What's New -- Products and Services

This month AVweb's survey of the latest products and services for pilots, mechanics and aircraft owners brings you a heated wing de-icer, a diesel engine for Cessna 172s, a multi-tool with universal socket and more.

If you know of a new product or service other AVweb readers should hear about, please send us a note.

Avidyne EX500 Updates

Avidyne has released version 3.0 of the software for EX500 multifunction displays (MFDs).

EX500 MFDs now can display XM WX storm tracks, hail alerts, TAFs, winds aloft and freezing levels. In addition, support for USB memory sticks simplifies Jeppesen NavData and Avidyne CMax Jeppesen JeppView approach chart updates. Release 3.0 also prevents XM WX service disruption inadvertently caused by XM de-activation signals.

Release 3.0 software upgrades are priced at $345. Avidyne MFDs are field upgradeable through Avidyne authorized service centers.

For more information visit the Avidyne Web site.

RDD Term-X De-Ice System

Until now thermo-electric de-ice technology has not been available for general aviation aircraft so alternative solutions were created to keep wings free from ice. Therm-X is the heated leading-edge inadvertent-ice protection alternative to pneumatic boots and glycol solutions.

Therm-X has no moving parts other than an alternator, requires no de-icing solution and provides an inexhaustible supply of ice protection.

Therm-X consists of a graphite foil laminate applied to the leading edge of the wing and horizontal stabilizer. Electronic heating elements embedded within the laminate are powered by a 75-volt/100-amp alternator. The result is 7500 watts of digitally controlled and ground-fault-protected energy in two heating zones to keep the wings free of ice in unexpected icing encounters. The leading edge "parting zone" receives constant heat while the "shed zone" is managed by a digital controller to receive a heated cycle to disbond ice so it can be aerodynamically whisked away, to prevent runback.

Therm-X is available for a variety of experimental aircraft and is being offered for a limited time at $21,595. (The introductory price will rise about $2400 after Sun 'n Fun ends on April 23, 2007.)

For more information visit the RDD Web site.

Sporty's Windshield Care Kit

Sporty's has assembled a Windshield Care Kit with cleaner, polish and cloths suited for aircraft use. The Kit can be kept in a flight bag or in the airplane for everyday use.

Developed specifically for aviation use, Sporty's Windshield Care Kit contains one can of foaming cleaner designed not to run or drip, one can of polish to remove fine scratches and 50 Dupont Sontara window wipes. These are the same products used at Sporty's FBO and flight school. Each component is also available individually, so refills can be ordered without having to purchase an entire kit.

Sporty's Windshield Care Kit is available for $24.95. A deluxe bag is available for $12.95 and can be personalized for additional cost. Visit Sporty's Web site for details.

Thielert Centurion 2.0 Now FAA Certified for C172

The installation of the kerosene, piston, aircraft engine Centurion 2.0 in certain models of the Cessna 172 has now been certified in the U.S. The Centurion 2.0 is a 135 HP, 2.0-liter engine. The engine has four inline cylinders and a turbocharger.

The STC for the Centurion 2.0 allows installation in the Cessna production series 172 F to S and (French production) F 172 F to P. The Centurion 2.0 was certified for the C172 in Europe last fall.

The FAA certifications are of particular importance on the world aviation market, since they are acknowledged by most countries in Africa and Asia without further intensive testing. The availability of leaded aviation gasoline (avgas) for conventional engines is extremely limited in many of these countries; the Centurion engines are fueled with kerosene (jet fuel) and are thus not affected by the scarcity of avgas.

For more information visit the Thielert Web site.

Sporty's GPS Techniques DVD Updated

Two GPS programs from Sporty's Pilot Shop -- GPS En Route and GPS Approaches -- have been updated and expanded.

GPS En Route emphasizes flight plan functions and shows ways this can make your flying safer and more efficient when dealing with busy terminal areas, weather, TFRs, and special use airspace.

GPS En Route demonstrates how unapproved GPS units, even handhelds, can be useful when IFR as well as when flying VFR. The DVD introduces T-routes -- the domestic, low-altitude RNAV routes -- and what they can do for you. The program includes a demonstration of VNAV, a vertical navigation tool found on many handhelds and panel mounts.

Although GPS En Route is not intended as a tutorial on any specific model, this DVD features the most popular GPS receivers today including the Garmin G1000, 430, 530, 396, 496 and the King KLN-94.

The second program is GPS Approaches, which includes a new section on WAAS approaches. Richard Collins demonstrates how to fly these new procedures, which offer ILS-like vertical guidance and lower minimums to hundreds of airports.

A combination of in-cockpit footage and computer graphics illustrates the differences between LNAV/VNAV, LPV and ILS and shows what to watch for on the new WAAS approach charts. Now in its fifth edition, GPS Approaches discusses the various approach modes, how and when to use automatic waypoint selection, potential traps on the GPS missed approach and more.

The GPS Techniques DVD includes both GPS En Route and GPS Approaches and is available for $25. All Air Facts programs may be downloaded for $9.95 each with a 25% discount for four or more. To purchase these programs and download, visit Sporty's Web site.

Approach Aviation Multi-Tool w/Universal Socket

Approach Aviation has released the new Pocket Mechanic with Universal Socket Kit. This all-in-one aircraft multi-tool is heavy-duty, compact and can be used for emergency maintenance tasks.

The Pocket Mechanic has many fold-out tools including full-size pliers with wire-cutter, four screwdrivers, file, scissors, knife and wire stripper. The pliers have a locking feature with a 3/8" drive adapter for use with the included universal socket or other standard sockets. The universal socket fits over 400 different nuts, bolts and fasteners. Its precision-pin design automatically adjusts to fit 1/4"-3/4" nuts and will also grip a variety of wing buts, bolt heads, etc. In addition the Pocket Mechanic has a built-in LED flashlight and nylon carrying case.

Retail pricing for the Pocket Mechanic w/Universal Socket Kit is $59.95. It can be purchased directly from Approach Aviation on their Web site.

AvMaster Relay

The AvMaster Relay is a self-contained, fail-safe relay package that has been developed to protect expensive radio gear. Like a surge protector, AvMaster Relays protects aviation radios from voltage spikes within the aircraft's electrical system.

The AvMaster Relay eliminates the need for a backup avionics master and provides four, parallel, relay-controlled circuits allowing for individual fusing that separates each item in the avionics stack. This protects against the kind of power surges that can occur when activating electric fuel pumps, flaps or landing gear.

AvMaster manufactures relays for 14- and 28-volt systems and both sell for $89 from Aircraft Spruce & Specialty.

ChartGEEK Digital Sectionals for Google Earth

ChartGEEK takes current FAA / NACO sectional and terminal area charts and digitally stretches and twists them to fit the surface of the earth for use in Google Earth. The charts are then packaged for delivery to you by download or on DVDs.

They are designed to allow you to "see" details of your next flight, including airspaces, weather, and airways. By fading out the chart, you can see the view of the airport where you'll land.

For more information and a video demonstration visit the ChartGEEK Web site.