Remote Control Lets Aircraft Passengers Control XM Audio Entertainment With Ease

During a James Bond-esque skit at the 2007 AEA Convention, Garmin announced the GRC 10, a handheld remote control designed specifically for use with the GDL 69A, a remote sensor that receives broadcast weather data and CD quality audio entertainment from XM WX Satellite Weather and XM Satellite Radio. Information obtained from the GDL 69A is displayed on aviation products such as the G1000, GMX 200, GNS 530W and GNS 430W.

“We are dedicated to developing technology that benefits anyone who enters a Garmin equipped airplane. The GRC 10 will make flying more enjoyable for the pilot and passengers,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “Now, passengers in the rear seats/cabin of the airplane can scan through their favorite XM radio channels without disturbing the pilot.”

The GRC 10 controls the GDL 69A’s XM entertainment features such as volume, channel selection by channel, channel selection by category and more. Thanks to its strong 2.4 GHz RF link, the GRC 10 will control the XM Radio from anywhere in the cabin regardless of which direction the remote is pointed. The bi-directional remote also receives information from the XM Radio and displays that information directly on the remote, such as the song that is currently playing. It has a high contrast, 160x128 pixel backlit display that makes it viewable in all lighting conditions. The remote uses two AA batteries and turns itself off when not in use.

The GRC 10 communicates with the GDL 69A through the GRT 10, a wireless transceiver that is installed in the airplane and connected to the GDL 69A’s serial port. The GRC 10 and GRT 10 will be certified to DO-160E.

Garmin’s GDL 69A delivers XM digital entertainment and XM WX Satellite Weather. XM Satellite Radio provides 170-plus channels of music, news, talk, sports and information. The GDL 69A’s comprehensive weather data suite is supplied to XM WX by WxWorx and includes NEXRAD, METARS, TAFs, TFRs and more. XM offers these entertainment and weather capabilities for a monthly subscription fee.

Garmin anticipates the GRC 10 and GRT 10 will be sold together at a suggested retail price of $590.00. Anticipated availability is June 2007.

FMI: www.garmin.com