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    Avidyne Announces FAA Approval of MK10 Bluetooth Keyboard for IFD440 & IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM Systems

    Dec. 14, 2015
    The MK10 Bluetooth Keyboard allows pilots to wirelessly control their panel-mounted IFD440 or IFD540 system. Bluetooth and WiFi functionality requires IFD440/IFD540 software Release 10.1.1.
    Avi Keyboard Hand 540 150 566f01f0aaa8c

    LINCOLN, MASS. – December 11, 2015 –  Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics and safety systems for general aviation aircraft, announced today that they have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval to activate the integrated WiFi and Bluetooth®  functionality on the IFD440 and IFD540 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM systems.  The MK10 Bluetooth keyboard will the first Bluetooth-enable functionality, allowing pilots to wirelessly control their panel-mounted IFD440 or IFD540 system. This approval also gives third-party tablet app developers access to both Bluetooth and Wifi data streams using Avidyne's previously-released Software Developer Kit (SDK).   Bluetooth and WiFi functionality requires IFD440/IFD540 software Release 10.1.1.

    “The MK10 Keyboard makes flying even easier by providing wireless control of many of the IFD440/ IFD540 functions,” said Tom Harper, Avidyne’s Director of Marketing.   “And because the 440 and 540 have integrated Bluetooth and WiFi capability, all current and future owners can enable this and future functionality via software, without the need to add expensive remote boxes and additional wiring.”

    “The MK10 Bluetooth keyboard is the first enablement of wireless functionality for our IFD440 and IFD540 systems,” said Dan Schwinn, Avidyne’s President & CEO.  “Enablement of the Bluetooth and WiFi data streams opens up the IFD540 and IFD440s to additional levels of system integration and ease of use.”

    Initially, the MK10 will allow remote entry of waypoints and flight plans, plus map range changing, and alpha-numeric data entry.   An upcoming release (R10.2) will enable additional MK10 functions including page and tab selection, Direct TO, and others.

    Pricing and Availability 
    The MK10 Bluetooth keyboard has a retail price of $299.   For a limited time, all customers who register (or who have registered) on www.MyAvidyne.com will receive an MK10 Keyboard at no charge.

    Bluetooth activation requires Release 10.1.1 software. The software is available at no charge for all current IFD440 and IFD540 owners, and is available through all authorized Avidyne dealers.

    Video of the Bluetooth Keyboard interaction with the IFD540 can be seen at:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p8d6EpdGpI

    About Avidyne Corporation (www.avidyne.com) 
    Avidyne’s continuing leadership in innovation and its Flying Made Simple™ system design make flying safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for pilots and their passengers. The company offers a full line of panel-mounted avionics including their new IFD540 and IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM, AMX240 audio panel, AXP322 and AXP340 Mode S Transponders with ADS-B OUT, andDFC90 digital flight control systems.  Avidyne’s product line also includes the industry-leading Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck  with DFC100 digital flight control system, datalink-capable EX600 multi-function displays, the dual-antenna TAS-A series of active traffic advisory systems with ADS-B IN,  theMLX770 world-wide datalink transceiver, and the TWX670 Tactical Weather Detection system. Headquartered in Lincoln, MA, the company has facilities in Westerville (Columbus), OH, and Melbourne, FL.