MCC-2X Multi-Channel Combiner
AirCell has launched new hardware that enhances air-to-ground communications by allowing two independent phone lines to use a single antenna. The MCC-2X multi-channel combiner doubles the functionality of AirCell’s cellular phone systems by giving users the ability to add a second phone line to an aircraft without having to install a second antenna. You can dedicate one line to data capabilities such as fax, e-mail or Internet access, and the second line to voice. Or you can dedicate one line, with its own phone number, to the cockpit and the other to the cabin. For more information, see www.aircell.com.
dataMARS104 Recorder
AMPOL Systems Inc. recently introduced the small and lightweight dataMARS104 in-flight recorder, which analyzes and records data during flight or on the ground. The storage media used is a removable PCMCIA Flash card. The protocols concurrently supported are multiple Mil-Std-1553 channels, which may also operate as BC/RT, ARINC-429, RS232/422, analog and voice data. For ground analysis, a unique software package is supplied that generates engineering units reports, graphical analysis presentations and data processing. For additional information, contact Jonathan Berman at 888-429-1553, or visit www.ampol-tech.com on the Web.
1256 Switching System
Racal Instruments has introduced its 1256 Switching System, which comes with the capacity of up to eight standard Adapt-a-Switch plug-in switch cards, an intuitive front panel control, and user selectable GPIB or RS-232 control. This new system is designed specifically for the dual role of bench top and rack-and-stack instrumentation applications in a compact 2U-form factor. The 1256 can be configured for use in switching, RF, microwave, high current to 13A per channel, high voltage to 1kV, as well as digital I/O applications. For more information, visit www.racalinstruments.com.
VME-1553
Condor Engineering has released the VME-1553, a new, multifunction Mil-Std-1553 interface for convection or conductive cooled VMEbus systems. Standard features include an internal 1553 diagnostic bus, direct and transformer coupling, 1 megabyte of flexible RAM per channel, multiple discretes, extensive BC & RT link-list structures, error detection/insertion, single-shot, aperiodic and major/minor frame BC message support, BC conditional branching, automatic/manual RT status bit and mode code responses. Drivers and library support are included. Visit www.condoreng.com for details.
20-Watt Halogen Light
DPI Labs announced a 20-watt, color-corrected halogen light, which it touts as the world’s first. At 20 watts, versus 12 to 15 watts, this new product delivers four times the brightness of typical incandescent lamps. On most commercial aircraft, DPI says brightness levels for reading fall well below the ASA’s recommended minimum. A diffusion filter also improves readability by softening the light cast around the edges of the reading area. This eliminates the harsh contrast between lit and unlit areas under standard aircraft lighting. For further details, visit www.dpilabs.com.
LP Frequency Converters
Magnus Power has launched its redesigned LP series of frequency converters, offered with either single or three-phase output. The single-phase range consists of the LP300, 600 and 1000, and is rated at 300, 600 and 1,000 volt-amps (VA), respectively. Each model has an output frequency that is variable from 45Hz to 440Hz. Output voltage varies from zero to maximum in two ranges–usually 0-135 volt and 0-270 volt. The output current capability is doubled on the lower range. For applications where fixed output parameters are required, Magnus will supply a version with preset output. For more details, contact Andrew Burford at +44 (0) 116 2672856, or direct e-mail to [email protected].
Sealed SCSI/IDE Hard Drives
Mountain Optech Inc. has released its family of rugged, hermetically sealed hard drives, which comply with new NATO STANAG 4575 specifications. The sealed drive is currently available as either a SCSI (up to 36 gigabytes) or IDE (up to 30 gbytes). It will soon be available with a fibre channel interface, as well. The drives are impervious to rapid changes in altitude and are sealed for altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet and for 100% condensing humidity. This hard drive, offered as a functional alternative to solid-state memory, meets Mil-Std 810E and DO-160D standards. For more information, phone Mason Fein at 303-444-2851.
