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Teledyne Launches SmartCabin Office
In the past few years, ground connectivity has become
a highly sought-after modification, and Teledyne Controls has
now taken this "flying office" concept to a new level
with its SmartCabin Office.
SmartCabin Office is a partnership between EMS Technologies, Inmarsat, Miltope,
Raytheon, Verizon, and DAC International that enables operators
to fully integrate a network of global voice and high-speed data
communications.
When the complete system is installed, users can browse the Internet,
videoconference, access an office or personal private network, send
and receive faxes and e-mails, and make and receive voice calls,
all while en route worldwide.
"Over the past year, we have worked diligently to bring together
all the required elements from leading technology companies to
form a strategic alliance," said Matthew Wing, Teledyne Controls
marketing director.
At the heart of the system is the MagnaStar airborne telephone
system. "Until recently, MagnaStar and other inflight phones
were the offices of the sky," said Wing. Manufactured by
Raytheon and distributed exclusively by Teledyne, MagnaStar is
installed on over 3,000 aircraft and provides voice and data connection
over a Verizon Airfone network in North America or is interfaced
to satcom systems, such as Aero-H.
When MagnaStar is combined with an HSD-128 high gain antenna system,
voice and high-speed data services are available over two separate
channels, decreasing download times. However, due to the antennas'
size/weight, the system is limited to larger corporate jets.
In addition, the system can be outfitted with an optional third
communication link-the SmartCabin GroundLink. This is a high-bandwidth
"terrestrial" data device that uses commercial cellular
technology.
Like the HSD, GroundLink interfaces to the cabin LAN and provides
high-speed data connectivity, but operates only while the aircraft
is on the ground.
"Therefore, GroundLink serves as the primary data connection
for people who use their aircraft as an occasional remote office
while sitting at the airport," said Wing.
Managing all of these data communication devices is accomplished
through the system's CommServer and Wireless Access Service Point
(WASP).
The CommServer is an aircraft communications file server that
manages the Ethernet LAN. The CommServer can network all onboard
passengers' computers and provide an interface to the SmartCabin.
Since the SmartCabin is more Internet technology-driven than avionics-driven,
Teledyne is holding information seminars where users can find
out more about installation considerations, technical capabilities
and integration solutions for existing hardware. The meetings
will be held in Room 306B on Sept. 10 at 2:00 p.m., and on Sept.
11 and Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
By Dave Benoff
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