Avidyne, Garmin enhance glass

L3 Aviation Products announced updated software for its Lynx NGT-9000, an all-in-one Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out and In transponder with a touchscreen display. The Lynx 2.1 software release enhances the product’s ADS-B Traffic Advisory System, providing ATAS alerts below 500 feet; it also adds Terrain Vision and makes the WX500 Stormscope interface standard. L3’s Kim Stephenson said the platform’s next significant addition will be an embedded TCAS 1 system, which should be available in the second quarter of 2017; pricing is expected to be $3,200.

Garmin International showcased its G1000 NXi, which offers improved computing power, faster start-up, and better map performance, including the addition of a map inset in the horizontal situation indicator. Now being delivered in several Cirrus, Piper, and Cessna models, an NXi upgrade has been approved for the Beech King Air 200, 300, and 350, with the C90 expected next year and other aircraft to come, said Jessica Koss, Garmin aviation media relations specialist. Installation of the $50,000 upgrade into a G1000-equipped King Air takes one day. “Pilots who are familiar with flying the G1000 today will be able to get behind the NXi and feel at home, because the user interface is almost identical,” she said.

Avidyne debuted its release 10.2 software and the new IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM with an integrated attitude reference system, as well as three new FMS/GPS-only navigators, the IFD545, IFD510, and IFD410.

Appareo turned heads with Stratus Power, a TSOed dual USB power port designed to keep tablets and smartphones running in flight.

Manufacturers are meeting demand for high-capacity audio panels, driven primarily by law enforcement and special missions requirements. PS Engineering launched its PAC 45 audio control system, which can manage up to six comm frequencies—electronically positioned in up to nine locations around the users’ ears—and is night vision compatible. Jupiter Avionics announced the JRAC2 remote-mount, dual audio controller, capable of accommodating 10 transceivers, four receivers, and up to eight users.

Scott Edwards of Dallas Avionics said resolution of a proposed airworthiness directive on certain NavWorx ADS600-B universal access transceivers—which provide ADS-B Out and In capabilities on the 978 MHz UAT frequency—is anticipated soon. The company is NavWorx’s exclusive distributor. “We’ll be very proactive in making sure the information is out there for easy compliance,” Edwards said. Compliance with the AD might entail software updates or hardware upgrades.

Edwards announced an updated NavWorx product, the ADS600-B NextGen 2.0, which maintains the original product’s capabilities and features a different internal, FAA-rule-compliant GPS receiver. Its introductory price is $2,020. Edwards also announced the ADS600-B UAT, which has no internal GPS and is designed to use a Garmin GNS or GTN navigator as its ADS-B Out position source. “We’re beginning to take preorders,” he said, adding that introductory pricing for preorders might be held through EAA AirVenture.

While the ADS600-B NextGen 2.0 offers the same capabilities as its predecessor, several changes will serve to simplify the installation process, said NavWorx President Bill Moffitt. The Wi-Fi module, which used to be separate, is now built into the unit, he said. Similarly, the new design uses a USB connection as its maintenance port, eliminating the need to install and wire a separate serial port connection. Finally, NavWorx’s optional TransMonSPE, which connects to the transponder coaxial cable to provide the squawk code and Mode C altitude to the UAT, now uses USB connections at both ends—previously, the connector at the UAT end had to be cut off, and the wires pinned to a connector.

Dallas Avionics and NavWorx will be launching dedicated sales and support telephone numbers for the product line this month.