
Flight Interphone and Service Interphone are installed to provide communications between Crewmembers or
between Crewmembers and Ground Maintenance Personnel. In addition, a Pilot and Mechanic Call System is
installed.
The HF System permits communications with stations using Amplitude Modulation (AM), as well as with stations
using the Single Sideband (SSB) System. The two HF Systems are fully duplicated, except for the antenna
system which is common. This means that simultaneous transmission from both systems is not possible.
When transmitting from one HF, the other is automatically blocked. The frequency range is 2000 to 29.999 KHZ
in 1 KHZ increments.

FLIGHT INTERPHONE SYSTEM

The Flight Interphone System provides for communications among crewmembers, the monitoring of the audio
outputs of the Communication and Navigation Receivers, and the actuation of the Communication Transmitters.
The Flight Interphone System consists of Audio Control Panels, Headset and Microphone Jack Outlets, Control
Switches, and Interphone Amplifier, and Flight Compartment Speakers.
A conventional headset and a hand-held microphone are located at the Captain's, First Officer's, and Flight
Engineer's stations. Each hand-held microphone is controlled by integral, press-to-talk switches.
An oxygen mask microphone is located at the Captain's, First Officer's, Flight Engineer's and Observer's
stations. The Captain's and First Officer's oxygen mask microphones are controlled by the corresponding
control wheel press-to-talk switches. Switches must be held forward to transmit on radios, and aft for
interphone. The Flight Engineer's, Navigator's, and Observer's oxygen mask microphones are controlled by the
press-to-talk switch, located at their respective stations.
The microphones at all flight compartment stations can be used for both radio and interphone communications.
The Observer uses the Navigator's Audio Control Panel.
Two Flight Compartment Speakers, one at the Captain's, and one at the First Officer's station, are provided for
monitoring radio and interphone communications, without the use of headsets. The speaker volume control,
placarded VOL, is located on the face of each speaker. Each speaker is automatically muted, when the
corresponding microphone press-to-talk switch is pressed. In addition, both speakers are automatically muted
simultaneously when the handset, located on the aft pedestal, is removed from its hanger. Electrical power is
supplied to the system from the DC Left and Right Emergency Buses through circuit breakers.

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AUDIO CONTROL PANELS

There are four Audio Control Panels in the airplane, two in the Pilot's Control Pedestal, one each for the Captain
and First Officer, at the observers station, and one at the Flight Engineer's station. Each control panel contains
a Microphone Selector Switch, Audio Selector Switches, an Amplifier Selector Switch, and a Volume Control.
Some Audio Control Panels contain push buttons in place of a microphone selector switch. Some Audio Panels
also contain an Emergency Selector Switch, in place of the Amplifier 1 or 2 Switch,
The microphone selector switch, placarded MIC SEL, connects the microphone to the communication
transmitters or interphone system desired. The five positions of the switch are placarded HF-1, HF-2, VHF-1,
VHF-2, and INPH.
The audio selector switches are used to select the audio output of the communication receivers, navigation
receivers, and the interphone system. The placarding at the switch identifies the system with which the switch
is associated. The switch placarded PA is inoperative.
The amplifier selector switch, with positions placarded AMP-1 and AMP-2, is used to select either of two
isolation amplifiers in the audio control panel. The position of the switch indicates which amplifier is being used.
The volume control, placarded VOL, is concentric with the MIC SEL switch and is used to adjust the audio level
to the corresponding headset and flight compartment speakers.
Some audio control panels will have a switch placarded EMER (EMERGENCY). It is used to bypass the
isolation amplifier inside the control panel. EMERGENCY should be selected when the control panel becomes
inoperative. With EMER selected, only one receiver can be monitored at the same time. If more than one
switch is on, the priority will be left to right, top to bottom on the panel.

