STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM

FAQ – frequently asked questions

Before buying

What versions is STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM available in?

The STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM is available in three different versions:

  1. As ear protectors for use without a helmet. Item number: 0000 884 0544.
  2. As ear defenders – retrofit solution. Item number: 0000 889 8011.

Which helmets from the STIHL product range are the retrofittable ear defenders compatible with?

The Advance ProCOM retrofit ear defenders are compatible with the following helmets in the STIHL product range:

  • FUNCTION Universal helmet set
  • ADVANCE X-Climb helmet set

Combination with the stated helmet sets is permitted in accordance with PPE regulations.

What are the particular product features of the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

The following product features set the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM apart:

  • Hands-free mesh intercom communication solution
  • Automatic pairing function for headsets (up to 16 participants and 9 different channels)
  • Can be paired with a smartphone
  • Can be paired with handheld radio equipment
  • Works in closed communication group ("Group Mesh")
  • Noise cancellation
  • Optional ambient listening function
  • Range alarm
  • Integrated FM radio
  • Professional calibration with the STIHL ProCOM app
  • Integrated lithium-ion battery
  • Encapsulated electronics
  • Device manager as a desktop program for firmware updates
  • Intuitive operating concept
  • Interchangeable hygiene set and microphone
  • Automatic power-off function

What is the highest number of headsets that can be connected together at once?

Up to 16 STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM headsets can be connected together at once. Each conference participant can hear the others. When one conference participant is speaking, others can speak at the same time. No conference participant is blocked in the basic setup.

Can handheld radio devices or forestry radio devices also be paired?

Yes, these can also be paired via Bluetooth. A second Bluetooth channel is provided for these devices. This additionally makes it possible to communicate with a radio device. Push-to-Talk enables the radio device to be controlled using the thumb operation section of the left ear defender.

How heavy is the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

The STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM weighs approximately 400 g.

Installation

Where can I download the ADVANCE ProCOM Device Manager?

How are the retrofit ear defenders installed on my STIHL helmet set, step by step?

  1. Pull the foam guard over the microphone.
  2. Connect the microphone to the left ear defender. While doing so, make sure you're aware of the arrows on the ear defenders and microphone. Lightly pressing the locking ring and then turning it counterclockwise causes the microphone to click into place.
  3. Release the two rear clasps of the helmet insert from the holders in the helmet shell.
  4. Release the currently installed ear defenders together with the visor from the helmet shell.
  5. Release the visor from the ear defenders.
  6. Mount the visor on the new ADVANCE ProCOM ear defenders. Ensure that the ear defender with the microphone is on the left side.
  7. Mount the ear defenders together with the visor onto the helmet shell. The connecting cable for the ear defenders initially hangs loose below the helmet shell.
  8. Place the connecting cable for the ear defenders below the helmet insert that was initially released, so that the connecting cable is then located between the helmet shell and the helmet insert.
  9. Re-engage the two rear clasps of the helmet insert.

How can I pair my smartphone with the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

  1. Make sure that the headset is switched off. Pairing mode can only be started with the headset switched off.
  2. Activate the Bluetooth function in the settings of your smartphone.
  3. Press and hold the on/off button (middle button on the left ear defender) for seven seconds. In pairing mode the LED on the ear defender lights up alternately in red and blue.
  4. Open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and connect to your STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM. The name displayed in the menu can also be found on the rating plate of your headset. It is the last six characters in the top row.
  5. There is a sound signal when pairing is successful, and the LED on the headset will light up in green.

It is only necessary to pair the smartphone once. Thereafter, the recognized smartphone will be connected again each time.

How can I pair a handheld radio or forestry radio device?

  1. Make sure that the headset is switched off. Pairing mode can only be started from a switched-off headset.
  2. Activate the Bluetooth function in the settings of your radio device.
  3. Press and hold the on/off button (middle button on the left ear defender) for 12 seconds. In pairing mode the LED on the ear defender flashes in blue.
  4. Open the Bluetooth settings on your radio device and connect to your STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM. The Bluetooth name for your headset can be found on the rating plate of your headset. It is the last six characters in the top row.
  5. There is a sound signal when pairing is successful, and the LED on the headset will light up in green.

