What’s New

MA5000EX Audio Panel Offers Features, Economy

Responding to calls from the homebuilders for IntelliVox at a reasonable price in an uncertified unit, PS Engineering developed the PMA5000EX audio control panel.

The unit has a four-place hi-fi stereo intercom that uses the IntelliVox squelch protocol, a proprietary system that uses computational power to differentiate between cabin noise and human speech, allowing seamless conversation among the crew and passengers. It also has a high-noise selection, making the automatic Vox that much more effective in noisy environments, the company says.

The PMA5000EX supports two VHF coms, two switched navigation receivers, and has two switched auxiliary (AUX) receiver inputs for other audio sources where switch control is desired. A unique feature of the AUX inputs is the ability to automatically mute the audio for 60 seconds, after which audio is automatically restored.

The PMA5000EX offers a front-panel utility jack that accepts most cell phones, music inputs and audio advisory inputs from portable devices. Volume of the music input is easily controlled through front panel buttons.

In addition to switched inputs, the new audio panel also has four unswitched inputs for priority alert audio sources such as engine analyzers, and traffic and terrain monitors that are becoming common in Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. One input is even provided to the pilot with the power off. Another feature, Monitor (MON) mode, automatically mutes the audio from the com receiver that is not selected for transmit when the selected radio audio is active. This feature allows the pilot to listen to AWOS on COM 2, but the AWOS audio does not interfere with the primary com audio, which is typically ATC.

Not having to go through the expense of certification, removing the Marker Beacon Receiver, Speaker Amplifier and some of the high-end capabilities, the company was able to lower the price to $995. The unit includes a one-year warranty.

For more information, call 800/427-2376 or visit www.ps-engineering.com.

Wicks Happy Hour

Wicks Aircraft Supply has created a happy hour, but not for drinks. Instead, the company is offering an opportunity for people to take advantage of a discount. Anyone calling in an order on Thursday afternoons between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Central Time) will be eligible for a 10% discount on all discountable items including most aircraft construction materials, hardware, finishing materials and tools.

Wicks Aircraft Supply specializes in assisting homebuilders and aircraft restorers with a start to finish line of materials. Phone orders may be placed by calling 800/221-9425; overseas customers call 1-618/654-7447. An online catalog is available at www.WicksAircraft.com.

Zenair Ships
First Float Kits

Less than a year after announcing it would be returning its float production to North America, Zenair Ltd. has begun deliveries of its lightweight all-aluminum floats. Following the announcement at AirVenture 2009, design upgrades and production tooling took place last fall, including the preparation of new assembly drawings for floats sold as kits. Manufacturing of the amphibious floats started in November, with the first ready-to-assemble kit delivered in December. Early this year, Zenair delivered its first complete set of amphibious floats.

The production of kits and ready-to-mount floats for lightweight aircraft is up and running, says Nicolas Heintz, who is in charge of float manufacturing at Zenair. We are now finalizing drawings and tooling for our larger 1400-pound LSA floats, and should be ready to ship in early spring 2010.

Zenair Floats were first introduced in the mid-eighties and quickly set the standard for all-metal floats for ultralight aircraft, the company says. They were seen on early models of Quicksilver, Kolb and Lazair designs, and later on the popular STOL CH 701 aircraft. Today, Zenair Floats are available in a variety of sizes (displacement) and as straight or amphibious floats (with wheels). With their generic spreader bar/mounting system, the floats will fit most light recreational aircraft, the company says.

For more information, including available sizes, kit options and prices, call 705/526-2871 or visit www.zenair.com.