It's A New Direction For The Intercom Company

Intercom company PS Engineering has introduced its first 760-channel VHF comm radio fully integrated with the audio control panel. The PAR100EX system combines an audio control panel, audiophile stereo intercom with IntelliVox, Bluetooth connectivity, and a remote mounted VHF aviation communications transceiver. Never before has there been so much communication capability controlled with such a small footprint.

"For years, people have been asking us, "Why doesn't PS Engineering make radios?" explained company founder Mark Scheuer, "because we are so deeply focused exploiting every type of audio technology available, developing a radio would only be a distraction. But now that we have a great core of audio technologies, it is time to invest into radio technology. After all, since 1972 when I received my Amateur Radio license, I have always been fascinated with radio, now it's time to put it into our company's product line."

PS Engineering, Inc. is always looking for ways to improve flying and delight their fans, so they partnered with radio expert Microair and integrated an important piece of avionics, with an advanced audio panel system. By working with an established radio manufacturer, PS Engineering's customers will benefit from their individual talents. This system will save cockpit space, weight, provide the most sought after functionality, and save money over the stand-alone independent systems.

"Microair is excited about partnering with PS Engineering," said Microair's President, Phil Ainsworth, "We are looking forward to getting into more airplanes with the PAR100EX, and the combination of our expertise will change the way experimental and LSA aircraft avionics panels will be created."

 
Transceiver Unit

The PAR100EX's low price makes it attractive for the Experimental and Light Sport aviation market (the unit will be FCC approved but not hold FAA Approval for airplanes certified under standard airworthiness), and the elimination of one panel mounted radio saves panel space. According to the Senior Design Engineer, Eduardo Lopez-Gil, "Seamless integration between the audio panel and the radio was the primary goal in this integration, for the best user experience possible, with minimal panel space. The KISS principle was practiced all during the development of the audio panel."

The right half of the PAR100EX is dedicated to the comm radio, with an easy to read LCD display that shows the frequencies, which are controlled through a concentric knob. This radio has active and standby frequencies, and a standby frequency monitor mode. The left half has all of the audio panel controls for radio selection, intercom and music volume, intercom mode, and PS Engineering's multiple music mute mode control. The functions of the PAR100EX are electrically independent, including the power supply, so even in fail safe on the audio panel, the VHF radio can still be used.

The PAR100EX can be configured as stand alone, as COM 2, or as COM 1. The system can be a primary VHF Com, and the second radio could be a tactical or business radio, ideal for ALE, game management, fish spotters, etc.

An integrated Bluetooth system allows the PAR100EX to interface with cellular telephones, giving the aircraft occupants ready access to their telephones. In addition, the Bluetooth will stream music from compatible devices like iPads, and smart phones.

The list price of the PAR100EX, including the VHF com radio is $2,595, and deliveries will start in the second quarter of 2011.

FMI: www.microair.com.au, www.ps-engineering.com