New ADS-B Transponders for experimental and amateur-built aircraft

Posted on July 20, 2016 by admin

Today Garmin announced GTX45R and GTX35R remote mount ADS-B transponders for experimental aircraft. Both satisfy ADS-B “out” requirements with the GTX45R also offering ADS-B “in”. These transponders are designed specifically for the home-built market. They are controlled and configured by G3X and G3X touch flight displays meaning sport aircraft owners can now take advantage of a straightforward easy-to-install transponder that meets modern airspace initiatives around the world.

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Both transponders are expected to begin shipping September 2016, and will be available at Maxcraft with, or without installation.

*G3X and GTN 625 Promotions

If you purchase a G3X system you have the option of purchasing a GTN625 at a special, reduced price. This promotion is available until December 31, 2016.

Maxcraft Avionics is a leader in airplane and helicopter avionic system upgrades, including installation of everything from basic VHF Radios and flight instruments, all the way to sophisticated GPS, TCAS, EFIS, and glass cockpit systems. We have the largest avionics facility in Canada and over 20,000 unique part numbers in our inventory to repair your aircraft or upgrade your cockpit.

Posted in Avionics News | Tagged ADS-B transponder, airplane, airspace, avionic, Canada, efis, experimental, Flight Instruments, G3X, glass cockpit, GPS, GTN 625, GTX35R, GTX45R, Helicopter, home-built, Maxcraft Avionics, tcas, VHF radios | Comments Off

Big news from Garmin just in time for EAA Air Venture

Posted on July 19, 2016 by admin

Today, Garmin goes public on the newest addition to its Connext line of products – and let me say: it is a game changer. We also have fresh announcements on software updates, database bundles, and promotional discounts for summer 2016.

Flight Stream 510 with Revolutionary Wi-Fi Database Concierge

Flig flight stream ht Stream 510 is a small, patented Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled MMC card that enables communication between the GTN 650/750 series and two compatible Apple or Android mobile devices operating Garmin Pilot. Wi-Fi connectivity is used for database transfer, while Bluetooth allows for a wide variety of additional capabilities, including flight plan transfer. All this is crammed into a small data card with no additional wiring necessary.

New Cost-Effective Garmin Nav Data & Bundles

Flight Stream 510 is just one piece of Garmin’s strategy for making database updates easier. Garmin now offers its own cost-effective navigation databases. These databases are available à la carte, or as part of a OnePak database bundle. OnePak bundles are available for all currently supported navigators, primary flights displays, and integrated flight decks. Cost-effective annual subscriptions start as low as $299USD, adding up to thousands of dollars in potential savings.

All-in-one GNS card Programmer

While owners of GNS series navigators won’t be able to use the new Flight Stream 510, they can still take advantage of Onepak bundles using Garmin’s new all-in-one card programmer for GNS navigators. This USB device allows you to update Navigation, Terrain, and Obstacle database subscriptions from your own PC by logging into flyGarmin.com.

G500/G600 Software Updates and New Features

In the latest software version, G500/G600 owners will get yet another new feature to help them easily keep databases up-to-date. With database synchronization, Primary flight displays and GTN navigators will automatically synchronize after the first is updated. Simply update one, and the others will follow.

Even better, GTX 345 ADS-B transponders now interface with G500/G600 flight displays to show ADS-B “In” traffic and weather. For new installations, the G500/G600 software update also adds support for the new GSU 75 ADAHRS. The GSU 75 ADAHRS combines previous air data & attitude and heading reference units, reducing wiring and installation complexity with a single unit design.

GTN750/650 Software Updates and New Features

GTN owners get an especially exciting collection of new features in the latest update. Telligence Voice Command controls the GTN via Spoken Commands using a separate push-to-command button. When paired with GMA™ 35/GMA 350 audio panels Telligence now accepts hundreds of commands at the push of a button. New software also includes support for Flight Stream 510, database synchronization, voice commands, pinch-to-zoom, and for those with a GSR 56 data link: phone calls over headset via paired apple devices.

