Cellular Phone Interface Launched by Teledyne with Low Kickoff Price

Teledyne Controls is marketing a device that adds ground cellular phone capability to the MagnaStar VHF inflight phone system. The company's new Cellular Phone Interface incorporates a weight-on-wheels feature that automatically disables cellular phone operation when the aircraft becomes airborne (federal regulations prohibit use of cellular phones in flight). The CPI weighs 2.8 pounds, and requires 28 VDC input. Components include connections to the MagnaStar analog interface unit and a standard MagnaStar top-mounted antenna (for the best coverage when on the ground). An introductory list price of $10,000 for the CPI is good through December 31. Another new option for the MagnaStar is a high-speed communications system. The C-2000 system will increase the communication rate to 4800 baud for single-channel operation and to 9800 baud for dual-channel operation. The current single-channel rate is 2400 baud. The option, a software upgrade only, will be available by year-end, said Teledyne. The new feature will be demonstrated at the company's Booth 6785 here.