Comm.

10 Communications-Description and Operation

General
The MD-11communications system consists of the following:
• VHF communications system.
• HF communications system.
• Communication Radio Panels (CRP).
• Audio Control Panels (ACP).
• Flight interphone system.
• Service interphone/call system.
• Selective Calling System (SELCAL).
• Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) system.
• Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system, if installed.
• Aircraft Communications Addressing And Reporting System (ACARS),
if installed.
Static dischargers on the trailing edges of the wing and tail surfaces dissipate static
electricity that could interfere with communications and navigation. The wingtip
and winglet dischargers also protect the aft wingtip lenses from lightning strike.

VHF Communications System

The VHF communications system consists of three separate, identical systems,
designated VHF1, VHF2 and VHF3.
All of the three systems operate separately or simultaneously. The systems provide
short-range line-of-sight communications in the 118.000 to 136.975-MHz
frequency range. This allows communications between the airplane and ground
and/or other airplanes.
The selection for the VHF communications system is controlled from any of three
Communication Radio Panels (CRP).

HF Communications System
The HF communications system consists of two separate, identical systems,
designated HF1 and HF2.
The systems provide long range communications between the airplane and ground
and/or other airplanes in the 2.000 to 29.9999 MHz in wide range or 2.8000 to
23.9999 MHz in narrow range on channels spaced at 1.0 KHz or 100 Hz.

MD-11 - Communications Page 1

The frequency selection for the HF communications system is controlled from the
CRP. HF radios must not be operated during airplane refueling operations due to
the possibility of arcing.

Communication Radio Panel

Three Communication Radio Panels (CRP) are installed on the aft pedestal to
provide tuning of the communications systems.
The interface between CRPs allows tuning of the communications radios from any
panel. Pushing one of the five radio select switches on the panel (VHF1, VHF2,
VHF3, HF1 or HF2), illuminates the selected switch, and the associated ACTIVE
and STBY frequencies are displayed. New frequencies are placed in the STBY
memory and transferred to the ACTIVE mode by use of the transfer button.
The three CRPs can be used simultaneously, provided radio selection (VHF1,
VHF2, VHF3, HF1, HF2) differs from another CRP. Only one radio may be
selected on an individual CRP.

Audio Control Panel

Two Audio Control Panels (ACP) are installed on the aft pedestal and one is
installed at the observer station.
The ACPs provide the following functions:
• Communication radio transmit and volume control.
• Navigation radio ident and volume control.
• Flight/service interphone transmit and volume control.
Transmitting can be done using a handheld, boom, or oxygen mask microphone.
The handheld microphone cannot be used for the PA system.

Flight Interphone System

The flight interphone is controlled by three ACPs.
Jacks for the boom and handheld microphone are installed at the Captain's, First
Officer's, and right Observer's stations. A flight interphone jack is installed at the
ground power receptacle, the nose landing gear, and in the avionics compartment.
In addition, the oxygen masks in the cockpit each include a microphone which
automatically switches from the boom microphone to the mask microphone when
the oxygen mask PRESS TO TEST AND RESET lever is pushed, or when the
oxygen mask stowage box doors are opened.
Automatic transfer from mask microphone back to boom microphone is initiated
by closing the left mask stowage box door and pushing the PRESS TO TEST
AND RESET lever.
MD-11 - Communications Page 2
Flight interphone transmission may be accomplished by using any of the
following:
• The radio Push To Talk (PTT) switch on the outboard horn of either
control wheel with INT MIC selected.
• The INT switch on the ACP.
• The PTT switch on each hand microphone with INT MIC selected.
• Radio PTT switches, one each on the Captain and First Officer's lighting
control panels with INT MIC selected on the ACP.
The cockpit speakers are muted as follows:
• Keying the Captain’s hand, boom, or mask microphone for radio or
interphone mutes the Captain’s speakers.
• Keying the First Officer’s hand, boom, or mask microphone for radio or
interphone mutes the First Officer’s speakers.
• Keying any microphone or cockpit handset for service interphone does
not mute the speakers.
• Keying the Observer’s hand, boom, or mask microphone for radio or
interphone does not mute the Captain’s or First Officer’s speakers.

