ATC Can't Hear Me - How do I Fix it?

The most common issue with getting SayIntentions to work is troubleshooting an issue with the microphone. This is largely because there are so many different things it might be.

Please install the SayIntentions Client to the default location to avoid possible file permission issues. While installing to a custom location, in particular another drive letter location, MAY work it has been shown to cause connection problems and is not recommended.  (You are welcome to experiment with custom locations at your own risk but support is only offered when the SayIntentions Client is installed in the default location.)

Please don't skip any of the steps listing in this document, and please don't assume it's not something "silly". (Many pilots skip over the basics, assuming they're too smart for that to be the issue, only to waste hours of time on something that could have been solved in an easier way).

In other words, go through this list carefully. Don't skip any steps.

1. The Basics - Mic Configuration

• Go to settings

• Go to Headset

Confirm the following:

• The correct audio device is selected
• The volume control sliders are all turned all the way up.
• Click the "Start Mic Test" and speak into your mic. Once you click "Stop", it will playback the audio.  If you don't hear this, then your mic is not working properly.
• Click the "Audio Test" button and confirm you can hear it. If you don't, your speakers have an issue.

If either of these tests fail, start by trying a different mic and a different headset.

Do not proceed with troubleshooting until both of these tests are working.

2. Confirm Your PTT Button Mapping

• Go to settings

• Go to Controls

Confirm the following:

• You've mapped a button to be your Com Radio PTT. (Do not map a keyboard button as this can cause conflicts while you type).
• Confirm the text appears on the bottom-right when you squeeze the PTT Button
• For the purposes of troubleshooting, please remove ALL other button mappings, including those for "ATC On/Off".

Do not proceed with troubleshooting until the "Com Radio PTT" Button is working properly.

3. Confirm All Experimental Settings are OFF

Make sure all settings in Experimental are off. Particularly those related to radio and intercom power.

Go to settings, Experimental, confirm all checkboxes are off.

4. Confirm "ATC" is turned on.

For compatibility with other ATC networks (such as VATSIM) it's possible to turn the ATC services off entirely. (So you can still use cabin crews, tourguides, etc. even while connected to VATSIM).   Ensure ATC is turned on.

The "ATC" icon should be light green, as pictured. You can click it to turn ATC off, and then back on again.

If it doesn't respond, or it turns itself off (even after you turn it on) then please review the previous steps.

5. Confirm Your Aircraft Radio Stack is Set Properly

• Confirm your COM1 and COM2 Frequencies Match what's being shown in the top-left corner of the SayIntentions.AI App
• Confirm your COM1 and COM2 speakers are turned on
• Confirm COM1 is your ACTIVE radio

These steps vary from aircraft to aircraft

IMPORTANT: Some airliners have a bug where the Co-Pilot side of the aircraft is the only one that can work with COM2.

6. Try a Radio Check on 118.01

Now that we're sure your mic is working and your PTT button is confirmed working, the next step is to confirm that the SayIntentions.AI ATC servers can hear your audio.

• Set your COM1 frequency to 118.01.
• Squeeze the PTT button and say "Radio Check"
• You should hear an automated response from ATC allowing you to hear their audio AND it will replay YOUR audio.
• If you can't hear your audio, something is wrong with your mic configuration.

If your mic works properly in step 1, but not this step, the most likely issue is anti-malware, anti-virus, or Windows Firewall blocking the audio from being sent to the server. Other things such as windows power saving settings, app mic exclusivity, etc can also "block" the app from having access to the mic.

7. Try a Radio Check with Tower or Ground

Now that we're sure your mic is working and your PTT button is confirmed working, the next step is to confirm that the SayIntentions.AI ATC servers can hear your audio.

• Set your COM1 frequency to the frequency for Tower or Ground.
• Squeeze the PTT button and say "Radio Check"
• You should hear ATC respond saying something like, "5x5" or, "loud and clear."