What
is the problem with multiple cell
sites?
This problem really relates to older
technology and is now rare. The problem
of multiple cell triggering is still
a possibility with Digital phones
but only if you are on a call and
only if you are directly over a high
population city (Sydney CBD). The
result is the call will be dropped
automatically by the main computer.
No other problems should be expected.
CDMA and Analogue systems are by far
the best for the aviation user.
Can my passengers
hear my phone conversation?
Passengers are never able to hear
the incoming conversation only the
out going if the mute function is
not used. By using the mute function
you can have total privacy for both
incoming and outgoing conversation.
Flightcell Version 4 has the option
to add a second headset allowing
more than one person to use the
phone simultaneously.
Can my passengers
hear music through the system?
Only the person who has their headset
plugged in to the unit can hear
music from the Aux input. Flightcell
Version 4 has the option to add
a second headset allowing more than
one person hear all imputs.
Will Flightcell
power my phone?
No. Your phone will be powered by
its own battery.
Can more than
one person plug into Flightcell
at a time?
Yes. Flightcell Version 4 has a
simple intercom using the optional
second headset interface allows
conversation between two headsets
as well as allowing both users to
access the phone.
Is Flightcell
certified for use in aircraft?
No. It is not required to be, as
it is a portable item just like
a headset or portable intercom.
Is it legal to
use my phone while flying?
The answer to this depends on the
country in which you are intending
to use your phone as the rules have
relaxed in many countries as it
has been demonstrated that interference
to flight systems is unlikely.
New Zealand and Australia no longer
ban the use of cellular phones but
leave it to the pilots discretion.
A similar situation exists in the
USA however use in IFR aircraft
is discouraged. The FCC still have
old rules in place, action against
a pilot is improbable.
Is there a phone
system that is better for aviation?
The new CDMA system is proving to
be as good if not better than the
older Analogue system. Range can
be in excess of 100km from cell
site and interference to systems
is highly unlikely. GSM and other
digital (TDMA) are OK, however range
is unlikely to exceed 40kms and
care must be taken not to place
the phone close to instrument panel
or antennas as interference is possible
at very close range. TDMA phones
system are often used in conjunction
with analogue systems allowing the
user to turn off the digital mode.
This is advised if not using an
external cellphone antenna.
Does Flightcell
need aircraft systems to operate?
No. Unlike other systems Flightcell
is self-contained with its own power
supply. Therefore in the event of
a failure of the aircraft systems
you can still use you phone to communicate
with the tower.
Can I power Flightcell
from my aircraft?
Yes, you can power Flightcell from
any power source 9-32 volts.
Can I use Flightcell
to interface non-aviation radios
to my headset?
Yes. Using the optional auxiliary
radio interface lead you can plug
into most handheld radios.
Can I permanently
mount my Flightcell and operate
it remotely?
Yes. Flightcell can be mounted permanently
in a convenient position and operated
using the optional remote keypad.
What do I do
if someone calls me on the radio
when I am on a call?
As you are still connected to the
aircraft while on a call all you
need do is tell your caller and
then transmit as normal. You do
not need to switch or plug anything
unless you are using the mute function
in which case you need to turn this
off, simple.
Can anyone else
hear my phone call?
Only the person/s whos headset is
plugged into the Flightcell can
hear and talk to the caller. The
call is at no time able to be transmitted
to another party. Similar to an
intercom.
What if my phone
does not have the 2.5mm handsfree
socket built in?
Adaptor plugs are available for
nearly every phone that currently
has no PHF socket built in. Adaptors
are available from Flightcell or
various cellular retailers.
Can I hear my
phone ring in my headset?
This is dependant on software within
the phone. Flightcell has no control
over this software. Most newer phones
will ring through the headset. If
in doubt plug a Personal Hands Free
earset into your phone and try it.
Do I still have
to hold my phone up to my head?
No. All communication is via your
headset. If reception is poor you
may need to hold the phone up to
a window.
Is there anyway
to eliminate the interference caused
by GSM type phones?
Yes. This will vary between make
and model. Interference can usually
be reduced dramatically by cupping
the phone in your hand so as to
shield the antenna from avionics.
I have one of
the new Nokia phones with a 2.5mm
socket built in but I am told it
is different, is this correct?
Yes. Nokia have decided to deviate
from the industry standard and fit
a 4 instead of 3 connector socket
to the 32xx, 33xx and 82xx series
phones. A different cable is available
from Flightcell for these phones.
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