Figure 2: AUDIO CONTROL PANEL (TYPICAL)

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Figure 3: 71 SERIES AUDIO CONTROL PANEL

SERVICE INTERPHONE SYSTEM

The service interphone system provides for communication between areas where service and maintenance
operations are more frequently performed.
The service interphone system consists of a service interphone amplifier, handsets, and jack outlets. The jack
outlets are located as follows: one in the nosewheel well, one in each main wheel well, one in the forward and
aft baggage compartments, one in the aft air conditioning compartment, one in the accessory compartment, one
in each engine nacelle, one in the Captain's console, one at the aft pedestal, one on each wing trailing edge,
one in the vertical stabilizer, and one in the tail cone. An additional jack outlet is installed in the cargo
compartment near the main cargo door.
Communication to the various interphone outlets is accomplished by selecting INPH on the MIC SEL switch and
using a cockpit hand microphone to transmit. The transmission can be heard at any service interphone where a
headset is plugged in. Transmissions from a service interphone outlet can also be heard at any service
interphone where a headset is plugged in or in the cockpit.
A handset may be installed in the aft pedestal. The handset consists of an audio receiver, microphone and a
push-to-talk switch. The handset receiver is connected directly to the audio signal wiring and the microphone is
connected to the audio signal wiring by the push-to-talk switch.

Figure 4: COCKPIT HEADSET

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SERVICE INTERPHONE SYSTEM (Cont’d)

Communication between the flight compartment and service interphone jack outlets is received by removing the
handset from its hangar, and transmitting by pressing the press-to-talk switch. Removal of the handset receiver
from the hanger operates the hangar switch to connect the hand receiver to the audio signal wiring. Removal of
the flight compartment handset from its hangar also operates the switch to mute the flight compartment
loudspeaker.
NOTE: On some aircraft the cockpit pedestal handset is removed from its holder and a triangular block
is installed to hold the muting switch depressed.
To operate from any service interphone jack outlet, plug in a handset or boom set and actuate the press-to-talk
switch. The audio is supplied to all service interphone jack outlets.
NOTE: If the Pilot call bell rings, the Flight Crew answers by use of the Flight Compartment
handset.
A Ground/Flight interphone Parallel Switch (red-guarded) is located on the aft of the Pilot's control pedestal with
the placarded positions NORMAL (down) and BOTH (up). When the switch is in the NORMAL position (DOWN)
the flight interphone system and the service interphone system operate as separate systems. The flight
compartment handset must be used to talk to the service interphone stations. When the selector switch is
moved to BOTH (UP) position, the flight interphone system is connected to the service interphone system. This
allows any cockpit microphone and audio (headset/speaker) to be used for communication with any service
interphone station in place of, or in addition to, the flight compartment headset.
FLIGHT AND SERVICE INTERPHONE SELECTOR SWITCH (IF INSTALLED)
The Flight and Service Interphone Selector Switch, placarded INPH FLIGHT SERVICE, is located on the radio
rack mixing chamber. The selector switch has positions placarded PARALLEL and ISOLATE. When the
selector switch is in the ISOLATE position, the flight interphone system and service interphone system operate
independently from their respective amplifiers and the flight compartment handset must be used to talk to the
service interphone stations. When the selector switch is in the PARALLEL position, the service interphone
system is tied into the flight interphone system through the flight interphone amplifier. With the selector switch
in the PARALLEL position, any flight or service interphone station may talk to any other station.
RADIO POWER SELECTOR SWITCH (IF INSTALLED)
The Radio Power Selector Switch, placarded RADIO POWER, is located on the radio rack mixing chamber. The
selector switch has positions placarded NORMAL and BATTERY. With selector switch in the guarded
NORMAL position, the flight interphone, service interphone, and the VHF-1 radio system are supplied electrical
power from the normal bus distribution system. In the BATTERY position, these systems receive electrical
power directly from the battery bus.
PILOT CALL SWITCH
A Call System provides aural and visual indications for summoning the attention of the flight or ground crew.
The system will provide pilot to ground call and ground to pilot call.
There is a pilot call switches in the nose wheel well. When the pilot call switch is pressed, a bell in the flight
compartment rings once to attract the attention of the flight crew. One Pilot-to-Mechanic call switch is located
on the overhead switch panel in the flight compartment.
When the mechanic call switch is pressed, a horn in the nose wheel well sounds continuously as long as the
switch is depressed.
Power to the call system is supplied by DC Bus No. 1.

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Figure 5: CALL BUTTON

NORMAL OPERATION

NOTE: When using the Control Wheel microphone switches HOLD in FORWARD position for
interphone. Hold in AFT position for radio (if installed).

