New Toys!

AEA has an amazing session each year over which dozens of new products are introduced in just a few short hours... with only a few short minutes allowed per company. As a result, new product announcements come fast and furious at the Aircraft Electronics Association convention in Dallas, Texas. As "Back In The Saddle Again" plays in the background, hundreds of interested attendees fill the room to see what new gadgets, toys and tools were coming to the market.

The gadget freak in us is all a-giggle. This is the first of a three-part series on some of what's new, hot and not at AEA. Strap in, here we go...

Sandel

Sandel has over 4000 Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicators (EHSI) out in the market. The company has been taking note of things to improve over the last few years. At this week's expo, Sandel announced that the new SN 3500 EHSI is officially in production. This new EHSI has incorporated features from other EHSIs and transported them into a ruggedized platform.

Key to this product is a lamp with an estimated lifespan of more than 2,000 hours. That's a major upgrade over previous EHSIs that required bulb replacement much more often. It has a flat screen which is easier to see even in sunlight -- even if you're wearing your polarized shades. It has digital inputs, a simpler mounting system, a datalink for weather radar, built in autopilot outputs and it's TIS and TCAS ready. The company has added to its support and sales staff and is opening a Charlotte, NC, office.

Syair

Syair Designs is offering a cabin lighting system that uses high efficiency blue LEDs and a phosphor coating to produce a bright white light. The modules save space and weight and have a rugged aluminum housing that can mount end to end to provide continuous lighting.

The lights use are a non polarized design, and can operate on 18 to 32 volt systems with no external power supply. Kevin Hayes, VP of Sales and Marketing, says that their superior technology will enable the company to beat any competitive prices.

Sandia Aerospace

Sandia Aerospace introduced the New SAC 7-35 Airdata Computer for targeted for the general aviation market. It interfaces with the Garmin 430/530, and several other systems.

It can be baro corrected and provides the data needed for the 430/530 to provide wind direction and density altitude. It can handle fuel flow data for singles and twins. It will be available in August 2005 for $1,871.25.

PS Engineering

Mark Scheur of PS Engineering introduced the PMA8000SR, a capable audio panel with Sirius radio built in. Pilots can use a remote control or the front panel to select the 100-percent commercial free channels and to adjust the volume.

It's pin-compatible with the PMA8000, but needs a 1/4 inch longer tray. The PMA8000-SR is FAA-TSO approved and is available for $2,590 -- only $495 more than the PMA8000.

EMS Satcom Enfusion

EMS Satcom announced a total cabin network for high speed access. Their solution provides a Multi channel router with VPN/firewall, data compression, an eight-port ethernet switch and a wireless access point all in one box.

It's certified for aircraft use and STCs exist for several aircraft. It can be customized for customer needs and expand up to eight wired, and up to 250 wireless access points.

Honeywell

Ron Barks announced a few new things for Honeywell. The Airsat II is a completely new iridium based dual channel system. It transmits and receives voice and data simultaneously.

The Airborne Cell Phone System ensures that a cell phones will work just like it's still on the ground. The system can send and receive calls on the same phone that they typically use. Honeywell expects to ship systems in the third quarter, pending approval from the FCC. Honeywell has achieved numerous Primus Epic Certifications in 2004.

Mid-Continent

Can you live without it? That's what Mid-Continent President Todd Winter asks about his company's three inch Lifesaver electrical attitude indicator. It runs on 10-32 volts, and includes a 60 minute battery backup which automatically recharges and activates in case of an electrical failure. The MTBF is 7500 hours, about 3 times as long as a typical attitude indicator.

Mid-Continent is also coming out with a two-inch mini gyro (above) for use as emergency backup in case of a vacuum system failure. It doesn't have a built in battery, but is priced the same as the three-inch gyro -- much less than comparable models at a list price of $3,839.

Comant

Comant sales reps at AEA talked about some of their combination antennas which they say save time, space and money. Communications/Data (Comdat) antennas are installed on many new production aircraft.

They simplify installation with built in filters and can do the job of two or more conventional antennas. Less antennas means less drag also.  They have a great dealer support program with a new website, new posters and CD catalogs available.

AirCell

AirCell is used by 12 aircraft OEMs and the three largest fractionals. The AirCell Axxess two channel Iridium SmartPhone should be shipping to dealers in the fall, with a customer introduction by NBAA.

The system creates an in cabin wi-fi hot spot that will work with laptops, PDAs, onboard phones and carry on phones. It can use up to four channels plus Inmarsat. They provide a single global source for equipment and have a Dinosaur (old system) trade-in program that expires in July.

To Be Continued

FMI: www.aea.net