Suppliers have announced recent innovations designed to improve communications and support situational awareness in the cockpit, including the products listed below.

Enhanced Engine Indicator

Garmin announced an update to its GI 275 engine indication system (EIS). The update includes enhanced display layouts that optimize display space and show more engine data on a single page, ultimately helping pilots quickly view essential engine, fuel and electrical data.

Improved GI 275 graphical information and gauges are used to help pilots dynamically visualize sensor data and accurately assess the aircraft’s engine performance. The touchscreen user interface now features page shortcuts that allow the pilot to switch pages with just a single touch of the display. Other enhancements include a new Flight Summary Page, Engine Percent Power display, EIS page shortcuts, and user customizable EIS fields.

The GI 275 EIS is designed to take advantage of the common 3.125-in. flight instrument size, reducing installation time and preserving the existing aircraft panel. Its high-resolution touchscreen display and wide viewing angle offers superior readability in the cockpit, says Garmin. New GI 275 EIS capabilities will be available in August 2021 via a software update.
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Satellite Communications Device

ACR Electronics unveiled the ACR Bivy Stick, a two-way satellite communication device, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin.

Working anywhere with a view of the sky with 100% global satellite coverage, the 4.5 x 1.8-inch device is designed for aviators and outdoor adventurers when paired with a smartphone. It features a high-power antenna for reliable connectivity and frequent use, with two-way text satellite communication enabling the user to send text messages to phone numbers or email addresses, as well as share and track location.

The ACR Bivy Stick includes a dedicated check-in button for updating friends and family with a preset message at a specific location. There is an SOS button to contact rescue services in an emergency, with SOS also available through the ACR Bivy Stick app.

Available for a retail price of $349.95, the ACR Bivy Stick allows users to pay for only the months they use the device, with no annual contract or activation fee required. The easiest option is an unlimited fee of $49.99 per month, says ACR Electronics.
ACR: https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/acr-electronics-inc

Bluetooth Adaptor For Cirrus Aircraft

FlightData Solutions of Henderson, Nevada, has introduced the BlueMAX, a Bluetooth adaptor, for Garmin Perspective-equipped Cirrus piston aircraft.

The BlueMax enables wireless streaming of aircraft data to a portable device. When paired with FlightData’s free BlueMAX mobile app, the user's iOS or Android mobile device becomes a portable multifunction display. Aircraft systems and navigational data are automatically logged in real-time and transferred to the internet.

Originally developed for Avidyne Entegra-equipped Cirrus aircraft, BlueMAX is compatible with a growing list of aircraft, including most Avydyne-equipped piston aircraft. With the addition of the Cirrus Perspective, the device now is compatible with all Cirrus SR series (SR20, SR22, SR22T) aircraft from G1 to G5.

FlightData Solutions sells the Garmin Perspective BlueMAX for $995. Installation can be completed in less than an hour, the company says.
FlightData: https://marketplace.aviationweek.com/company/flightdata