Is It A Com With A Radio Or A Radio With A Com? Who Cares, It's Certified

By Tom Woodward

PS Engineering has added a new dimension to the certified communication systems, a full featured VHF com radio fully integrate with an advanced audio control panel.

The PAR200 system on display this week at AirVenture combines an audio panel, high fidelity 4-place stereo intercom with IntelliVox, Bluetooth connectivity, and remote mounted EASA/FAA certified Trig Avionics VHF aviation communication transceiver. "Ever since we introduced the PAR100EX Experimental Aircraft Audio Selector Panel with remote VHF com radio, pilots have been asking us, 'When are you going to get it certified?' " explained company founder Mark Scheuer. "The hurdle for us was not the certification of an audio panel but was to team with a company that could deliver not only a certified remote mounted radio, but build it with the highest degree of precision." PS Engineering has always been about getting it right the first time. The IntelliVox system, introduced in 1997 is magic and field proven with almost 30,000 systems in the field. Not one circuit or diode has changed since its introduction, proving they got it right the first time.

"Trig Avionics is excited about partnering with PS Engineering" said Trig Avionics' President Andy Davis, The low price of the PAR200 makes it attractive for the "family flyer" Cessnas and Pipers of the world, along with the light sport aviation market.

The right half of the PAR200 is the dedicated to the com radio, with an easy to read LCD panel display that shows both Active and Standby frequencies, along with information such as the monitor function activity. Additionally, the system architecture assures that if the audio panel should ever have power disrupted, the display on the audio panel will remain active and allow control of the radio. The left half has all the audio panel controls for the audio selection, intercom and music volume, intercom mode, and PS Engineering's multiple music mute control. The PAR200 can interface with cellular telephones, giving the aircraft occupants ready access to their telephones. In addition, the Bluetooth will stream music from compatible devices like the iPad and smart phones.

The list price of the PAR200, including the VHF com radio is $2995, and deliveries will start in the third quarter of 2013.

FMI: www.ps-engineering.com, www.trig-avionics.com