How can I tell that my smartphone is connected to my STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

Successful connection is indicated by a spoken announcement and the LED lighting up in green. In addition, the connection status is also shown in the smartphone's Bluetooth menu.

Functionality

What is the maximum range for a Bluetooth connection between a smartphone and STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

The maximum range between a smartphone or radio device and STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM is around 15 meters.

What is the range between headsets for the mesh intercom conference system?

The range between individual conference participants with a headset is from 170 meters in snow and ice, to 600 meters of clear space on a summer's day. Each headset functions additionally as a signal repeater. This means that each additional headset within the group increases the range of the overall system.

How is the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM switched on and off?

Press and hold the on/off button (middle button on the left ear defender) for two seconds. An announcement tells you that the conference system has been automatically started and that the headset is now switched on.
Pressing and holding the on/off button again for two seconds switches off the headset.
In addition, a long period of being idle will automatically cause the headset to turn off to conserve battery power. (After four hours without a button being pressed)

How does the automatic switch-off function work?

After four hours without a button being pressed, the headset is automatically switched off in order to conserve the battery.

What is noise cancellation?

Loud background noises in the user's direct surroundings (e.g. a chainsaw, cut-off machine, etc.) are dampened, meaning that participants in the communication group do not hear the full, unmitigated background noise from other participants. This noise dampening/cancellation also works with the ambient listening function – as soon as sound arrives from an external source, the ear muffs automatically block it out.

How can I adjust the sensitivity of my microphone?

Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted using the ProCOM app, with five levels (levels 1-5) available. Level 1 is well-suited to users who speak very loudly. Level 5 is for users who speak very quietly.

What is the difference between background noise cancellation and the ambient listening function?

Background noise cancellation takes place at the microphone.
This works by lowering the volume of loud ambient sounds. Only speech is not lowered before being transmitted to other group participants.

The ambient listening function takes place at the ear defenders. When the ambient listening function is active, noise cancellation is suspended and ambient background noise can be heard virtually as if without hearing protection (up to a volume of 82 dB). As such, the ambient listening function only affects the individual user, unlike background noise cancellation.

How is the ambient listening function activated/deactivated?

If you would like to hear ambient noise even while you have the ear muffs on, the ambient hearing function can be activated.
At and above a certain volume, the headset automatically blocks ambient noise to protect the ear.
The ambient hearing function is switched off by default and can be switched on and off again either directly on the headset or in the STIHL ProCOM app.
To activate the function on the headset, double-click the button on the underside of the right ear defender.

To do so in the STIHL ProCOM app, click on "Ambient".

How do I accept incoming calls?

When your smartphone is paired with the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM, you can answer incoming calls directly on the headset.
Briefly press the middle button on the right ear defender once to answer calls and to hang up.

How can I give voice commands (e.g. to Siri or Google Assistant)?

When your smartphone is paired with the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM, you can give voice commands to Siri or Google Assistant.
Press and hold the middle button on the right ear defender for two seconds. You can then give your voice command.

How can I start playing music from my connected smartphone?

If your smartphone is paired with the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM and you have your smartphone music playlist open, you can start music playback directly on the headset.
Briefly press the middle on/off button on the left ear defender once to start music playback.
Two rapid consecutive clicks on the same button will take you to the next track in your music playlist.

How can I jump to the next song on my playlist?

Two rapid consecutive clicks on the middle on-off button on the left ear defender will take you to the next track on your music playlist.

How can I switch on the FM radio?

Press and hold the "+" button on the right ear defender for two seconds. The radio will turn on and play the most-recently played station.
Double-clicking the middle on/off button on the left ear defender with the radio switched on takes you to the next available station or, if you have a favorites list in the app, to the next station saved in the list..
You can compile the station list using the STIHL ProCOM app.

How does the range alarm work?

