This may be a dumb question about Bose A20 headset
Posted by CalligrapherBig1107@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 28 comments
So I initially had some David Clark’s and was happy with them i got them when I started flight school I didn’t wanna spend a bunch of money on a headset just to quit flight school.
I eventually realized I love flying soon upgraded to some Bose A20’s. I got a decent deal from someone for $750 and they are in excellent condition. They also work very well and the ANR functions properly.
Come to find out they are Pre July 2015 (2014 to be specific) so the Bluetooth is only good for calling, cannot be used for music. This was news to me and a big reason I got the A20 was for Bluetooth music on long XC flights. Bummer! I saw some videos online about people replacing modules to the newer style and it working, but I didn’t see anyone change from older style bluetooth module to newer style Bluetooth module. If it’s impossible that’s okay I’ll just sulk in my defeat lol.
Any help is appreciated! If I have to replace the cable and the module that is also okay I’m willing to do so! Thank you!
nvstk@reddit
i upgraded a pair of call-only Bose A20 a few months back. i bought the BT module with the cables cut on AliExpress for a little over 50 bucks, swapped modules and boom, music while flying. there are tutorial on YouTube on how to do it, the modules are very sturdy and not that easy to break them. https://a.aliexpress.com/_mrWqSA9
Ok-Money2811@reddit
The older and new Bluetooth modules on the A20 are completely interchangeable.
The headset itself is identical so you can swap them out by just taking the screws out where they plug in and just plug in the new one.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Awesome! That’s such good news. Google AI said it wasn’t but never know if you’re getting misinformation lol.
Did you make this module switch? and just to clarify my headset is a Gen1 A20 (I think) and I’m trying to get the Gen2 plug
Ok-Money2811@reddit
I did…I have the first gen A20 I bought shortly after it came out circa 2011-ish?I think with the phone only Bluetooth.
I broke one of the plugs a few years ago and I called and bought a new module. The new one they sent me is the new model module that they sold in the later days the were making the A20 with the music and calling Bluetooth feature. It plugs right in like old onex
nopal_blanco@reddit
What you’re looking for is called a “down cable”. It’s plug and play.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
So I get the newer style down cable with the newer style module?
nopal_blanco@reddit
Yup, should have no problem. It’s around $400 new from Bose now though.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Not too bad. Is that 400$ including the module as well? So everything I need. I appreciate the insight
AirspeedsAlive@reddit
I have this version. I haven't upgraded the module, but I've tried two solutions:
1) If you regularly fly the same airplane- consider inputs directly into the plane. Mine has a bluetooth connection into the intercom, and then you can stream music/phone/iPad(foreflight) into the intercom and choose if they go to pilot/crew/all.
2) My preferred: Use the aux-in 3.5mm on the bottom of the module, and a USB-C adaptor into your phone/iPad. I pre-download music on Spotify on my iPad and then my headset gets both audible foreflight announcements and music. I also find that the 'ducking' on the bose is better than my intercom so radio transmissions are prioritized first (by intercom), and foreflight prioritized over spotify.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Okay awesome! That answers a lot of my questios I’ve also seen people use a device that plugs into the aux port and allows Bluetooth music
Wookiepilot89@reddit
Have the same headset. I bought a 15$ Aux Bluetooth transmit/receiver that plugs in the aux input and works great. UGREEN Bluetooth 5.0 Transmitter, I got mine in black to match the headset. Battery life is ~5 hours or you can charge and listen at the same time. Music volume is controlled by the phone.
Like others said depending where your Bose button is positioned it either blocks the music and prioritizes ATC and intercoms, or you can rock out all the time.
Also can be used to pair with your wireless earphones while watching movies on flights with seat-back entertainment.
weirdguytom@reddit
I did exactly that. Had an old version with Bluetooth for calls only, bought the new module with music from Bose and just switched them out. I think it was around €300 at the time.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Awesome! Did you have any issues after this? Or did both music and calls work properly?
Also did it require any soldering? Thank you very much for your input
weirdguytom@reddit
Works as expected, streaming from iPhone or iPad is fine.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Awesome! I’ll buy the new style module and replace it. Did you replace just the module or the wiring going into it as well?
You’ve helped more than you know I really appreciate it this has had me stressed out all day lol
weirdguytom@reddit
What you are replacing is everything from the plugs (going into the aircraft) to the point where is is screwed into the headphone cup on the actual headphone. I think it is held on with two screws. So if you want you can change from twin sockets to Bose powered or vice versa also. Pro tip: if you think you will eventually transition to an aircraft with Bose powered jack, get the Bose one with an adapter to twin jacks for the meantime.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Dumb question what aircraft would have the “Bose” plug? I am about to take my ppl check ride but I do plan on furthering this into a career. So I may experience planes with that plug going to the airlines
weirdguytom@reddit
DA62, DA42 (I think as an option), DA50. I think also some Cirrus?
rozzap98@reddit
I’m pretty sure you can still use the aux input on these to play music?
aahoustonmartin@reddit
Then add an iFly bluetooth dongle to the aux port, thats what I did with my first pair of A20s. It adds barely any weight, and is cheaper than a whole new headset. Just charge it every so often.
Plncrzy11@reddit
This is correct, I used the same model for years this way. It is one more wire to manage but it also doesn't drain the batteries nearly as quickly. I recommend this solution in the meantime.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Very good point. With the aux and music playing does it still prioritize traffic advisories and things like that?
Plncrzy11@reddit
If I remember correctly there are 2 settings, one where it will mute the music while receiving ANY transmission or passthrough so the music keeps playing.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
I believe you’re right. Obviously I don’t plan on listening to music that much lol. So it certainly wouldn’t hurt to use aux on those occasions that I do.
rozzap98@reddit
I’m also pretty sure, yes, you can swap the module
middmd@reddit
Get a speaker phone at home. Have a significant other/friend/family member pick up. Have them play the radio next to the speaker phone. Problem solved. You’re welcome.
CalligrapherBig1107@reddit (OP)
Haha great idea. It’ll be just like when people used to record the music for their voicemails 😂
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
So I initially had some David Clark’s and was happy with them i got them when I started flight school I didn’t wanna spend a bunch of money on a headset just to quit flight school.
I eventually realized I love flying soon upgraded to some Bose A20’s. I got a decent deal from someone for $750 and they are in excellent condition. They also work very well and the ANR functions properly.
Come to find out they are Pre July 2015 (2014 to be specific) so the Bluetooth is only good for calling, cannot be used for music. This was news to me and a big reason I got the A20 was for Bluetooth music on long XC flights. Bummer! I saw some videos online about people replacing modules to the newer style and it working, but I didn’t see anyone change from older style bluetooth module to newer style Bluetooth module. If it’s impossible that’s okay I’ll just sulk in my defeat lol.
Any help is appreciated! If I have to replace the cable and the module that is also okay I’m willing to do so! Thank you!
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