190-01878-02
GMA 342/345 Installation Manual
Rev. 5
Page 1-1
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 Introduction
This manual is intended to provide mechanical and electrical information for use in the planning and
design of an installation of the GMA 342/345 into an aircraft. This manual is not a substitute for an
approved airframe-specific maintenance manual, installation design drawing, or complete installation data
package. Attempting to install equipment by reference to this manual alone and without first planning or
designing an installation specific to your aircraft may compromise your safety and is not recommended.
The content of this manual assumes use by competent and qualified avionics engineering personnel and/or
avionics installation specialists using standard aviation maintenance practices in accordance with Title 14
of the Code of Federal Regulations and other relevant accepted practices. This manual is not intended for
use by individuals who do not possess the competencies and abilities set forth above.
NOTE
Garmin recommends installation of the GMA 342/345 by a Garmin-authorized installer.
To the extent allowable by law, Garmin will not be liable for damages resulting from
improper or negligent installation of the GMA 342/345. For questions, please contact
Garmin Aviation Product Support at 1-888-606-5482.
1.2 Equipment Description
The Garmin GMA 342/345 Audio Panels are TSO-certified products and have received FAA approval.
The GMA 342/345 units are high-fidelity digital audio panels that collect, process, and distribute audio
signals to crew and passengers. The GMA 342/345 digital signal processing (DSP) core filters the audio
signals and provides digital audio routing to minimize noise.
The GMA 342/345 provides a speaker output for use as a cockpit speaker. Both also include a cockpit
voice recorder and playback feature to help in situations where a COM transmission may need to be heard
again. The GMA 345 includes a
Bluetooth
® transceiver for listening to music and making phone calls, or
sending headset audio to a VIRB XE, and a 10 Watt USB charge port for phones and tablets. The
GMA 342 does not have Bluetooth capability and includes an available front panel 3.5 mm jack for
plugging in phones or tablets for music audio or cell phone calls.
Other features include intuitive configuration, a lighting bus input, SD Card socket for code loads and
Bluetooth firmware updates (only GMA 345 has Bluetooth capability), an 8 position DIP switch for
installation settings, and multiple audio switching functions. LED-illuminated push-buttons allow audio
selection and annunciation for selection of NAV, COM, and other audio. Photocell dimming circuitry
automatically adjusts the brightness of the annunciators, with backlighting controlled by the aircraft
lighting bus. A fail-safe circuit connects the pilot's headset and microphone directly to COM 1 and a fail-
safe warning audio input in the event that power is interrupted or the unit is turned off.
The GMA 345 has 2 music inputs in addition to the Bluetooth transceiver, NAV, COM, and ICS
selections. The GMA 342 has 2 music inputs in addition to the front panel 3.5 mm jack, NAV, COM, and
ICS selections. Both the GMA 345 and GMA 342 are easily configurable without an external PC
connection. Both GMA 345 and GMA 342 have automatic intercom squelch and optional keyed intercom
squelch. These audio panels were designed to be drop in replacements for the GMA 340, and do not
interface or integrate to any system. The standard (2-COM) version of these audio panels only support two
COMs, however a 3-COM version of the GMA 345 (011-03520-20) is also available. For installations that
require more than 2 COMs the recommended audio panel is the GMA 345 3-COM, GMA 350H, or GMA
350Hc.