Service Interphone/Call System

The service interphone/call system allows communications between the cockpit
and courier’s stations and between the cockpit and maintenance service areas.
The service interphone/call panel is installed on the forward overhead panel in the
cockpit.
On the freighter configuration, a single COURIER switch is located on the
forward overhead panel.
The following service interphone operations are possible through the handset:
• The cockpit can call the courier station or the maintenance service area.
• The courier’s station can call the cockpit.
Maintenance interphone jacks are located at various locations on the airplane.
These jacks permit communications between these areas and the cockpit.
The call system provides both visual and/or aural signals that do the following:
• Alert the flight crew of a call from the courier’s station or ground
maintenance.
• Alert courier’s station or ground maintenance of a call from the flight
crew.
A call from the ground power panel to the cockpit causes the following:
• Actuation of a chime in the cockpit.

MD-11 - Communications Page 3

 • Illumination of MECH on the ACP MIC/MECH switch.
• Illumination of CALL on the service interphone/call panel MECH/CALL
light.
The call system can be reset from any station or the cockpit by pushing the CALL
RESET button. The system resets automatically when the handset is returned to
its hanger or a microphone is keyed on the appropriate interphone.

Selective Calling (SELCAL) System

Selective Calling (SELCAL) operates in conjunction with the VHF and HF
systems to provide visual and aural indications that the airplane is being called by
a ground station.
When a ground station calls the airplane, the applicable CALL light on the ACP
flashes and the Central Aural Warning System (CAWS) sounds a chime. This
chime is inhibited during takeoff or landing.
When the call is acknowledged, the system is automatically reset by pushing the
MIC/CALL light on the ACP and keying the radio PTT on the associated control
wheel, or ACP.
The radio volume control knobs on the ACP permit volume control of the
receivers without affecting SELCAL system operation. In the event the SELCAL
system fails, the VHF and the HF communications systems continue to operate
normally.

Cockpit Voice Recorder

The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) system automatically records all interphone
and radio communications initiated and received by the flight crew.
The recorder records four channels of information simultaneously as follows:
• Channel 1 records the cockpit handset receiver on service interphone.
• Channel 2 records the First Officer's headset and handheld, oxygen mask,
or boom microphone audio.
• Channel 3 records the Captain's headset and handheld, oxygen mask, or
boom microphone audio.
• Channel 4 records the area microphone in the voice recorder panel.
The recorder, including an underwater locating beacon, is installed in the aft
fuselage. It preserves the last 30 minutes of sound and communication, unless
erased.

MD-11 - Communications Page 4

The Cockpit Voice Recorder panel is on the forward overhead panel. It contains a
monitor microphone, a HEADSET or HEADPHONE jack, and controls for
testing the recorder and erasing previous recordings. The ERASE button is
interlocked through the parking brake switch and a ground sensing relay so that
erasure is possible only when the airplane is on the ground with the parking brake
set.

Satellite Communications (SATCOM)

If installed, the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system provides air/ground
voice and data communication. The system uses satellites (via SATCOM antenna)
and ground stations to relay transmissions to and from the airplane. The Satellite
Data Units (SDU) on board the airplane process signals from antennas and
interface with the Multifunction Control Display Unit (MCDU), ACARS, Audio
Management Unit (AMU), and Cabin Telecommunication Unit (CTU).
Operation of the SATCOM requires the Inertial Reference System (IRS) to be
powered-on and aligned. It takes ten minutes for the IRS to become aligned from
power on.
Voice communication is available. The flight crew can receive or initiate a call in
the cockpit. A single stroke chime accompanied by a flashing TEL light on the
ACP indicates an incoming call to the airplane. The flight crew acknowledges the
call by pushing the MIC/TEL switch on the ACP. The flight crew initiates a call
by entering a phone number on the MCDU prior to pushing the MIC/TEL switch.

Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System

(ACARS)
The Aircraft Communications Addressing And Reporting System (ACARS)
provides two-way data communications. Aircraft flight operations and
maintenance data is collected automatically from systems and sensors, or is
entered manually into the ACARS Management Unit (MU) through the MCDU,
for downlink. The crew may also enter free text messages, weather report
requests, and position reports.
Data that can be uplinked and downlinked includes all of the following:
• Flight plan (Downlinked).
• Load.
• Wind (Downlinked).
• Position report data/requests.
• Weather reports.
• Free text messages.
• Emergency messages.
• Airlines application.
MD-11 - Communications Page 5
An ACARS Management Unit (MU) is installed in the avionics rack and does the
following:
• Receives the ground-to-air messages.
• Controls transmission of the air-to-ground messages.
• Collects data from various airplane systems.
• Converts digital data in receive and transmit modes.
The MU receives data from:
• MCDUs.
• FMCs.
• Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit (DFDAU) or Data Management Unit
(DMU).
• CFDS.
• VHF3 system.
• Door sensors.
• Parking brake.
• Air/ground switch.
• SATCOM.
Ground and satellite networks are responsible for transporting messages between
the aircraft and the airline host computer, and are operated by different providers,
depending on location.
VHF3 radio or SATCOM communication is available as follows:
• The MU automatically locks in either VHF3 or SATCOM, as appropriate.
• VHF3 or SATCOM can be manually selected through the ACARS screen
on the MCDU.
SATCOM communication is possible when the airplane is within range of satellite
coverage and SATCOM transmission is enabled.
VHF communication is possible when the airplane is within range of a network
ground station and VHF transmission is enabled. Typical VHF range is
approximately 200 NM at 30,000 feet.
During VHF communication, the radio transceiver is tuned to a frequency entered
on the MCDU or by a ground station uplink frequency command. Voice mode or
data mode VHF transmission is selected through the MCDU or the ground station.
When in voice mode, the appropriate alert is displayed.
The MU starts contact by transmitting when the flight crew wants to transmit, or
when a predefined event occurs. The MU only transmits when the selected
channel is available. If the transmission is not received (by the ground station),
ACARS attempts to transmit again. After 6 attempts, if the message is not
received, the flight crew receives an ACARS NO-COMM alert. The same process
occurs for uplink messages.
MD-11 - Communications Page 6
Comm.20 Communications-Components
Service Interphone Jack Location

VERTICAL STABILIZER
HORIZONTAL
STABILIZER
FUEL SCREW JACK TAIL CONE
SCHEDULING AFT CARGO
PANEL COMPARTMENT ENGINE
NUMBER 2
MAIN APU SERVICE SERVICE
WHEEL WELL PANEL PANEL
COMPARTMENT
CENTER
ACCESSORY
COMPARTMENT REAR AFT
FUSELAGE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
NUMBER 3
CENTER CARGO
EXTERNAL COMPARTMENT
GROUND POWER
PANEL

FUEL SCHEDULING
FWD PANEL
CARGO
COMPARTMENT ENGINE NUMBER 1
AIR CONDITIONING
COMPARTMENTS
AVIONICS
COMPARTMENT

DB1-2-1711

MD-11 - Communications Page 7

Comm.30 Communications-Controls
Communication Radio Paneland Displays

1
2 3

ACTIVE STBY

VHF VHF
4

VHF-1 VHF-2 VHF-3 HF-1 HF-2

5 AFT PEDESTAL, 2 ON LEFT 1 ON RIGHT

DB1-2-1701

1. ACTIVE Window
Displays the active frequency and selected radio. Displays ACARS in one of
the windows for VHF-3. Displays FAIL in both windows in case of CRP
failure.
2. Transfer Button
Push to transfer the STBY frequency to the ACTIVE window for
transmission. STBY frequencies cannot be transmitted until transferred to
ACTIVE window.
3. STBY Window
Displays the standby frequency and selected radio.
4. Frequency Selector
Turn knobs to select frequency in STBY window only.
5. Radio Selector Switches (5) - white
Push to select respective radio. Switch illuminates white. Selected radio is
displayed in the STBY/ACTIVE windows.