IPM-429E and -429ELB
Max Technologies’ ARINC 429 IndustryPack Mezzanine Module (IPM-429E) and Mezzanine Module with Look Back (IPM-429ELB) provide high channel density, large buffering capacity, labels selection, and precise timing control on the ARINC 429 avionics protocol on a single Industrypack module. When used with Max’s series 400 intelligent IPack carrier board, the IPM-429ELB will take advantage of on-board processing, time correlation with other protocols or legacy I/O and integration with the MX multiprotocols foundation, including software services, API and the MAXIM software suit GUI. Receivers use a 32-bit, one microsecond resolution timer to tag the ARINC word received. For more information, see www.maxt.com.
Bus Interface
Ballard Technology has launched a new family of portable, self-contained interfaces linking avionics databuses to the Universal Serial Bus (USB). Any computer with a USB or standard RS-232C serial port can communicate with a variety of avionics databuses. These units don’t require an internal PC card slot. Each BUSBox can be ordered with one or more avionics databus protocols, including Mil-Std-1553, ARINC 429/575, ARINC 708 weather radar, ARINC 717 flight data recorders and others. For more information, contact Kevin Christian at 425-339-0281 or visit www.ballardtech.com on the Web.
SMF-L2432 Series LEDs
Lumex Inc. has introduced its SMF-L2432 series right-angle, surface mount technology (SMT) light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The series features a 1.4-mm (.055-inch) distance between the light center of the LED and the top of the circuit board. An increase in height that allows designers of panel or fault indicators, backlighting overlays and keypad edgelighting systems more off-the-board height to enhance visibility away from the edges of the case. These right-angle LEDs offer a compact, one-piece construction and are available in either common anode or cathode configurations. For more information, visit www.lumex.com or www.lumex.com.tw (in Chinese).
Series 443 Dual-mode Amps
PCB Piezotronics has introduced the PCB Modular Series 443 dual-mode amplifiers, which can operate as both charge amplifiers and ICP sensor signal conditioners with charge and ICP pressure, force and vibration sensors. They work with any standard voltage signal and support TEDS (transducer electronic data sheet) sensors. When used with TEDS sensors, the unit automatically reads the sensor’s memory, displays its information and normalizes the gain. Visit www.pcb.com on the Web.
CMS-1000
Pentar Avionics has introduced the CMS-1000, the first product in the company’s line of communication management system (CMS) products for regional airlines, corporate jets and helicopters. Developed in conjunction with Orbital Sciences Corp., the CMS-1000 is housed in a panel mount unit measuring 4.5 inches high, 5.75 inches wide, and 8.5 inches deep. The unit features an intuitive menu-driven user interface, 9-line by 24-character high-resolution display, full QWERTY keyboard, ACARS/AOA processor and I/O capabilities. It can be equipped with an internal ARINC 750 dual mode ACARS/VDL Mode 2 radio and GPS sensor. For information, visit www.pentar.com.
OSim 2.0 Software
OriginalSim Inc. has released OSim 2.0, a collaborative product commerce environment designed to integrate an organization’s engineering and product development community with its customers, suppliers and manufacturers to bring products to market faster. OSim 2.0 provides a Web-based environment where geographically distributed team members can manage valuable product development information, conduct multidisciplinary engineering design trade-offs, synchronize multisite production, design and development teams and improve product development processes. For more information, visit www.OriginalSim.com.
Accelerometer
Endevco recently introduced the Model 2230D/2230DM1 triaxial accelerometer, a miniature sensor with a temperature range of -55 to 260� C (-67 TO 500� F). It is designed for vibration measurement in three orthogonal axes on small structures and objects. Three 6-40 receptacles are provided for output connection. Signal return is connected to the unit’s stainless-steel case and mounting surface. Low-noise, flexible coaxial cables are supplied to provide error-free operation. The Mode 2230D/2230DM1 requires no external power source for operation. For more information, contact James Mathews, at phone 949-493-8181, or visit the Website at www.endevco.com.