Cockpit! A place where even the smallest and the faintest of the sounds matter and every sound from audio panel has a unique importance, audio avionics plays a crucial role. In such a niche branch of Avionics, Mitch Stinson the President of Jupiter Avionics talks about the future of audio avionics, challenges to make a near-perfect audio panel and work culture of Jupiter avionics, in an exclusive interview with Swati. Ketkar ..
Q - In a rapidly developing technology coupled with an equally aggressive & competitive market how does Jupiter Avionics strive to provide the latest and most advanced products in the stipulated time frame?
A - Jupiter Avionics has a well-deserved reputation for producing innovative and high quality products in very short time scales. We are able to do so because our engineering procedures are streamlined and efficient. Our team of engineers are free to use their extensive experience in the field and with previous designs to quickly develop new products, without the drag of excessive bureaucracy that burdens many larger companies.
Q - Can you explain in brief the role of an audio controller and how is JAC's latest Dual Remote Audio Controller different from the ordinary controller?
A - An audio controller is a centralized audio management system that distributes and controls all transceiver, receiver and alert audio in an aircraft. It can either be a stand-alone panel-mount unit or a remote box connected to one or more control panels. Jupiter's JRAC2 Dual Remote Audio Controller is designed for operation with two controllers, either of which can be a Jupiter control panel such as the JCP3, a multi-function display, or a Bluetooth-enabled smart device. It supports up to 10 COM transceivers, 4 NAV receivers, and 4 direct audio inputs. It also incorporates a 10 Watt speaker amplifier and a 3 channel aural message generator. The unit supports up to 8 users with 4 users having transmit capability. It can be configured to support either low or high impedance headsets. By using our ProCS Windows-based application, configuration settings may be quickly changed using a PC, even when the unit is installed in the aircraft. The settings can be stored and used to "clone" the setup in multiple aircraft. In addition, the control panel legends are changeable to allow easy and fast customization.
Q - Do the latest state-of-the-art audio panels have the capacity to prioritize the communication sounds based on urgency of the situation?
A - The ability to prioritize sounds based on their urgency requires an expert human operator. What a good audio panel will provide is an effective and user-friendly layout to allow the operator to quickly and simply perform those actions. Functions must not be buried in nested menus or require the operator to adjust multiple controls. Jupiter's panel layouts are field-proven and accepted as standard by major fleet operators throughout the world. We also offer the JA35 Audio Mixer, which has the capability to prioritize warning audio. The audio prioritization, which must be decided upon at the time of installation, helps minimize pilot overload when multiple alerts are active at the same time.
Q - In the fast-evolving audio avionics technology, where do you see the future of JAC about 5 years from now?
A - We fully expect that within 5 years Jupiter will be considered the go-to company for all audio avionics solutions. As we continue to introduce leading edge products and technology, we will make major inroads into the large OEM market, displacing companies that are unable to provide the long-term cost-effective support that is Jupiter's forte.
Q - In the cockpit, where audio accuracy is razor-sharp leaving no room for error, can you tell us some of the challenges faced to make a near-perfect audio panel?
A - First, the audio must be crystal clear and free from crosstalk and external noise. Whether a system is analog or digital is not as important as the actual quality of the audio. Second is the user interface. The controls must be selected and placed to make the user's job as easy as possible. Third are the environmental considerations. As with all avionics, audio panels must meet stringent requirements with respect to vibration, temperature, altitude, humidity, RF susceptibility, emissions, and many other environmental categories. Finally, all of that has to be accomplished with the smallest unit possible, as weight and panel space are both at a premium!