Panel Sports Split Transmit Capabilities, IntelliVOX Squelch
Control
PS Engineering announced Thursday at
AOPA Expo 2007 its partnership with L-3 Communications Avionics
Systems to provide the audio control panel for use in their new SmartDeck Integrated Flight Controls and
Display System. The PMA8000L-3 is derived from the
company's flagship PMA8000-series, and incorporates the same front
panel styling as SmartDeck, with design elements provided by
L-3.
"Our partnership started years ago with the idea of teaming in
order to provide the best audio system for L-3's customers." said
PS Engineering founder Mark Scheuer, "Because both companies are
industry leaders, it was logical to bring the two companies
together for a common goal, to provide an intuitive approach to
audio control and provide a system that exceeds the pilot's
requirements. The audio panel was one part of SmartDeck that L-3
could check off as complete and concentrate their efforts into the
rest of the product line. From what we saw at the NBAA
introduction, L-3's efforts are spectacular, and we are proud of
our association with them."
"L-3 has a long history of innovation, and like PS Engineering,
recognizes the value of incorporating the lessons learned into the
next new designs," said Gary Picou, Vice President Quality Systems.
"PS Engineering has more avionics audio patents than anyone else,
with proven technology that has stood the test of time and will
meet the needs of pilots into the future."
The new audio panel will have several signature features of PS
Engineering products -- such as IntelliVOX, cellular telephone
interoperability, multiple independent in-flight entertainment
inputs, and dual transmit split audio capability.
Split transmit mode gives the pilot and copilot independent com
radio access, without the necessity of two audio panels. The bezel
styling, created by L-3, matches up with the SmartDeck panel
seamlessly.
One element of system integration was the relationship between
the audio panel's internal marker beacon receiver and SmartDeck's
display. Unlike conventional audio panels, the PMA8000 L-3 does not
have internal marker lamps. Instead, the beacon indication is on
the PFD, in front of the pilot's scan -- blending with SmartDeck's
intuitive human interface.
IntelliVOX is a patented squelch protocol developed by PS
Engineering that eliminates manual intercom squelch, adjusting
dynamically to cockpit sound conditions.
Founded in 1985, PS Engineering manufactures general aviation
intercoms and audio control systems, for both retrofit and OEM
installations.