how to use the 'auto' button on audio control KMA-24

[Badger]

A buddy showed me a neat trick to using the auto feature on the KMA-24 audio control, but I can't recall what he did.
http://www.bendixking.com/Products/Audio-Accessories/Audio-Control-Consoles/KMA-24

I have com 1 set to my 530 frequency and I have ATIS frequency on com 2
(KY 196).

I think he had it set on auto, then when atis was within range it would come in. I always just depress the com2 button when I'm 30 miles out. After I've heard the ATIS I release com2 button.

How do you use the AUTO feature?

 

[flyingron]

The AUTO button routes to the headphones (or speaker as appropriate) what ever radio is selected for transmit with the rotary knob.

 

[Badger]

Sounds simple enough. I think I'll stick to my method though

 

[wabower]

The other method eliminates the guesswork and allows the crew to copy ATIS as soon as the com can receive it. It also prevents the crew from forgetting it. You can even pull the squelch knob to hear it even further away.

Sounds simple enough. I think I'll stick to my method though

 

[Badger]

The other method eliminates the guesswork and allows the crew to copy ATIS as soon as the com can receive it. It also prevents the crew from forgetting it. You can even pull the squelch knob to hear it even further away.

So after you copy the weather info, do you somehow shut off the auto so you are not constantly hearing the ATIS?

 

[wabower]

Several possibilities depending on how the flip-flops and audio panel are configured and used. As Ron noted, the auto switch routes the audio to the mic, so its use will vary based on pilot preference. Since you normally won't want to transmit on the ATIS freq, the auto function could be viewed as just a simpler way to keep track of the "active" com rather than pushing the little rectangular select button that is a bit harder to see. If I had to guess, that would be the most logical explanation for your friend's use.

So after you copy the weather info, do you somehow shut off the auto so you are not constantly hearing the ATIS?

 

[flyingron]

Back when I had the KMA24 (I wish I kept it rather than the utter piece of crap Garmin audio panel I replaced it with), I usually left the AUTO button pressed. This means which ever com you have selected to transmit you hear. If I wanted to drop in on monitoring the ATIS / CTAF or 121.5 while not leaving the primary frequency, I'd just punch that radio's button.