Avionics News June 2017 - 77

appropriate for customers concerned about internet
expense and usage fees, smaller aircraft where a dedicated internet connect isn't feasible or those for which
economics don't argue in favor of expensive upgrades,
and for supplemental connectivity aboard larger aircraft.
For more information, visit airtext.aero.
SmartSky Networks
Formed in 2011, SmartSky Networks noted that its goal
is to "transform aviation using disruptive communications technologies." Later in 2017, when it rolls out its
air-to-ground network, SmartSky 4G LTE, it just may
realize that objective. The company's planned network is
designed to take advantage of its FCC-certified spectrum
reuse and advanced beamforming technologies to deliver
airborne download speeds comparable to next-generation
satellites with "unmatched" data upload rates. According
to SmartSky, its new network will eliminate the inherent
latency of satellite-based airborne internet solutions while
lowering current costs for users.

Ryan Stone, SmartSky Networks' president and director, introduced the company's new Skytelligence, "an
integrated body of tools and resources for use by aerospace apps developers, suppliers and operators" in developing network-enabled applications for aviation users.
The company said Skytelligence "helps transform data
into actionable knowledge to enhance situational awareness for the crew, resulting in improved efficiencies,
increased mission effectiveness, and enhanced safety."
SmartSky added that Skytelligence's benefits for programmers and app developers include an architecture
using application programming interfaces to facilitate
development while consolidating multiple data sources
and advanced algorithms for collaboration and interoperability. The service will allow developers to access
patented methods and systems for flight-path trajectory,
airspace modeling and more via an open framework.
According to the company, electronic flight bag applications can use that framework "to enable five-dimensional
(latitude, longitude, altitude, current time and future time
on the aircraft's route) trajectory-based operations applications and services to optimize fuel burns, save flight
time, and account in real-time for air traffic, airspace and
weather dynamics."
For more information, visit smartskynetworks.com.

Trans-Cal Industries
Trans-Cal Industries should be a common name throughout the avionics industry. The company has long been in
the business of manufacturing and selling altitude encoders and serializers, plus avionics test equipment, as well
as other products. John Ferrero, company
president and CEO, introduced
Trans-Cal's newest offering,
the SSD120-(XX)C series
of altitude digitizers/encoders,
which offer
rugged and
reliable pressure altitude
reporting.
The Trans-Cal
According to
SSD120-(XX)C
Ferrero, the new
model comes with
the same quality of Trans-Cal's
other avionics products but in a smaller package and at a lower price.
The Trans-Cal SSD120-(XX)C, or "Charlie," as Ferrero
referred to it, comes in two versions: the SSD120-30C,
with an altitude range of minus 1,000 to above 30,000 feet,
and the SSD120-35C, which extends the altitude range
to more than 35,000 feet. Both models are all solid-state
altitude encoders. They feature FAA TSO-C88a and EASA
ETSO-C88a approvals, and conform to MIL-STD-704E
and RTCA DO-160E. Both are suitable for ADS-B Out
installations and provide 10-foot-resolution serial data;
ICAO graycode only is an option.
Both versions of the Trans-Cal SSD120-(XX)C are
under 1-inch high, and weigh only 4.3 ounces. Adapter
plates also are available so either of the two new units can
be fitted into existing mounting trays from other manufacturers. The new products are pin-compatible with the
company's existing and legacy products. Trans-Cal offers
a 42-month warranty - the longest in the industry, according to the company - on the two new encoders, and the
company offers direct replacement for covered failures: a
brand-new unit, with a brand-new warranty.
Operating voltage requirements range from +10 to
+33v DC. Standard operating temperature range is
from minus 20 to 70 degrees Celsius (minus 4 to 158
degrees Fahrenheit). Connector choices include standard
D-subminiature style or cylindrical connectors for miliContinued on following page
avionics news

june

2017

http://www.airtext.aero http://www.smartskynetworks.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News June 2017