PS Engineering’s Gary Picou Profiles the Latest in Audio Panel Technology

At the 2009 AOPA Summit, industry leaders showcased the latest in general aviation technology for attending visitors.  Among the newest revelations was PS Engineering’s follow-up to the successful PMA6000, the PMA6000B.  Renown for their iconic aviation audio solutions, PS Engineering premiered the PMA6000-series fifteen years ago, transforming audio panel design and configuration.

Since entering production in 1995, the PMA6000 has become a cornerstone of the entry-level audio panel market.  According to company founder, Mark Scheuer, “We have seen a continuing need for a low cost, basic audio panel in the light sport marketplace.  With the PMA6000B, we’ve been able to cut costs, improve reliability and utility, and offer full performance in an entry-level audio panel, while maintaining FAA certification.” 

Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the PMA6000B uses a single 44-pin connector for all aircraft and intercom interfacing.  The sleek bezel utilizes PS Engineering’s “Set-it and Forget-it” manual VOX circuits, elastomeric push buttons, and a single concentric knob to control the four-place mono intercom.  In addition, the PMA6000B includes a cockpit speaker amplifier, two monaural music inputs, and a “Split Mode,” for pilot/co-pilot interface. 

In “Split Mode,” the pilot and copilot are able to independently use both radios, even transmitting simultaneously on different frequencies.  Starting list price for the basic unit, without a built-in marker beacon receiver, is $1095.

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