It's ALL About The Gadgets! -- Part Three

• Read Part One   
• Read Part Two

(Following AEA's convention in Dallas last week, we thought you'd want to see the latest in electronic accessories for your aircraft. Here's the second part of what was new at this year's show. -- ed.)

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.

Garmin

Nearly last but not remotely least, the folks at Garmin chatted about the state of their wide-ranging avionics line. The GDL-69 and GDL-69A make it possible for MX20s as well as GNS 430/530 series boxes to offer Data Link Weather XM Radio Broadcast, WX Worx Data, and the like. The list price is $4995 and includes both the remote unit and the antenna... they are now delivering. Garmin also continued to promote their highly capable iQue 3600A (the subject of an extensive multi-part review in ANN a few weeks back). The unit boasts a Yoke-Mount Cradle, Terrain/Obstacle Alerts, Sectional-like mapping, Panel Page, Land, Sea and Air depictions and a list price of $1099.

Thrane & Thrane

Thrane & Thrane is a Danish Company with about 600 employees worldwide. It's a developer of Inmarsat technology. Thane & Thane is offering its own Aero-HSD 64kBps Sky Office. Available with two voice and two data channels, the unit already has PMA and an STC for Gulfstream. It is compatible with current satellite antennas and a trade in program is in effect.

HV Technologies

Leo Mccalsky of HV Technologies introduced an induced lightning tester. The MIG-OS-MB enables manufacturers to reach higher energy levels to conduct level 5 testing to the standards of DO160E. With more composites and more electronics on aircraft, more of this testing is also being pushed down to subcontractors.

Aspen Avionics

Aspen Avionics President Peter Lyons told the crowd about the AT300 Hazard Awareness Display for general aviation aircraft. It is elegantly designed to replace the VSI and provide a Taws like terrain Display at an affordable price. It also has the ability to show a moving map from GPS inputs. It’s high resolution display is readable in direct sunlight. It’s certification is expected in the third quarter. The uncertified version is shipping now for $3,495. The certified version will be available for $3995.

Innovative Solutions and Support

Innovative Solutions and Support is a growing avionics supplier with thousands of units in service. The company is providing Flat Panel Cockpit Displays that are innovative and inexpensive. These flat panel displays for business aircraft are fully TSO'd. They are sunlight readable, with a patented glass treatment. At only three inches deep, it is being used in Beech 1900 and King Air upgrades. An Integrated Air Data Display System is offered and combines AIU functionality into the body of the ADDS. An Air Data Module provides baro-corrected altitude input and air data for most pressurized and non-pressurized applications.

FMI: www.aea.net