Avidyne Expands Safety Suite with Weather Datalink Receiver

Avidyne Corporation is introducing a datalink designed to receive WSI weather information, which further expands the range of safety-related weather options available for its MFD (multi-function display) products.  The unit is also capable of receiving SIRIUS satellite radio programming.

The MLB700 is the latest sensor product from Avidyne's Safety Systems Group, joining its new TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system (see related story) and its TAS600 series traffic awareness systems.  Avidyne was also the first to offer datalink-radar overlay capability on its MFDs.

The MLB700 system receives WSI InFlight weather data products including its NOWrad radar mosaic and datalink lighting from USPLN (U.S. precision lightning network), all of which can displayed on Avidyne EX5000 and EX500 MFDs.

Optionally, the MLB700 delivers 130 channels of SIRIUS radio programming over an aircraft audio system that can been be operated with Avidyne's RC70 remote control from anywhere in the aircraft.  The control includes an LCD (liquid crystal display) that shows the category/channel name, channel number, artist name, song title or program information, plus presets, signal and battery strength.

The MLB700 with data and digital audio capability is $5,495, and includes the RC70 wireless remote control.  A data-only version of the MLB700 is also available with prices starting at $4,745.  Avidyne says customers can save an additional $500 on the MLB700 when it is purchased in combination with an EX500 or as part of an MHAS6000 package.  Customers who purchase an Avidyne weather subscription by December 31, 2007 may also qualify for a one-year subscription to WSI's Pilot Briefing Online service at no additional cost.

Subscription plans for the MLB700 include Avidyne Essentials Plan at $29.99 per month that includes NOWrad, lightning data from USPLN and textual U.S. weather reports.  The Avidyne Performance Plan, at $39.99 per month, also includes storm track and lighting data, continental U.S. AIRMETs (airmen's meteorological information) and SIGMETs (significant meteorological information), as well as winds and temperatures aloft.  There is a $99 activation fee for each plan.  07-31-2007.

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