More and more pilots are in need of a general aviation aircraft USB power solution.
With the rise of flying and navigation aids like ForeFlight and other aviation apps, tablets, smart phones and other devices have become commonplace in the cockpit. Thankfully, Guardian Avionics has heard the pleas and is set to release a new line of USB power solutions for both panel mounted and remote mounted applications.
Guardian’s new iFDR Power 250 series provides reliable power conversion, bringing 9 to 48 VDC systems down to 5 VDC at 2.1 amps (10 watts). This allows for the safe charging of most consumer electronics, such as the iPhone and iPad, through a USB-A connection. The iFDR Power 250 models were designed to be used as both stand-alone units or integrated with Guardian’s panel mount line for iPhones and iPads.
Ash Vij, president of Guardian Avionics, had this to say about the line:
“Pilots and aircraft owners have struggled with makeshift methods of powering their tablets and phones in flight for years. The iFDR Power 250 line offers a great solution to cut down on the cable clutter and provide safe and reliable power to keep you charged and connected at altitude.” Vij added that “We designed these units to provide safe and reliable power at all times. Each unit has been designed with a feedback loop to keep the current stable and adjust automatically from 1 to 2.1 amps — fully able to power most consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets, GPS units and receivers, and POV cameras.”
More Details On the iFDR Power 250 Line
The new line will contain three models, designed to fit the needs in most cockpits, including experimental and/or home-built aircraft. The iFDR Power 250-101 requires only a .785” square cutout in your existing panel and has two USB-A power connections.
The iFDR Power 250-201 is a remote mounted model, and can be installed behind the panel to provide two hard-wired positions to add USB power directly to a component. It can also provide a lightning cable connection for the iFDR Panel Mounts for iPhone 6 and 6+.
And finally, the iFDR Power 250-301, also a remote mounted dual USB-A unit, is designed to mount directly on the iFDR Panel Mounts for use with iPad Mini and iPad Air/Pro 9.7-in. It also provides power to the Lightning cable port on the mount, as well as an additional remote USB power connection.
iFDR Power 250-301
Ordering and Availability
Deliveries for the iFDR Power 250 series will begin July 25th, and you can place an advanced order on the Guardian Avionics website. The iFDR Power 250-101 and 250-201 models are currently going for $239, and the 250-301 is going for $249. In addition, if you’re interested in finding out more, Guardian Avionics will have the full aircraft USB power solution line on display at EAA’s AirVenture 2016, running from July 25-31. They will be located in Hangar C, Booth 3143 and will be taking orders for the line there as well.
Featured Image: Ryan Blanding
