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EMTEQ is introducing the 3X Series, a new standard for white wash lighting for corporate cabin upgrades. In addition to enhanced performance, the 3X Series represents an easier way to upgrade to LED lighting through a unique “bypass” installation option.
The 3X Series uses cutting edge LED and lens technology, and the new-aged LED is hyper-efficient with incredible colour consistency and unmatched color blending. Furthering the color quality, EMTEQ is using a next generation lens that creates a homogeneous output while not diminishing the intensity of the light. The wider beam spread of the light gives the cabin a fuller appearance.
“Over 10 years ago, EMTEQ jumpstarted the transition to LED lighting aboard executive aircraft with the introduction of the ELW30, a product with over 2300 orders.” stated Peter Tessmann, product manager for the 3X Series. “Keeping our customers who know and love the ELW30 in mind, we have done that again with the introduction of the 3X Series.”
The most significant advantage to the 3X Series is the installation flexibility. The 3X Series can be installed as either a minor modification or as part of a full modification.
While you can opt to remove the ballasts and power supplies, saving on weight in the aircraft, it is not necessary to install the 3X Series. The light has a regulated power supply which allows it to deliver steady light output when operating directly off of 28VDC aircraft power. The installation uses existing wiring bypassing the ballasts eliminating them as a failure point in lighting systems.
“Right now there is a curiosity towards an LED light that can run off the ballast and be a “drop-in” solution. The problem with this is that over time the ballast can become damaged because of the way fluorescent tubes interact with them,” explained Tessmann. “With a failure of these new systems, you do not know if it is the light or ballast until you dig a little deeper. And worse yet, the ballast are often remote from the light source. The 3X Series bypasses the ballast eliminating that as a failure point.”
The 3X Series line includes built in step dimming and variable dimming options. The 3X Series is also designed with compatibilities to the ELW30 for the ease of existing customers. It will utilize the same mounting clips eliminating the need to change clip inventory or learn new install methods. The 3X Series will also offer expanded length and color options.
EMTEQ has also recently certified a water heater modification kit as a solution in response to the Transport Canada CASA 2014-01 issued on Jan. 28, 2014.
A safety concern has arisen regarding aircraft equipped with General Dynamics Aviation Services (GDAS) (formerly KC Aviation) galley or lavatory water heaters installed under FAA STC SA696GL and/or SA4370SW with at least six known events.
These water heaters may have been installed on, but not limited to, Canadair Challenger, Gulfstream GII, GIII, GIV, Hawker 700/800 and in a wide variety of aircraft outside of the STC using a FAA Airworthiness Approval Tag 8130-3 and identified as assembly part number 444-0007 or installation part number 500-0120-7.0.
EMTEQ’s water heater modification kit replaces heating and insulation components of GDAS water heater (P/N/ 444-0007). The kit will eliminate potential overheat and scalding hazards, and is a less expensive, less labor-intensive option to replacing the entire tank and heater.
EMTEQ’s kit for Bombardier CL600 aircraft is Transport Canada (SA10-9), EASA (10029833) and FAA (ST6606NY) certified. The kit is also designed for Hawker 125, Dassault Falcon F50, F200, Gulfstream G1159/G1159B, GIV, Lockheed Jetstar, Jetstar 2, Jetstream 4101, and Sikorsky S76.
In other news, EMTEQ’s QUASAR II Full Spectrum Mood Lighting System is successfully setting the mood having shipped and installed over 5000 feet over 2013 and 2014. QUASAR II brings vivid colors and dynamic scenes to the business aviation market through advanced technology allowing for simpler installation. The lower cost of QUASAR II is making mood lighting more attainable for business aircraft. Recent installations include several Bombardier Global aircraft as well as Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
“EMTEQ’s QUASAR mood lighting was a first in the industry in 2006 – but we have recently been seeing a shift in the market with a lot more interest to install mood lighting,” said Kariann Thon, EMTEQ’s corporate business development manager. “QUASAR mood lighting is a step further than LED lighting and makes the cabin uniquely theirs.”
EMTEQ’s QUASAR II system is a 115VAC system designed with EMTEQ’s Cabin Logic Network Protocol (CLNP). This built in logic simplifies installation eliminating the need for external power supplies and control boxes. This smart lighting system easily integrates with Cabin Management Systems and has been integrated with Rockwell Collins, PGA, CCC, and IDAir and is currently being integrated with Flight Displays and Honeywell. It has also be installed with EMTEQ’s eConnect system acting as a lighting controller in place of integrating into a CMS system.
The advanced design of QUASAR II with two inch node resolution, allows it to create highly customizable scenes with dynamic colors and intensity levels. EMTEQ has completed several installations including complex scenes unique to individual customers. These scenes take mood lighting to the next level adding to the ambience in the cabin.
EMTEQ has also announced its eConnect system has been successfully installed on over nine platforms ranging from very light jets and large business jets – including Legacy 600, Global XRS, CRJ-200 aircraft – to narrow-body airliners including Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft.
“EMTEQ’s eConnect system fills a gap in the market for customers that want short downtimes and low cost HD upgrades,” shared Thon. “Customers are responding very positively to the flexibility of our system.”
eConnect’s suite of solutions provides many flexible options for installation including EASYHD by eConnect and Connectivity by eConnect in as little as two-six weeks.
EASYHD by eConnect brings high definition to the aircraft through a cost effective upgrade integrating into the existing system or through adding new equipment. It provides wireless control through personal electronic devices including wireless AVOD options.
Connectivity by eConnect is a wireless router allowing access to the aircraft’s SATCOM system throughout the cabin with advanced business applications and software for increased throughput and decreased data costs.
In addition to aftermarket EASYHD and Connectivity upgrades for business aircraft, eConnect has been installed as a lighting controller on multiple airliners, and is the selected CMS/IFE system for upcoming OEM production programs.
eConnect has received FAA, EASA, and TCCA certifications for installation on multiple platforms with several additional certifications pending. Certifications have been completed by EMTEQ’s engineering & certification teams, as well as by third parties installing the system.
A recent certification was completed by RUAG Aerospace Services GmbH for a dual channel Swift Broadband upgrade including EMTEQ’s eConnect Wi-Fi Router and Satcom1 AvioIP communication software enabling advanced communication features on a Bombardier Global. This upgrade was certified under EASA STC with FAA and TCCA approvals. More information can be found at www.sofia.aero under approval number 360C-CN.