Summer Promotions and Discounts

Last but not least, there are a ton of savings and new promotions announced today, the first of which is the ADS-B Shopping Spree Rebate. This promotion offers deep rebates up to $2000 when you include a Garmin ADS-B product in your next panel upgrade. A limited-time offer is also available for customers who purchase GTX345 ADS-B transponders with Aera 660 handhelds. Next up is the King Air G1000 5-5-5 Rebate, which offers 5-years of database coverage, 3 additional years of warranty (for a total of 5 years), and a $5000 Epic Fuel card to King Air owners who purchase a G1000 integrated flight deck before September 2^nd, 2016.

For details on these offers, or if you have any other questions, send us an e-mail at sales@maxcraft.ca. One of our experts will be happy to help.

Posted in Avionics 101 | Tagged ADAHRS, ADS-B transponder, airplane, Android, Apple, Area 660, avionic system, Bluetooth, data link, databases, EAA Air Venture, efis, Epic fuel, flight, flight instrument, Flight Stream 510, G500, G600, garmin, Garmin Flight Stream 510, Garmn Pilot, glass cockpit systems, GMA 350, GMA35, GNS card, GPS, GSR56, GSu 75, GTN 650.750, GTN650, GTN750, GTX 345, Helicopter, installation, King Air, King Air G1000 5-5-5 rebate, Maxcraft Avionics, MMC card, navigation, Obstacle, OnePak, pinch-to-zoom, push-to-command, software, Spoken Commands, tcas, Telligence, telligence voice command, terrain, VHF Radio, wi-fi, wiring | Comments Off

5 Popular Garmin Pilot Features

Posted on July 8, 2016 by admin

Maxcraft thinks you should know these Garmin Pilot features. These are the 5 top features that we think will make you want to try the Garmin Pilot.

Flight Profile View: One of Garmin Pilot’s newest features, the Flight Profile View, provides pilots with a vertical profile of the flight path. In this mode, Garmin Pilot displays airspace, METARs, winds aloft, as well as water and traffic when connected to a GDL 39, Flight Stream or GTX 345 all-in-one ADS-B transponder. We’re used to seeing what our flight path looks like from above, but with Flight Profile View now you can see it from an entirely new perspective. Flight Profile View is only available on iOS compatible devices.

NavTrack: With the NavTrack feature in Garmin Pilot, pilots can scroll along their route of flight to get weather and airport information. As the cursor is advanced along the flight path, METARs and TAFs for local airports are displayed to provide the latest current and future information for area airports.

Logbook: Quite possibly one of the most popular features in Garmin Pilot, especially to those of us who forget to put pen to paper after every flight. Garmin Pilot’s logbook feature takes the guesswork out of figuring out flight time by automatically generating flights. Logbook also incorporates reporting features to keep track of currency and aircraft/type time, as well as an electronic way to record endorsements. Logbook is only available on compatible iOS tablets, but is coming to Android soon!

Radial Menu: With Garmin Pilot’s Radial Menu feature, getting information about an airport, waypoint, airspace, weather and more is only one touch away. Simply tap a symbol on the map, and a circular menu will pop up with options to advance for more information.

Rich, Interactive Maps: Garmin Pilot would not be what it is without its broad stable of colorful, informative maps. With everything from the classic VFR and IFR chart options, to our rich dynamic maps, you will have access to an incredible amount of information that until recent times, could only be found on paper and in books.

If you don’t already fly with Garmin Pilot, try it here with a free 30-day trial on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Posted in Avionics News | Tagged ADS-B, airplane, Canada, efis, Flight Instruments, Flight Profile view, Flight Stream, Garmin Pilot, GDL39, glass cockpit, GPS, GTX345, Helicopter, IFR, logbook, Maxcraft Avionics, METARs, NavTrack, Radial Menu, TAFs, tcas, VFR, VHF Radio | Comments Off

Lightspeed Summer Sale

Posted on July 1, 2016 by admin

2016 Summer gift-with-purchase promotion

Many of our customers are extremely satisfied with their Lightspeed headsets and customer service. Maxcraft is proud to offer this 16,800 mAh multi-function, portable power bank and jump-starter with a embossed vinyl case with every purchase.

