-
Preface
-
DVR Questions and Answers
Is the DVR Clock TSO’d?
No. At this time, there is no TSO specification for cockpit clocks. Companies
such as Astrotech and Davtron have been installing non-TSO’d clocks in Part
135 aircraft for years, from 152’s to Air Force One.
How do I get an installation approval?
Because the DVR Clock is placed in-line with your audio path, it is similar
to an intercom installation. The installation of the DVR Clock is a
modification to your aircraft, and you’ll need to have a Form 337 filled out
and signed by your avionics shop. Flightcom has sample 337’s on file from
previous installations and we can FAX you these if your particular FAA
official is unfamiliar with the DVR recorders.
Suppose I don’t want to record cockpit audio?
You could wire it between the radio and the intercom (see page 10) otherwise,
the DVR Recorder has no way of distinguishing between your voice and the
controllers. Therefore, your cockpit audio is recorded as part of the voice acti-
vated loop. Remember, though, that the endless loop accounts for only one
minute of the total recording time, and it is written over with the next recording
cycle. It does not “wear out” the recorder to constantly record all audio.
Furthermore, you may want to hear what you told that controller.
What happens when I’m out of recording time?
The DVR never runs out of recording space with its endless loop. When one
minute has been recorded, the oldest audio is pushed off the end, much like a
digital conveyor belt. If you’re recording a manual message or a checklist
item, the DVR simply beeps and ceases recording when speech memory is
exhausted.
Do my passengers hear the instant replay?
It depends on where you connect the audio (see page 10) and on which inter-
com you have installed, if any. If an intercom has good isolation between
headsets (i.e. Flightcom), the pilot alone will hear the replay. If the intercom
uses a common audio buss (i.e. Sigtronics), all passengers will hear the replay
from the DVR.