It's A New Direction For The Intercom Company
Intercom company PS Engineering has introduced its first
760-channel VHF comm radio fully integrated with the audio control
panel. The PAR100EX system combines an audio control panel,
audiophile stereo intercom with IntelliVox, Bluetooth connectivity,
and a remote mounted VHF aviation communications transceiver. Never
before has there been so much communication capability controlled
with such a small footprint.
"For years, people have been asking us, "Why doesn't PS
Engineering make radios?" explained company founder Mark Scheuer,
"because we are so deeply focused exploiting every type of audio
technology available, developing a radio would only be a
distraction. But now that we have a great core of audio
technologies, it is time to invest into radio technology. After
all, since 1972 when I received my Amateur Radio license, I have
always been fascinated with radio, now it's time to put it into our
company's product line."
PS Engineering, Inc. is always looking for ways to improve
flying and delight their fans, so they partnered with radio expert
Microair and integrated an important piece of avionics, with an
advanced audio panel system. By working with an established radio
manufacturer, PS Engineering's customers will benefit from their
individual talents. This system will save cockpit space, weight,
provide the most sought after functionality, and save money over
the stand-alone independent systems.
"Microair is excited about partnering with PS Engineering," said
Microair's President, Phil Ainsworth, "We are looking forward to
getting into more airplanes with the PAR100EX, and the combination
of our expertise will change the way experimental and LSA aircraft
avionics panels will be created."
Transceiver Unit
The PAR100EX's low price makes it attractive for the
Experimental and Light Sport aviation market (the unit will be FCC
approved but not hold FAA Approval for airplanes certified under
standard airworthiness), and the elimination of one panel mounted
radio saves panel space. According to the Senior Design Engineer,
Eduardo Lopez-Gil, "Seamless integration between the audio panel
and the radio was the primary goal in this integration, for the
best user experience possible, with minimal panel space. The KISS
principle was practiced all during the development of the audio
panel."
The right half of the PAR100EX is dedicated to the comm radio,
with an easy to read LCD display that shows the frequencies, which
are controlled through a concentric knob. This radio has active and
standby frequencies, and a standby frequency monitor mode. The left
half has all of the audio panel controls for radio selection,
intercom and music volume, intercom mode, and PS Engineering's
multiple music mute mode control. The functions of the PAR100EX are
electrically independent, including the power supply, so even in
fail safe on the audio panel, the VHF radio can still be used.
The PAR100EX can be configured as stand alone, as COM 2, or as
COM 1. The system can be a primary VHF Com, and the second radio
could be a tactical or business radio, ideal for ALE, game
management, fish spotters, etc.
An integrated Bluetooth system allows the PAR100EX to interface
with cellular telephones, giving the aircraft occupants ready
access to their telephones. In addition, the Bluetooth will stream
music from compatible devices like iPads, and smart phones.
The list price of the PAR100EX, including the VHF com radio is
$2,595, and deliveries will start in the second quarter of
2011.
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