MD-11 - Communications Page 8

Audio Control Panel

1 2 3

MIC MIC MIC MIC MIC MIC MIC

CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL TEL MECH

4
VHF 1 VHF 2 VHF 3 HF 1 HF 2 SAT INT

10 CAB IDENT 5
PA INT
MIC
ON
CALL
9 RADIO
1-VOR-2 1-ILS-2 1-ADF-2 MKR

8 DME

7 6
AFT PEDESTAL AND OBSERVER'S STATION DB1-2-1702

1. Navigation Radio MIC/CALL Switches (5) - white

MIC - Illuminates white when a navigation radio system MIC/CALL switch
is pushed. Radio transmission is enabled for that system.
CALL - If flashing, a call is being received on the radio system indicated
below the flashing light.
2. MIC/TEL Switch - white
MIC - Illuminates white, with SATCOM installed and voice enabled, when
pushed to transmit via SATCOM.
TEL - Flashes blue and a tone sounds when an incoming/outgoing SATCOM
transmission is initiated. With MIC pushed to transmit, air to ground
transmission is connected, TEL illuminates steady blue. When transmission
is disconnected, TEL extinguishes.
Pushing either RADIO PTT switch enables transmission through either the
boom microphone or the oxygen mask microphone.
3. MIC/MECH Switch - white
MIC - Illuminates white when pushed, enabling communication with outside
maintenance personnel through the external flight interphone jacks.
Interphone jacks are located at the external ground power receptacle and at
the nose landing gear.
MD-11 - Communications Page 9
 MECH - Illuminates white and a tone sounds when maintenance personnel
are calling from the external power panel. MECH extinguishes when the
flight interphone system is keyed from the cockpit. The hand, boom, or
oxygen mask microphones may be used.
4. Communication Receiver Volume Control Knobs (7)
All volume control knobs on the ACP are illuminated and protrude out with
a white band at the base when pushed on. The knobs are used to control the
volume of the selected radio.
5. INT/RADIO Switch
This switch provides the same function as the PTT switch on the control
wheel. When pushed and held to INT, flight interphone transmission is
possible even though a non-interphone MIC selector is illuminated. When the
switch is held in RADIO and the approppriate radio MIC/CALL switch is
pushed, radio transmission is possible with either the boom or oxygen mask
microphone. The RADIO position overrides flight interphone actuation with
the PTT switch on the control wheel.
6. Navigation Receiver Volume Control Knobs (7)
The knobs control the audio of the NAV systems designated above or below
the selected knob. For an operational description of the VOR 1/2, ILS 1/2,
ADF 1/2, MKR, and DME systems refer to the Instrumentation and
Navigation chapter.
7. PA Button
System deactivated.
8. CAB Volume Control Knob
Controls cabin/service interphone volume.
9. CAB MIC/CALL Switch - white
Pushing this switch causes MIC to illuminate white and makes it possible to
communicate on the service interphone. Transmission can be made with
either the boom or oxygen mask microphone by pushing the hand mic PTT or
radio PTT. If CALL illuminates white and a tone sounds, a call is being made
from the cabin attendant panel indicated on the service interphone call panels.
The volume control knob controls the cabin/service interphone volume at the
audio panel.
10. IDENT Switch - white
ON - Illuminates white when pushed. Enables voice and coded identification
of DME, VOR, ADF, and ILS navigation receivers.

