I will admit that I have/had my doubts about this system (which can viewed earlier in this thread). And I will be the very first to step up and say that I had my doubts about this system. However, while covering XFC the weekend before last I had a chance to stop by their booth and visit with them. I was impressed enough to walk away with a unit tucked under my arm to review for RCU. Now I will admit that I still think that they student should still be standing right beside the instructor, and that a cord is still good for that purpose. But after visiting with them I see that there are may uses for this device that goes beyond the basic "buddy box" setup.
On the trianing side, here are some situations where I can see this device being good
</p><ul>[*]The student has a different brand of radio than the instructor. WIth this system both radios can be used and the student will not have to purchase a new buddy box and cord to train.[*]the student can train on the radio his is going to use after he solos.[*]the training radio isn't limited to the basic 4 channels that a buddy box is. Since the second radio is independant it is a full radio with all of it's functions. so any of the other channels being used can be used by the student. the current system is only 6 channels, but they are coming out with a system with more channels in it.[*]Higher level aerobatics can be trained with this system. way above the basic training level, but still a training function.[/list]
</p>
some things that I can see above the training level that can be used here</p><ul>[*]pilot challanges. two pilots on the same plane. Play a sort of HORSE game in the air. First pilot does a maneuver, turns over control to second pilot who then tries to duplicate the maneuver[*]as I said above, advanced aerobatics training can be done.[/list]
One thing that I liked about the system is that it also has failsafes built in. Since the system works off of a channel on the "master" radio it's very simple to program a failsafe to turn that channel on if reception is lost. that way the system will switch over to the second radio who will then have full control. The system works with ANY radio. 27 mhz, 72 mhz, 35 mhz, 6 meter, and 2.4 ghz. They can be mixed and matched in the system without worries, both will work.
so far I do see some downsides. The need to install two receivers can be limiting in some planes. there is a lot of wires and extensions to deal with as well.
Now don't get me wrong, these are all first impressions from simply talking with them at their booth. I'm sure I'll figure out more as I get into the review. But for now I've at least partially changed my mind from my earlier statements. More to come as I dig into the product.
Ken</p>
</p>
</p>