The All New FlightTech E.N.R.I. Intercoms
Headphones have seen improvements over the past several years, mainly ANR technology. With this new state-of-the-art ANR technology, why are headsets still plugged into voice operated intercoms, a technology which dates back to the 1950's? Now there are FlightTech's E.N.R.I. Intercoms (Enhanced Noise Reduction Intercom). The new E.N.R.I. technology is the first major improvement in aircraft intercom design since the introduction of voice operated intercoms over three decades ago. Enhanced Noise Reduction eliminates both squelch circuits and controls through a unique process that results in continuous audio with up to 110db of noise suppression as compared to an open mic or voice operated intercom. With E.N.R.I., pilots and passengers can enjoy quiet continuous communications without the background noises picked up by the headphone microphone. The annoying missed syllables, popping audio and intermittent hissing wind noise are a thing of the past. FlightTech Intercoms offers a broad line of intercoms including two and four place portable units, two and four place panel mounted models all featuring the new Enhanced Noise Reduction technology. Here are some of the awesome features of the E.N.R.I. Intercoms:

Available FlightTech Intercoms to choose from are as follows:
1. ITC-402P...................................Two Place Panel Mount Intercom (Installation and operation manual, PDF file.)
2. ITC-404S-P...............................Four Place Panel Mount Intercom (Installation and operation manual, PDF file.)
3. ITC-2003 .................................."Remote" Panel Mount Intercom (Installation and operation manual, PDF file.)
4. ITC-401/23 ...............................Portable 2-Place Intercom (Includes cable for the ICOM A22, A23, & A-5)
5. ITC-401/Y.................................Portable 2-Place Intercom (Includes cable for the Vertex/Yaesu VXA-700, 210 and 150)
6. ITC-2001...................................Portable 2-Place Intercom with Stereo Auxiliary Audio
7. ITC-2004...................................Portable 4-Place Intercom with Stereo Auxiliary Audio

Portable Intercoms by FlightTech
Just because these intercoms are portable does not lower the quality in any way from the panel mounted version. Each Portable Intercom uses the same ENRI technology that the panel mounted intercoms use. The ITC-401 is available with cables for either the ICOM or the Vertex & Yaesu handheld radios for the "total" complete package. Here are the available portable intercom by FlightTech:

1. ITC-401.........................Two-Place Portable Intercom (as shown to the left).

Ideal for aircraft with non-electrical systems, the ITC-401 offers basic two-place communications. The ITC-401 and your favorite portable radio makes a complete communications system in any aircraft. J-3 Cub pilots have reported that with their ITC-401, for the first time, they are able to talk to passengers, even with the door and window open. Here is what the ITC-401 offers:

Exclusive ENRI Technology Single Volume Control Pilot/All Switch Small Size: 4" x 2.5" x 1.5"

On-board PTT Switch Available Plugs & Cables for ICOM, Vertex or Yaesu Series Handheld Radios 9 Volt Battery Powered, up to 80 Hrs. with a Lithium Battery Three Year Warranty

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2. ITC-2001 & 2004.........Two & Four Place Portable Stereo Intercoms Light weight and portable, the ITC-2001 and ITC-2004 are full feature intercoms for the renter pilot or the pilot who flies several different aircraft. Both models include FlightTech's exclusive Enhanced Noise Reduction technology and full stereo auxiliary. Other features that make the ITC-2001 & 2004 versatile are on-board PTT, Pilot and Copilot remote PTT jacks, 9-volt battery or aircraft power operation, and three year warranty. The ITC-2001 and the ITC-2004 offer the best in portable noise free communications. Here are the features of both models:

Exclusive ENRI Technology Adjustable Volume Control Pilot and Copilot PTT Jacks On Board PTT Switch Stereo Aux. Audio with ATC or Intercom Muting Light Weight: Under 10 oz.

9 Volt Battery Operation, Up to 15 Hrs. External D.C. Power, D.C. Cable Included Small Size: 5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5" Pilot/All Switch Three Year Warranty

ITC-2003 ENRI "Remote" Panel Mount Intercom

The ITC-2003-ENRI "Remote" four place panel mount intercom is designed for installations with space limitation problem on the instrument panel. Consisting of two assemblies, the main intercom enclosure and the very small "Remote" control panel. Features include full stereo input and output to all four positions with ATC and intercom audio activity muting. Pilot and All function to isolate the pilot's headset from the crew and passengers. There is also a single volume control and PTT function for both Pilot and Copilot. If space is at a premium and you want a top end intercom, this is your choice. Here are some of the features of the ITC-2003 "Remote" Panel Mount Intercom

Small Remote Control Panel 1" x 1" x 1.4" Auxiliary Stereo Audio Inputs and Outputs Aux Audio Mutes During Radio or Intercom Audio With Pilot/All Switch in Pilot Position, Music is not Muted to the Passengers Fail Safe Operation

Includes 4 sets of Headphone Jacks Pilot & Copilot PTT 12 to 28 VDC Operation Two & Four Place Pre Assembled Cables Available Three Warranty

Question & Answers About FlightTech Intercoms

What is Enhanced Noise Reduction and How does it Differ From a Voice Operated Intercom?
The voice operated intercom, which has its design roots dating back to the 1950's have several inherent design flaws which include wind and engine noise that is heard when the headset's microphone audio path is open. With voice operated intercoms, you have to kick start the audio path by speaking and then after stopping, the microphone remains open, allowing background noise to be heard until the audio path closes. This is the case with either manual or auto-squelch systems.

Enhanced Noise Reduction Intercoms are a State-of-the-Art Technology that eliminates what the open microphone hears and you the pilot do not want to hear - the rushing wind sound and engine noise. Since the microphones are open all the time, there are no missed words or audio drops between words, and no background noise, even while you are talking!

What is the Difference Between ENRI and ANR Headsets?
In an ANR Headset, a small microphone in each ear cup shifts the sound 180 degrees out of phase from the direct sound that the ear hears, canceling out the noise and giving additional noise reduction to the acoustical of the ear cups. This ANR reduction works with a small band of the audio spectrum, usually 30 hz to 400 hz. Above the ANR band pass frequency, the headset is the basic Passive Headset.

The typical headset microphone will pick up sounds ranging from 30 hz to 4000 hz, leaving a broad noise range above 400 hz, not canceled by ANR. With Voice Operated Intercoms, sounds about the 400 hz audio range are passed to the intercom and heard in both ANR and Passive Headsets.

ENRI takes over where ANR Headsets leave off by canceling audio across the FULL audio range that is heard by headsets microphones.

Will I Hear Additional Noise Reduction With Passive Headsets?
ENRI will not increase noise reduction of acoustical or passive reduction headsets.

What About Open Cockpit Aircraft?
Open cockpit aircraft present the greatest challenge to eliminating or reducing noise during communications. Because of the ENRI circuit works on noise levels, some cases, such as engines producing very high noise levels during take off, may exceed the threshold of the circuit and may be heard.

Wind blowing across the microphone may also create a beating noise that may be heard. In either case though, it is recommended that wind muffs be added to the microphones. The foam type will improve the communications in most applications but in some extreme cases, a combination foam and leather muff made by Oregon Aero greatly improves communications.