MD-11 - Communications Page 10

Cockpit Jack Panel

1 2

BOOM MICROPHONE
HEADSET

DB1-2-1703

1. BOOM MICROPHONE Jack

Allows connection of boom microphone to the flight interphone system.
2. Spare HEADSET Jack
Allows connection of a spare headset, which is normally used with the
handheld microphone at the right observer station.

MD-11 - Communications Page 11

Control Wheel Microphone and PTT Switches

RADIO

PTT

LIGHT CONTROL PANEL

LB1-3-0015A
1. Control Wheel Microphone Switch
This 3-position switch keys the flight interphone system as follows:
• Forward (Momentary) - Interphone.
• Aft (Momentary) - Radio.
• Center - Off.
2. RADIO PTT Switch (2)
RADIO PTT - Push for radio transmission through the boom or oxygen mask
microphone.

MD-11 - Communications Page 12

Cockpit Speakers and Service Interphone CALL Panel - Freighter

1 2
3 4

MAINT
INTPH
COURIER
ON
CALL
MECH
VOL CALL RESET CALL

5
FORWARD OVERHEAD PANEL
RIGHT AND LEFT OVERHEAD LINER 6

CAG(IGDS) LB1-3-0053
1. Captain’s and First Officer’s Speakers
Monitors audio signals, as selected by the Captain or First Officer.
2. Speaker VOL Control Knob
VOL - Rotation of the speaker VOL knob adjusts speaker volume (excluding
warnings). Speaker volume is reduced when the associated microphone is
keyed (except during warnings and while oxygen mask microphone is in use).
3. COURIER/CALL Switch - white/blue
COURIER - Illuminates white when the COURIER/CALL switch is pushed.
Illuminates the courier station light and enables the aft pedestal handset for
communication with the courier station.
CALL - Illuminates blue when a call is made from the courier station to the
cockpit.
COURIER illuminates white when the system is powered.
4. MAINT INTPH/ON Switch - white/amber
MAINT INTPH - Illuminates white when the system is powered.
Illumination is controlled by the OVHD PNL FLOOD knob on the forward
overhead panel.
ON - Illuminates amber when the MAINT INTPH/ON switch is pushed.
Connects the maintenance interphone jacks to the service interphone system.
MD-11 - Communications Page 13
 The handset on the aft pedestal allows service interphone communication
with the ground crew. Service interphone jacks are located in various
locations throughout the airplane.
5. MECH/CALL Switch - white/blue
Pushing this switch momentarily sounds the mechanic call horn on the
airplane exterior.
MECH - Illuminates white when the system is powered.
CALL - Illuminates blue when the PILOT’S CALL button on the ground
service panel is pushed.
The service interphone system allows communication from the cockpit to any
airplane service interphone jack. The aft pedestal handset is used for
communication.
Communication with the ground crew through the handheld or boom
microphone is made by pushing the audio control panel MIC/MECH switch,
and activating either the Captain’s or First Officer’s control wheel PTT
switch or the audio control panel INT switch.
6. CALL RESET Button
CALL RESET - Push to extinguish the CALL light.

MD-11 - Communications Page 14

Service Interphone Handset

AFT PEDESTAL
CAG(IGDS) LB1-3-0054
1. Handset Receiver
Returning the handset to the cradle deactivates the service interphone system.
2. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Handset Switch
Pushing the bar-type switch on the handset enables communication through
the service interphone system.
3. Handset Microphone
Pushing the PTT handset switch enables service interphone system
communication through the handset microphone.

