papa , sounds like you may have an airplane problem . i was all excited when i purchased my a210 that it had a built in intercom . the more i looked into it the more i found that i wouldnt be happy with it so i opted for a ps engineering intercom . ps wont warrantee their unit unless you use a harness that they make up . they are concerned about correct grounds and insulating the jacks . ive never had any trouble with the radio or the intercom . if you have the batteries the anr should work even if it isnt plugged into the airplane , something in the airplane hookup must be causing problems with the anr when its hooked up to the plane