Promotional period:
Start date: Friday, July 1, 2016
End date: Monday, August 15, 2016

The offer:
Buy any new Lightspeed headset at full retail price and get a free 16,800 mAh multi-function, portable power bank and jump-starter. This is a powerful, compact, and convenient travel companion that can charge all of your portable electronic devices, including smart phones, tablets, and GPS units. It will also jump-start your vehicle, has a built-in multifunction flashlight, and includes a embossed vinyl case. It has a retail value of $100 USD.

To receive the gift with purchase, you must complete and submit a redemption form, along with proof of purchase to Lightspeed Aviation.

Come into our store and check out the various types of Lightspeed headsets. Or go to our webstore here.

Posted in Avionics News | Tagged aircraft, Aviation GPS, Avionics, Flight Instruments, gift, GPS, headsets, Helicopter, Lightspeed, Lightspeed Aviation, Maxcraft Avionics, tango, tcas, VHF radios, Zulu 2, Zulu PFX | Comments Off

Bonanza J35 and a Bonanza M35 nose to tail in Maxcraft hangar

Posted on June 27, 2016 by admin

In the hangar this week: not one, not two but three V-tail Bonanzas. These are fairly uncommon planes to begin with, so finding three in one hangar at the same time is a rare occurrence.

The Beechcraft Bonanza is an American built aircraft introduced in 1947. It’s is a six seater, single engine aircraft with six cylinders, and low wing configuration. The model 35 with both retractable landing gear and its signature V-tail elevator-rudder (called a ruddervator), it is one of the more efficient and distinctive private aircraft in the sky. Ruddervators are not the only unique feature on the Bonanza. Here’s an interesting excerpt from Wikipedia:

All Bonanzas have an unusual feature; the yoke and rudder pedals are interconnected by a systems of bungee cords that assist in keeping the airplane incoordinated flight during turns. The bungee system allows the pilot to make coordinated turns using the yoke alone, or with minimal rudder input, during cruise flight. Increased right-rudder pressure is still required on takeoff to overcome engine torque and P-factor. In the landing phase, the bungee system must be overridden by the pilot when making crosswind landings, which require cross-controlled inputs to keep the nose of the airplane aligned with the runway centerline without drifting left or right.

Posted in Avionics News | Tagged aircraft, Avionics, Bonanza, Canada, efis, Flight Instruments, glass cockpit, GPS, Helicopter, Maxcraft Avionics, p-factor, rudder, ruddervator, tcas, torque, V-tail, VHF radios, yoke | Comments Off

David Clark announces the new DC One-X headset

Posted on June 8, 2016 by admin

The David Clark DC ONE-X ANR Headset features a great combination of comfort, technology and durability.

Offering hybrid electronic noise cancellation, blue tooth wireless technology, fail-safe operation, digital signal processing technology, audio mute, stereo/mono selection, and a five year warranty, and comes with a host of features not found in any other David Clark headset.

The new One-x includes a rugged, yet lightweight alloy suspension system with adjustable headband and swivel hinge stirrups. This ensures a personalized fit for just about any head size and allows for accurate distribution of weight.

The One-X is designed to fit completely around the ear, which offers a better seal, especially when wearing eyeglasses, and results in better noise attenuation. Leatherette-covered memory foam ear seals reduce heat buildup and absorb pressure around the ear while a soft, vented head pad does the same for your head..

Like many modern headsets, The One-X includes active noise cancellation via two microphones. One microphone is positioned on the exterior of the headphone dome (the feed forward portion of the circuit). The second is placed inside the dome adjacent to the speaker (the feedback of the circuit). Both microphones send sampled noise signals into a noise cancellation processor, creating an anti-noise signal. The signal is then amplified and passed along to the speaker inside of the earcup. This advanced, Hybrid Electronic Cancellation technology delivers extraordinary ANR performance to this headset.

One-X is equipped with wireless Bluetooth which is easy to pair with excellent wireless entertainment input audio quality and has a control for muting the Bluetooth music. The audio quality is comparable to all headsets on the market today.

The One-X also collapses for compact storage for the soft carry bag.

Posted in Avionics News | Comments Off

D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot Watch from Garmin

Posted on May 17, 2016 by admin

D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot - Copy We loved the style and functionality of the D2 Bravo and are excited to introduce Garmin’s Titanium version. Offering another level of sophistication to their already fabulous watch collection, this is a sophisticated smartwatch with a premium titanium band, wrist heart rate and more.