MD-11 - Communications Page 15

Cockpit Voice Recorder Panel

1 2 3

TEST ERASE

4
5 HEADSET
600 OHMS
COCKPIT VOICE RECORDER

FORWARD OVERHEAD PANEL

CAG(IGDS) LB1-3-0055
1. Test Monitor Meter
Indicates the recording level during a test. When the TEST button is pushed,
the meter should read in the green band.
2. TEST Button
TEST - Push to initiate a timed test signal, applied at preset intervals, for each
channel. The complete test cycle lasts approximately 5 seconds and is
accompanied by an aural tone heard through the headset.
3. ERASE Button
ERASE - Push and hold for 2 seconds, when the airplane is on the ground and
the parking brake is set, to erase previously recorded cockpit sounds.
4. HEADSET Jack
When the headset is plugged in to this jack and the TEST button is pushed,
an aural tone indicates that the system is operational.
5. Cockpit Monitor Microphone
All audible sounds in the cockpit are recorded through the cockpit monitor
microphone.

MD-11 - Communications Page 16

Comm.40 Communications-Alerts
NOTE: The associated cue switch is shown in parenthesis (XXX)
following the alert.
Amber Boxed Alerts (Level 2)
RADIO TRANSMIT (MISC) - Any of the five radios (3 VHF, 2 HF) is keyed
for more than 60 seconds. This alert is optional.
Cyan Alerts (Level 0)
ACARS MESSAGE - ACARS has received a message.
ACARS NO COMM - ACARS has no available communications link.
VHF-3 VOICE - ACARS is in voice mode.

MD-11 - Communications Page 17

Comm.50 Communications-Functional
VHF System Block Diagram Schematic

CAPTAIN CAPTAIN'S FIRST OFFICER'S F/O

AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO
JACK CONTROL PANEL CONTROL PANEL JACK

AUDIO AUDIO OBSERVER

MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT AUDIO
UNIT NO. 1 UNIT NO. 2 CONTROL PANEL

OBSERVER
AUDIO JACK

COMM. VHF-1
RADIO VHF-1 ANTENNA
PANEL-1
TO
AMU 1 & 2

COMM. VHF-3
RADIO VHF-3
PANEL-3 ANTENNA

TO
AMU 1 & 2

COMM.
RADIO VHF-2 VHF-2
PANEL-2 ANTENNA

DB1-2-1712

MD-11 - Communications Page 18

HF System Block Diagram

CAPTAIN'S CAPTAIN'S FIRST OFFICER'S FIRST OFFICER'S

AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO
JACK CONTROL CONTROL
PANEL PANEL JACK

AUDIO AUDIO
MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT
UNIT NO. 1 UNIT NO. 2 OBSERVER
AUDIO
CONTROL PANEL

FROM FROM
TRANSCEIVER TRANSCEIVER
HF-2 HF-2 OBSERVER
AUDIO JACK
HF-1 ANTENNA
COUPLER
TRANSCEIVER NO. 1
COMM.
RADIO
PANEL-1

COMM.
RADIO
PANEL-3
M
O ANTENNA
U ANTENNA
N ADAPTER
COMM. T
RADIO
PANEL-2

HF-2 ANTENNA
TRANSCEIVER COUPLER
NO. 2

TO
AMU 1 & 2

DB1-2-1713

MD-11 - Communications Page 19

SELCAL System Block Diagram

SELCAL
CODE
SELECT
PANEL

CAPTAIN
ACP-1
ANNUNCIATOR FIRST OFFICER
VHF-1 CONTROL UNIT ACP-2
(ACU-3)

VHF-2 OBSERVER
ACP-3
SELCAL
VHF-3 DECODER

HF-1
CENTRAL
AURAL
HF-2 WARNING CHIME
UNIT
(CAWU)
SPEAKER
PTT
RESET

AUDIO
MANAGEMENT
UNIT-1

AUDIO
MANAGEMENT
UNIT-2

DB1-2-1715

MD-11 - Communications Page 20

ACARS Block Diagram

MCDU
1, 2, & 3

FMC 1 & 2 VHF-3

ACARS
MANAGEMENT SATCOM
CFDIU UNIT (if installed)
(MU)

PRINTER
DFDAU (if installed)

GROUND SENSE
DOORS
PARK BRAKE SENSE

DB1-2-1716

MD-11 - Communications Page 21