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.)
