Developed In Partnership With The U.S. Air Force

PS Engineering has partnered with the United States Air Force and licensed patented technology originally invented for Air Force pilots who are faced with simultaneous audio signals while having to distinguish these sources at the same time.

IntelliAudio was developed to help private pilots cope with the same kind of audio overload that Top Gun pilots have to deal with. With technology from scientists at the Wright Patterson Air Force Laboratory, the PMA450 combines Digital Signal Processing and an extremely simple user interface to provide an unprecedented amount of flexibility while virtually eliminating the need for a Pilot Guide.

A digital communications interface, IntelliAudio places Com 1 and Com 2 audio in various positions within the stereo headset, making simultaneous radio signals sound as if they are coming from different locations. Com 1 and Com 2 audio can be placed in 9 unique positions, making it easier for the pilot to concentrate on the radio of choice while ignoring the radio of lesser importance at the time. For example, the pilot can choose to pay attention to ATC while ignoring ATIS, depending upon what is pertinent at the moment.

Even though the PMA450 is the most advanced audio panel yet, it is very easy to use. Access to the advanced capabilities as well as initial audio panel setup is all accomplished by the pilot through just three soft-keys and a graphic display human interface. This approach is the ultimate in intuitive operation, nearly eliminating the need for an operator's manual; it's all on the screen.

The PMA450 IntelliVox automatic VOX system, invented by PS Engineering in 1997, provides both pilots and passengers with intercom squelch control. By consensus of the GA community, IntelliVox “works like magic” and eliminates the need for any manual adjustments to the intercom squelch. Digital control of the hi-fi stereo audio system allowed PS Engineering’s designers a tremendous amount of flexibility, ranging from music distribution, volume control for just about every input, and ability to customize labeling of specialized switch input signals.

Another capability is PMA450’s Bluetooth implementation. This wireless system connects various Bluetooth enabled devices, providing a seamless connection to entertainment and telephone devices. The utility of using a phone comes into play when an IFR clearance is required at an uncontrolled airfield. With the din of the engine(s) and radios tuned and set, the phone can act as a third com for calling departure control.

The audio panel allows the pilot to make personalized adjustments to just about any and all of the audio inputs going into the audio panel; eliminating trips back to the avionics shop and providing settings that are just right for the pilot. There is no need to hook-up to a computer, saving time and money in the installation process.

In addition to the traditional Nav 1 and Nav 2 audio capabilities, The PMA450 offers three additional audio switched inputs that can be named to represent exactly what those inputs are being used for. For example, the pilot may want to be able to switch on and off audio annunciations like GPS waypoint alerts, AOA alerts, or other types of selectable audio signals.

With the increased popularity of mobile personal electronic devices, such as tablets, PDAs, iPhones, and iPads, the PMA450 has a built-in 10 Watt-USB charger.

The PMA450 is plug-and-play with the PMA8000 series and the GARMIN GMA340 so the amount of time to replace an existing system is negligible, helping to further reduce the cost of upgrading.

PS Engineering will be demonstrating the PMA450 at this year’s Airventure. List price of the PMA450 is $2395 with a built-in marker beacon receiver, or $2295 without the receiver. Deliveries begin early third quarter of 2014. FAA TSO pending.

(Image provided by PS Engineering)

FMI: www.ps-engineering.com