TELEX Stratus 50 Digital Headset

The Telex Stratus 50-D is a medium-weight, active noise-reduction headset with boom-mounted microphone. It provides up to 25+dB patented digital tonal noise reduction of engine and blade noise, up to 15+dB of analog broadband noise reduction, and 29+dB of passive noise reduction. At 90 Hz the accumulative total is 50+dB of noise reduction.

Fit and Comfort

The Stratus 50-D incorporates unique features that allow the user to "custom fit" the headset for comfortable operation. Among the features is a headband design that distributes ear cushion pressure evenly over the entire ear with no pressure points. A detented slide adjustment on the headband allows the ear cup to be easily raised or lowered for proper fit. Contributing to the comfort fit is a yoke design that allows the ear cup to pivot in two planes assuring proper performance to the head. To adjust ear cup pressure, a patented "Comfort Cam™" is rotated to one of three tension settings. The last component in the fit and comfort is the 1" cushion made from heat sensitive slow recovery foam which will conform to your head to provide a perfect seal while spreading the weight over a large area eliminating pressure points.

Boom Microphone

The Stratus 50-D utilizes either an amplified electret noise-canceling microphone to eliminate unwanted cabin noise from entering the communication system. To assure proper operation the microphone must be positioned perpendicular to the mouth close to the lips, slightly off center to the mouth. To facilitate pilot/co- pilot wearing, the boom rotates up to allow the boom to be worn on the left or right side. To minimize windscreen loss, "retaining hooks" are designed into the microphone housing to securely hold the windscreen in place.

Cordage and Plugs

The Stratus 50-D uses shielded cables to protect against RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) and EMF (Electro Magnetic Frequency). Strain relief is added to the cords and plugs to provide protection from wear and tear resulting from normal usage. The headset includes separate receiver and microphone plugs. The receiver plug is set up for stereo usage but a switch on the cordage controls stereo/mono operation.

A separate power cord is provided to allow aircraft power (via cigarette lighter adapter) to plug into the battery module on the headset cord. This will accommodate aircraft power from 8-32 Vdc.

Two cords for connecting cellular telephone and audio devices are included. These cords are standard straight through types. The smaller of the two (2.5 mm connectors) is for connecting cellular telephones. The larger of the two (3.5 mm connectors) is for connecting audio devices

Auto Shut-Off

The Stratus 50-D contains noise-sensing features which measure ambient noise levels. When these ambient noise levels are low for 5 to 7 minutes continuously, the headset automatically shuts off. This feature will prolong battery life and prevent discharge of batteries if the headset is accidentally left on after usage.

Cellphone / audio interface

The Stratus 50-D includes a unique amplified interface allowing for the connection of a cellular telephone and an audio input simultaneously. This setup allows for all of the equipment to be set up before take-off eliminating the need to re-configure cords and equipment when operating the aircraft. The other unique feature of this interface is the ability to obtain power from the aircrafts communications system. This feature results in increased battery life for the ANR system while keeping the benefits of an amplified interface. By amplifying the inputs, the Stratus 50-D allows the user to adjust volume level at the headset contributing to the ability to not need re-configuring while in flight.

The Telex Stratus 50-D cell phone / audio interface has been designed to function with the widest array of cellular telephones and portable audio devices. There are cell phones and audio devices on the market not designed to industry physical and electrical standards. These devices are not guaranteed to function properly with the Stratus 50-D headset.

Microphone Bias Voltage Requirements

The boom microphone operates on a voltage of 8-16 VDC. Output impedance is 50 ohms (Designed for radio input impedances from 50-600 ohms). If you are uncertain whether your avionics equipment meets this requirement, consult the avionics equipment manufacturer. The cellular telephone / auxiliary audio interface of the Stratus 50-D relies on this same microphone bias voltage for operation. If less voltage / higher impedance is normal in your system, this interface may not operate properly. If unusual or unacceptable performance of the boom microphone or cellular / audio interface is discovered, the cellular/audio interface should be disabled using the accessory mute (described later in this manual.)