|
PMA 8000B
Front Panel Utility Jack, Pilot Programmable
Audio Functions (SFK), Internal Digital Recorder (IRS) and Styling,
makes this GARMIN GMA340* Plug-N-Play Audio Panel the Best Anywhere.
PERIOD.
PS Engineering has again demonstrated its forward
thinking, adding value and utility to the lauded PMA8000B audio
panel by installing a utility interface on the FRONT of the
unit and by adding Smart Function Keys (SFK), allowing pilots
to customize their audio panel.
The front-mounted, 2.5mm multipurpose jack will
give pilots unprecedented access to their audio panel by allowing
connection of a cell phone, portable music devices, or audio
announcements directly into the audio panel. Not only have PS
Engineering's designers added the jack to the panel, but new
audio panel configuration controls are now available from the
front panel, making the PMA8000B the most flexible audio panel
in the world.
These new capabilities are a direct result of
recent advances in avionics for situational awareness as well
as new pilot requirements. For an example, when flying with
the new GARMIN GPS396, the front panel utility jack is perfect
and convenient way to hook up its audio output.
PS Engineering incorporated some "smarts" with
this new jack. When used as an entertainment input, the music
is directed to the crew, and PS Engineering's patented SoftMute™
functions normally. Our original Karaoke Mode™ can be activated
by pressing the front panel "Mute" button, allowing the music
to be placed in the background while interruptions to the music
will be eliminated. However, if the aircraft has a panel mounted
music device and it is active, the PMA8000B changes the front
jack for advisory messages. These alert messages are not muted,
and presented to the crew headphones only.
The PMA8000B utility jack also is a convenient
way to connect your cellular telephone. The 2.5 mm jack is the
same size as on most cellular phones, making the connection
easy. When connected to a telephone and the pilot pushes the
"TEL" button on the PMA8000B, our "Du-tel"™ system goes online.
Anyone who is on the intercom is on the phone, taking advantage
of the ISO, ALL and Crew Isolation intercom modes. Best of all,
the pilot can receive and transmit on the selected VHF COM with
ATC as well, for seamless integration in the cockpit. (Cellular
telephone use in flight is not permitted, but remains a convenient
and safe way to contact air-traffic control or a weather briefer
while on the ground.)
PS Engineering has devoted considerable effort
in not only providing the pilot a means of customizing his audio
panel to meet his particular needs, but also in making these
new SFK functions easy to implement. There's no need to learn
a complicated sequence of key presses thanks to our revolutionary
Virtual Tech Support (VTS). VTS voice prompts each special function
selection assuring that the pilot knows exactly what the new
audio panel configuration is, in plain English.
Several audio panel configurations are available
using SFK. The music source from the front jack or from a panel
mounted music device can be directed to all persons on the intercom,
or the second music can be activated in crew, or, the dual inputs
can be independent. This not only allows users of earlier versions
such as the PMA6000 or GMA340 to keep the same type of music
switching, but also allows the occupants to customize their
music environment "on the fly." Another function is that the
front utility jack, or rear-input music can be directed to all
intercom positions regardless of the intercom mode. Yet another
function is the ability to default the front panel jack to act
as an unswitched input, perfect for audio alert signals. No
audio panel from any manufacturer offers this kind of flexibility.
PS Engineering's innovative Internal Recording
System (IRS) is now included as standard equipment. Originally
a $130 option, it is now part of the audio package, allowing
pilots to play back messages, eliminating the need for the pilot
to request "say again," or assure themselves that the last radio
call was for them. The playback button is now located on the
front panel too. Press the selected audio switch and the last
recorded message will sound. Up to 16 messages can be recorded
and played back in sequence.
The new PMA8000B is backward compatible with
our PMA8000 as well as a direct replacement for the GARMIN GMA340.
List price on the PMA8000B has not changed, it is still $1995,
including the IRS.
Due to the nature of the mechanical changes,
PS Engineering cannot upgrade or trade in existing units.
By the time you read this, the new PMA8000B will
be shipping to dealers.
Use of the front panel jack is restricted to
advisory information only, from portable systems. Signals required
for certified equipment must be interface in accordance with
their specific installation manuals.
|
