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.

FMI: www.ps-engineering.com, www.l-3avionics.com