FLIGHT INTERPHONE RECEPTION OR TRANSMISSION

1. Audio control panel audio selector switch -- INPH.
2. Audio control panel MIC SEL switch -- INPH.
3. Audio control panel VOL control -- As desired.
4. Flight compartment speaker VOL control -- As desired.
5. Applicable microphone press-to-talk (PTT) switch -- PTT.
NOTE: The flight compartment speakers will be muted when the corresponding microphone
switch is pressed, i.e., the Captain's speaker will be muted when the Captain transmits on
the interphone.
NOTE: To connect the Captain's flight interphone system to the service interphone system, select
BOTH on the GND/FLT INTERPHONE switch.

HF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

GENERAL
The HF communication system is a long-range, automatic tuning, installation capable of transmitting and
receiving single sideband and amplitude modulated signals. The system is designed to operate in the
frequency range of 2.000 to 29.999 MEGAHERTZ. The system is a dual installation, designated HF-1 and HF-
2, consisting of the following equipment: An HF-1/HF-2 control panel, two HF transceivers, two interlock relays,
two accessory coupler control units, two antenna couplers, and a tail cap antenna.
The HF-1 and HF-2 systems are interlocked so that HF transmission is possible over only one system at a time.
The systems are also interlocked to prevent HF receiver operation when either system is transmitting.
Each HF system is interconnected to provide transmission sidetone to both receiver audio circuits during
transmitter operation. Sidetone signals are supplied to the flight interphone system audio control panels and are
monitored over the circuits that supply receiver audio.
The HF system will operate when electrical power is applied, the mode selector switch is set to an operate
position, and the system is tuned, as indicated by the presence of sidetone in the receiver output circuits when
the transmitter is keyed by a microphone push-to-talk switch.
When a change in channel selection is made, sufficient time must be allowed for system components to align
with the channel selected. During the tuning cycle, a 1000 cycle tone is applied as sidetone to indicate the
system is tuning. This tone will remain on until the tuning cycle is complete or a tuning fault occurs. Should the
system fail to tune, the transmitter will be disabled until a different channel is selected. HF receiver operation is
not affected when the transmitter is disabled. (A tuning indicator light may be installed on the HF Control Head).

GENERAL (Cont’d)
Electrical power to the HF system is applied through circuit breakers on the circuit breaker panel. HF-1 is
supplied by radio AC and DC Bus No. 1 and HF-2 is supplied by radio AC and DC Bus No. 4.

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Figure 6: HF SYSTEM - SCHEMATIC (TYPICAL)

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HF-1/HF-2 CONTROL PANEL (TYPICAL)

The HF-1 and HF-2 control panels are installed in the Switch Overhead Panel and provides remote control of
the HF system. Each control panel has four frequency selector knobs, a selected frequency indicator, a mode
selector knob and an RF sensitivity control. A frequency selector knob is available for each of the whole
megacycle, 100 kilohertz, 10 kilohertz and 1 kilohertz control. Frequency selection is achieved by rotating the
frequency selector knobs until the desired frequency is displayed by the frequency indicator.
The mode selector is a six-position control with positions placarded OFF, USB, LSB, AM, DATA and CW.
System power is on as long as the mode selector Is not in the OFF position. In the AM position amplitude
modulation is selected. In the USB or LSB position the system operates using the upper or lower sideband.
The DATA and CW positions are not used. The RF SENS control adjusts the RF gain of the HF receiver,
varying the signal-to-noise level. (See Squelch Control).

SQUELCH CONTROL
Some installations may have a squelch control (SQ) rather than the RF SENS. With this type installation the SQ
Control should be adjusted to the point just below the static level. The squelch circuit is now adjusted to allow
transmission to be received (depending on signal strength) but to reduce the static noise in between
transmissions of other stations.

NOTE: Too low of a squelch setting may prevent the reception of weak or distant transmissions.