D2 Bravo Titanium is a premium aviation GPS smartwatch that combines contemporary design with sophisticated connectivity to bring pilots and aviation enthusiasts an elite aviator watch.

With uncompromising details such as a hybrid titanium band and gunmetal bezel, sapphire lens and high-resolution color display, D2 Bravo Titanium combines the GPS wearable technology Garmin is known for with a sleek form factor suitable for activities both inside and outside of the cockpit. It also boasts new multisport activity profiles like golf and advanced fitness training, as well as the addition of Garmin Elevate™ wrist-based heart rate technology, allowing customers to measure heart rate 24/7. Additional features on D2 Bravo Titanium are also available to existing D2 Bravo customers via a free software upgrade, including the display of Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), integration of an automatic logbook and a customizable aviation watch face that allows customers to input the tail number of their aircraft.

Stylish, Rugged, Uncompromising Design

Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) hybrid titanium band and scratch- resistant sapphire lens for enhanced durability
sunlight-readable color display with an LED backlight
elevate wrist heart rate technology
water-rated to 100 meters
up to 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode, and up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode

Designed for Pilots, by Pilots

incorporates a worldwide airport database and support for up to 18 languages to meet the needs of pilots around the globe
pilots can view aviation routine weather reports (METARs) and Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs) in plain language
create flight plans, and includes both an altimeter with an adjustable barometric setting and a compass with an HSI and moving map
Direct-to and Nearest buttons along the side of the bezel allow for immediate navigation commands
customizable data fields include Estimated Time Enroute (ETE), Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) and more

Suitable for the Cockpit, Golf Course and Evening Out

suitable back-up navigator in the cockpit
multisport functions for golfing, rowing, swimming, hiking, skiing, running and more
activity tracking functions1, which count steps and provide a customized step goal each morning, while also counting calories and distance throughout the day
vibration move alert after 1 hour of inactivity along with sleep mode to monitor quality of rest at night
black silicone band included
download more than 40,000 golf courses worldwide for precise course data and use their watch as a digital scorecard

Automated Logbook Sync

Automated flight logging offers pilots a convenient way to maintain a consistent log of their flights with D2 Bravo Titanium, which also automatically syncs and stores logbook data within flyGarmin.com® as well as the Garmin Pilot™ application on a mobile device

Enhancements and Updated Price for the Original D2 Bravo

All new and current D2 Bravo owners have access to a free software upgrade that enables the display of TAFs and automated flight logging and includes the addition of new activities such as golf. A customizable watch face and option to display an aircraft tail number is also available with this new software update. The D2 Bravo software update is available now via Garmin.com

Come and visit our staff, or visit us on line here to order your new watch!

Posted in Latest & Greatest Avionics | Tagged airplane, Avionics, Canada, D2 Bravo, efis, Flight Instruments, garmin, glass cockpit systems, GPS, Helicopter, installation, Maxcraft Avionics, pilot, systems upgrades, tcas, Titanium, VHF, watch | Comments Off

2016 Aircraft Electronics Association Convention and Tradeshow

Posted on May 7, 2016 by admin

The 59th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show happened in Orlando, Florida this past week.

Last week Steve and Michael returned from the Aircraft Electronics association Convention and Tradeshow in Orlando Florida. This four day event is the largest wholesale avionics show in general aviation, with over 2,000 avionics manufacturers, repairs stations, installers and aviation professionals in attendance.

This is the biggest week in the avionics industry with more than 75 hours of training and regulatory sessions with accreditation towards TC’s and FAA’s IA renewal s. Presentations by civil aviation authorities, including the FAA, TCCA, EASA and others, share vital regulatory information with all attendees.

Equally important, AEA showcases cutting-edge new avionics products, often for the first time.

Highlights of this year’s new product introductions included….