In the event of loss of contact with the other participants and with the range alarm activated, the affected participant will hear an acoustic tone at regular intervals with a spoken announcement.

How can I activate/deactivate the range alarm?

The range alarm can be manually activated and deactivated using the STIHL ProCOM app.

How can I connect multiple headsets?

All headsets in range are automatically connected together at switch-on. All switched-on headsets can communicate with one another directly. Even if they are added later.

How can I adjust the volume on my headset?

For all functions you can adjust the volume on your headset using the "-" and "+" button on the left ear defender.
Important:
DO NOT press and hold the "-" and "+" buttons – instead using consecutive individual clicks to adjust to your preferred volume .

Volume levels for the individual functions (mesh, FM radio) can also be adjusted using the app.
Please pay attention to the volume settings on your smartphone!

How can I switch the microphone on my headset on and off?

You can turn the microphone on or off by pressing the button on the underside of the right ear defender once.
With the microphone switched off, you will still hear all the conference participants.
Pressing and holding the button on the underside of the left ear defender while the microphone is switched off allows you to deliver a message to the remaining conference participants (Push-to-Talk).

How does the "Push-to-Talk" function work?

When the microphone is muted, you can talk to the rest of the conference participants by pressing the "Push-to-Talk" button.

Where can I see the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM's charge level?

Your headset's current charge level is announced as one of three levels (high, medium, low) when the device is switched on and off, and is displayed in the STIHL ProCOM app. If the battery is indicated as low, the user still has up to 3 hours of remaining runtime.

How can I charge my STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM's battery?

To charge the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM, connect the provided USB-C charging cable to the charging socket on the underside of the left ear defender.
The LED strip under the power button will flash orange.
A USB connection at 5 volts and at least 1000 mA is required.

For about how long can the headset be used with one battery charge? How can I charge the battery in my STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

The headset runtime is up to 17 hours per battery charge.
To maximize battery life, we recommend muting the microphone and using the "Push-to-Talk" feature when speaking.

What does "mesh intercom conference system" mean?

All ProCOM users are connected to each other in a network-like arrangement, enabling them to naturally communicate with up to 16 participants as if they were taking part in a conference.

Can STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM also be used in wet conditions?

Yes, the headset is tested in accordance with protection class IP 64 and can therefore also be used in the rain. There is a structural separation between the circuit board and the ear defenders. The range of the headsets may be reduced in rainy conditions.

Is a smartphone always needed to use STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

No, a smartphone is not necessary. The main functions can be performed without a smartphone.

Which functions can only be controlled from the STIHL ProCOM app?

  • Microphone sensitivity
  • Radio station list (manage favorites)
  • Announcement language
  • Private groups

Which functions cannot be used without a connection to the STIHL ProCOM app?

  • Microphone sensitivity
  • Radio station list
  • Announcement language
  • Private groups

How can I set up the radio station list?

The headset's radio station list can only be adjusted in the STIHL ProCOM app. Users can set their favorite stations there.

How can I set the announcement language for my headset?

The announcement language can only be set in the STIHL ProCOM app.

How can I create a private group?

A private group can only be created in the STIHL ProCOM app.

Servicing

Is it possible to replace the batteries in the STIHL ADVANCE ProCOM?

No, the headset batteries cannot be replaced.
This has the advantage of enabling better protection for the electronic components.

Troubleshooting

A participant cannot be heard even though their headset is on. What can I do?

  • Make sure that the microphone is not muted.
  • Make sure that the microphone is installed correctly. (The side of the microphone with one opening must face toward the mouth, and the side with 3 openings faces away from the mouth).
  • Make sure the microphone is close to the user's mouth. Otherwise, a participant may not be heard due to noise cancellation.
  • Do not "shout" into the microphone; instead, speak at a normal volume.
  • Check the microphone sensitivity settings in the STIHL ProCOM app.

Is it normal that I can hear myself speaking when the microphone is activated?

Yes, because this means that the user can be sure at any time that the other participants within the group can also hear them. When a user mutes themselves, they can no longer hear themselves speak, and neither can the other participants.