Figure 7: HF CONTROL HEAD (TYPICAL)

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NORMAL OPERATION
PREFLIGHT
STARTING/TUNING THE EQUIPMENT
1. Mode Selector -- AM, USB, or LSB
2. Audio Selector Switch HF-1 or HF-2, as applicable -- On (up).
3. Audio Control Panel MIC SELECTOR -- HF-1 or HF-2.
4. Frequency Selector -- Select the desired frequency.
• The HF will mute when selecting a new frequency. If the desired frequency was already set when
switching on the HF, rotate the 10 KHZ frequency selector one digit off frequency and then back to the
desired frequency. This is necessary for correct frequency and antenna loading whenever the equipment
has been switched OFF.
• When the HF is no longer muted, depress the microphone push-to-talk button momentarily and wait for
the antenna coupler to tune. Do not key the HF system when tuned to a broadcast only station (WWV).
This tuning may take a maximum of ten seconds and is characterized by a 1000 HZ tone.
• The system is ready to use once the 1000-Hz tone is no longer audible.

CAUTION IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF A TUNING FAULT OCCURRING,

THE HF SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT BE CHANNELED MORE THAN ONCE EVERY
30 SECONDS. THIS IS NECESSARY FOR ANTENNA COUPLER COOLING.
5. RF SENS -- Desired listening level.
• As RF sensitivity is increased, the noise level also increases with no corresponding increase in the
intelligibility of the signal. The RF SENS control should be positioned just at the point of maximum
intelligibility.
6. Audio Control Panel -- Desired listening level.
• Adjust the audio level control so that the signal may be heard comfortably. The RF SENS control and the
audio level control do not perform identical functions.
7. Tune to desired communications provider Radio or ARINC frequency.
8. Request SELCAL check.

POST FLIGHT
1. Mode Selector – OFF

Figure 8: 71 SERIES HF CONTROL HEAD

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VHF COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

GENERAL
The VHF communication system provides for communication between the Flight Crew and ground stations or
other aircraft. The VHF system is a dual (VHF-1/ VHF-2) installation that operates in the range of 118.0 to
136.975 MEGAHERTZ. Most aircraft have been modified to meet the European requirement of 8.33 KHZ
spacing. Both VHF systems operate independently of one another; therefore, both transmitters can be operated
simultaneously.
Electrical power is supplied to the VHF-1 system from the No. 2 DC Radio Bus and to the VHF-2 system from
the No. 3 DC Radio Bus. The VHF system will operate when electrical power is on the aircraft, the circuit
breakers are closed, the control panel Volume/Off control is ON, and the transmitter is keyed by a microphone
push-to-talk switch.
Each VHF system consists of a transceiver, control panel, and an antenna. A portion of the audio control panel
is also used by each VHF system.

VHF COMM/NAV CONTROL PANEL

Two VHF COMM/NAV control panels are located on the Pilot's center control console. Each control panel
consists of frequency selector knobs, a frequency indicator, a volume control and an ON/OFF control.
Frequency selector knobs consist of a megacycle and a kilohertz selector knob mounted concentrically.
Frequency selection is achieved by rotating the frequency selector knobs until the desired frequency is
displayed in the frequency indicator.

Figure 9: VHF COMMUNICATION CONTROL HEAD (TYPICAL)

Figure 10: 71 VHF COMMUNICATION CONTROL HEAD

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Figure 11: AVTECH VHF COMM RADIO TUNING PANEL

VHF COMM RADIO TUNING PANELS CAPABLE OF 8.33 KHZ CHANNEL SPACING

GENERAL

The Avtech Corp VHF COMM Radio Tuning Panel meets the European requirement for 8.33 KHZ frequency
spacing. Due to frequency congestion caused by the proximity of airports within Europe the quantity of
assignable channels increased from 760 to 2,280. The Avtech Tuning Panel has the capability of operating on
these increased number of channels.

CONTROLS

The Transfer Selector and the Comm Test Switch are momentary push-buttons that are integrated into the
light plate assembly. The selectors use a high reliability dome-type switch to supply tactile feedback to the
pilots. The Transfer Selector has a white arrow that provides sunlight readability. In a dark flight deck, the
arrow is illuminated via the light plate. A plastic membrane seals the switch from the front surface of the unit.

The Frequency Selector Switch is an optical shaft encoder. The optics in the switch monitors the shaft position
and signal shaft position to the internal circuitry. In order to preserve traditional selector switch feel, the unit
employs 32 mechanical détentes, spaced around the circumference of the switch. This independent assembly
is sealed to protect its functions under conditions of high humidity or contaminant spills. The switch is designed
to rotate continuously and contains no mechanical stops.