1. GoGo Aviation announced:

A doubling of their Canadian coverage for their Air-To-Ground inflight broadband connection
New lower bundled data plans
- Starting at $39/hr for text, voice, and data (no minimums or overages)
- Vision entertainment plans from $525 to maximum $895/mth

2. Mid-Continent’s True Blue Power showed off their new TA202 Series High Power USB Charging Port

3. The TA202 Series simultaneously provides 3 amps of power per charging port. Available in single and dual USB Type-A and Type-C configurations.New antennas from Cobham for next gen transponders

4. L3 enhancements to their already successful NGT-9000 transponder

A Class B embedded terrain awareness warning system (eTaws)
ADS-B traffic advisory system (ATAS) aural alerting option

5. Avidyne continues to add features to their IFD series of GPS Flight Management Systems

Synthetic Vision (SVS) displays are available on every version of their growing line of IFD-Series GPS FMS systems.
IFD410, a GPS-only version of the IFD440
The new IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV COM with the addition of an integrated Attitude Reference System (ARS).
The new IFD100, an iPad-based application that mimics all the functionality of their IFD-Series GPS Flight Management Systems, and giving pilots a powerful new tool for managing their flight.

6. Our friends at Jupiter Avionics continue expand their product line:

JA71 Dzus blanking plate series
JA71/77 Dzus Rail switch plates with removable legends
JA72 Dsus Glove box and USB charger series
JA37 Aural message generators
JA35 remote summing amp

7. Rockwell Collins

CASP expansion with new 100 hour minimums

7. Astronautics announced a new primary Electronic Flight Instrument (EFI) for helicopters called the RoadRunner:

The RoadRunner is a form-fit-function upgrade for helicopters that increases reliability and offers operators the choice of moving from electromechanical instruments and legacy EFIs to modern digital displays. The new EFI provides operators enhanced safety, decreased operating costs, weight reduction, and minimal downtime for installation

These are just a few highlights of the many new products introduced at AEA. Please contact us at Maxcraft and we would be happy to discuss all the new technology!

Posted in Avionics News | Comments Off

Fort McMurray Wildfires

Posted on May 5, 2016 by admin

Photo courtesy of J.Franson, Canadian Press

Today our thoughts are with our friends in Northern Alberta. We send our deepest sympathies to those affected by the wildfires that have devastated Fort McMurray. We also send our thanks, respect and kudos to those who are fighting this. We salute those who go in when so many have to get out.

Stay safe.

Posted in Avionics 101 | Tagged aircraft, airplane, Canada, cockpit, devasted, efis, Flight Instruments, Fort McMurray, glass cockpit systems, GPS, Helicopters, inventory, Maxcraft Avionics, Northern Alberta, part numbers, salute, sympathies, tcas, thanks, wildfires | Comments Off

Garmin Team X Introduces GMA 245/245R Audio Panels

Posted on April 27, 2016 by admin

Combines Bluetooth® Wireless Music, Phone, 3D Audio and More

Maxcraft is delighted to see that the Garmin Team X took features from their certified panel and now incorporated into a low cost audio panel for the homebuilt / experimental aircraft.

“Garmin is pleased to announce GMA 245 and GMA 245R, all-digital, Bluetooth audio panels designed for experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA). The GMA 245 is a panel-mount audio panel with a rich set of convenient and simple-to-use controls, while the GMA 245R is a remote-mount audio panel, both designed to interface with the G3X Touch™ flight display. These Bluetooth-enabled audio panels boast superior sound quality and an impressive list of additional features such as industry-leading auto squelch, music bass boost, advanced equalizer settings, 3D Audio processing, wireless integration with the VIRB® XE action camera and more. When interfaced to the G3X Touch flight display, both audio panels introduce more capabilities that allow for convenient wireless communication and offer advanced integration potential that provides pilots with an exclusive in-flight experience.

G3X Touch Meets Bluetooth Wireless Audio

Innovative Audio Feature Set

VIRB® XE Integration

Contributing to an easy and convenient upgrade path, the GMA 245/245R is rack and pin-compatible* with the GMA 240, GMA 340 and third-party audio panels for experimental aircraft. For pilots seeking a standalone or remote-mount solution, the GMA 245/245R offers seamless integration with G3X Touch™.”

Posted in Latest & Greatest Avionics | Tagged audio panels, Avionics, Bluetooth, Canada, efis, experimental amateur build, G3X Touch, garmin, glass cockpit systems, GMA 245, GMA 245R, GPS, homebuilt, light sport aircraft, Maxcraft Avionics, pilots, tcas, Team X | Comments Off

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