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Figure 12: VHF COMMUNICATIONS - SCHEMATIC

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GENERAL OPERATION

STARTING/TUNING EQUIPMENT
1. VHF COMM VOL Control -- ON (if applicable).
• On some aircraft no ON-OFF function is provided, the VHF COMM systems are in operation when the
appropriate electrical buses are energized and associated circuit breakers are set. A strong
background noise when the squelch is turned off may serve as a receiver function check.
2. Squelch Switch -- Normally in SQ position.
3. Frequency Selector -- Set to desired frequency.
4. Audio Selector VHF-1 or VHF-2 Toggle Switch -- ON.
5. Pilot's loudspeaker VOL Control -- As desired.
6. Audio Selector VOL Control -- As desired.
• Approximately 50% of maximum rotation.
7. VHF VOL Control -- Advance for desired signal volume.
NOTE: VHF receiver audio is muted when the corresponding VHF transmitters are transmitting.
8. Audio Selector MIC SEL Switch -- VHF-1 or VHF-2, as applicable.
• On some aircraft MIC SEL is press-to-talk switch push button.
9. Microphone or Control Wheel Switch -- Press-to-transmit.
• Sidetone will be heard while speaking into the microphone if the corresponding VHF audio selector switch
is on.

PREFLIGHT CHECK
1. Select the desired frequency -- Verify Operations.

POST FLIGHT
1. VHF COMM VOL control -- OFF (if applicable)

SELCAL SYSTEM

GENERAL
The SELCAL (selective calling) system provides the Pilots with visual and aural indications that their aircraft is
being called. The system enables ground facilities equipped with SELCAL tone transmitting equipment to call
individual aircraft selectively. The aircraft equipment consists of a dual SELCAL decoder and a SELCAL control
panel located on the pilot's overhead switch panel.
The SELCAL control panel consists of two blue DIMMABLE, PRESS-TO-TEST, SELCAL, Indicating lights and
two selector switches, placarded DECODER l/HF-l, VHF-1 and DECODER 2/HF-2, VHF-2, used for selection of
system to be monitored by the SELCAL system and one OFF-ON switch. DECODER 1 monitors the HF-1 and
VHF-1 receivers and the DECODER 2 monitors the HF-2/VHF-2 receivers.
Each aircraft is assigned a tone code which consists of two bursts; each burst is a combined aural signal
produced by two separate signals of different frequencies by the ground station. The tone code can be received
by an aircraft monitoring the transmitting frequency. However, only the decoder in the aircraft with the assigned
frequencies of the tone being transmitted will actuate to sound the pilot's call bell in the flight compartment and
turn on the applicable blue SELCAL indicating light.
When the SELCAL indicating light is pressed, the indicating light goes out, the Pilot's call bell stops ringing and
the decoder is reset to accept the next call.
On 71 series aircraft, the Selcal light is located on the VHF/NAV selector panel mounted on the pilot’s control
pedestal. It provides the same function as those units installed on other DC-8 aircraft.

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Figure 13: SELCAL CONTROL HEAD

GENERAL OPERATIONS
Depending upon the type of unit installed, the SELCAL unit is on when the appropriate electrical buses are
energized and associated circuit breakers are set.

NOTE: Reception of SELCAL signal is independent of squelch and volume control settings of
HF and VHF COMM systems.

1. SELCAL ON-OFF Switch -- ON, if applicable.

2. Select the SELCAL monitoring frequency on the HF-1 and/or VHF-1 or HF-2 and/or VHF-2 remote control
panel, as applicable.
3. Place the DECODER 1 and/or DECODER 2 selector switches at HF-1 or VHF-1 and/or HF-2 or VHF-2 to
agree with equipment selected to monitor SELCAL signals.

RECEIVING A SELCAL
When there is a call on either system No. 1 or No. 2, the corresponding alert light will flash and the chime sound
will sound at four second intervals.
1. Reset the DECODER by pressing the lighted SELCAL indicator.

POST FLIGHT
1. SELCAL ON-off Switch -- OFF, if applicable.

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Figure 14: SELCAL SYSTEM – SCHEMATIC

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