MENTOR RADIO ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCTS FOR AIRPORT GROUND SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS

CLEVELAND, (January 2012) – Mentor Radio announces the availability of new products for airport ground support communications.  We are taking orders for our new M2115 radio.  The M2115 offers versatility using the same M2115 unit as both a transceiver (M2115-M) and base station (M2115B).  It offers all the performance and reliability of older Mentor Radio products, plus newer features that characterize the company’s evolution.

The M2115 offers secure, synthesized tuning with password protected configuration, programs up to 255 channels with up to 64 authorized users and no more crystals to replace!  The M2115 interfaces with today’s technology allowing you to use a USB port to interface with your PDA, laptop, and/or Bluetooth to reduce the “lag time” when relaying important information for “real-time” communications.  All these features are accessed via a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing for quick changes to the operation of the M2115 through any computer serial interface.  Our M2115 acts as mobile repeater when used with a Bluetooth wireless headset, allowing for out-of-vehicle operation, offering uninterrupted communications because it reduces environmental noise in high noise environments, allows hands free operation and extends use range. GPS tracking is built-in the receiver of the radio and is used with either single or dual radios. VHF only; allows you to download data perfect for asset allocation/scheduling.  When used with optional second UHF, LMR Radio, you can transmit voice and data between vehicles and the base unit, as well as, track vehicle locations from your base station in “real-time;” ideal in low visibility applications, operator training, and restricted areas helping to improve safety.  Has adjustable transmit power enabling you to match the power to your licensing authorization - 10, 25 & 50 amp availability.  Supports 25 kHz (US) and 8.33 kHz (EU) channel spacing. Plus many more features, see our brochure, offering the most versatile radio in the market.   

Call 216-265-2315 to order your unit(s) today!

(Download M2115 Brochure)

CLEVELAND, (March, 2011)  Mentor Radio, in keeping with it's commitment to it's customers, is offering the MB-R base radio as a replacement for it's aging Model MB base radio.  Mentor Radio is currently developing a new product line of digital airport radios that will significantly change the paradigm of airport ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communications; due for release in 2011.  This stop gap solution allows customers to maintain compatibility with existing installations, as well as, allow for continued use of their equipment once the new digital equipment becomes available.  

Future upgrading to our new M2115-B,  allows reusing the MB-R as an external power amplifier which contains a high efficiency, switching power supply to operate the internal PA-25 amplifier, as a “stand alone” external radio frequency power amplifier.  This increases the M2115-B transmitter power from 10 to 25 watts of power without any additional cost.  Additional features not available in the Model MB include a transmitter time-out timer which shuts down the transmitter after 30 seconds of continuous transmission.  This “frees” the channel from a “hot mic” condition.  It also prolongs the life of the transmitter by providing a cooling down period. We also add a red transmit LED to indicate transmit status. And when used with the M2115-B, it includes a transmit power sensor for closed loop power control. 

MENTOR RADIO ADDS EXTERNAL RF POWER AMPLIFIERS,  EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES TO PRODUCT LINE

CLEVELAND, (January, 2011)  Mentor Radio has added a family of RF power amplifiers and power supplies to its product line that has many advantages and applications.  Our PA-25-E is an external power amplifier.  When connected to any radio, the PA-25-E will boost your radio frequency power to a maximum of 25 watts.  Our PA-25 is an RF power amplifier that can be connected to either a base radio or a mobile radio.  When connected to a mobile, it offers any handheld the option for "in-vehicle" high power communications.  When connected to a base radio like our M15B, a 5 watt radio, it can upgrade their M15B to generate up to 25 watts of transmitter power with a minimum investment.

In an effort to support our external RF power amplifiers and our new line of digital radio products, a family of external power supply products were created.  Mentor Radio now offers the PS-200, PS-320, and the PS-450 power supplies.  These power supplies convert AC power into suitable DC power for use in appropriate external equipment.  The PS-200 produces 200 watts at 13.8VDC.  When connected to Mentor Radio's new mobile radio, model M2115-M, it converts it into a base station radio. This allows operating a mobile radio from any wall AC power source from 88-265 VAC for use anywhere, yet has a quick disconnect feature so it can serve as a mobile radio when needed.  The PS-320 produces 320 watts at 28VDC to power the PA-25 external radio frequency power amplifier. The PS-320 is also utilized in the MB-R base radio transceiver.  The PS-450 produces 450 watts of power at 28VDC for use with a new external RF power amplifier capable of transmitting 50 watts of carrier power.

The PS-200, PS-320 and the PS-450 are all physically identical and have the same installation connections. Only the power is different. 

CALL US TO LEARN HOW THESE PRODUCTS CAN IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS AT YOUR FACILITY. 

UPGRADE PROGRAM CELEBRATES SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR M15-25 BASE STATION

CLEVELAND, (October, 10, 2010)  The M15-25 is celebrating a significant milestone, its 15^th anniversary!  Since its introduction in 1995, it has provided reliable communication throughout the aviation industry.  To celebrate this milestone we are offering a program that will extend the life of your unit and provide you with continued reliable communications for years to come.

 Communication is critical.  Keeping your equipment working is vital in any economy and for many in this economy; new equipment is not in the budget.  Therefore, Mentor Radio is offering a preventative maintenance program to upgrade your M15-25.  The upgrade program replaces high failure items and adds features to ensure longer mean time between failure of those items.  Units that have been in use for a while, of course, are subject to a higher probability of failure and greater than 50% of the repairs Mentor Radio does are for failed RF power amplifiers or failed power supplies.  A failed power supply costs at least $500 to repair and a failed amplifier costs at least $1,300, plus downtime. 

 In this upgrade program, we replace the PA25 power amplifier with a newly designed amplifier and the heavy analog 46VDC power supply with a highly efficient and lightweight 28VDC power supply.  In addition, we have added a “stuck mic” timeout feature that shuts down the transmitter and flashes an LED to indicate a “stuck mic” has occurred after 30 seconds of continuous transmission.  These changes increase the reliability of your unit.  In addition, because of our belief in this program, we give your existing unit a new 1-year warranty*!  Finally, for customers who need backup equipment, we offer a loaner program allowing you continuous communications while the upgrade is performed.

 The upgrade program costs $750.  Units are turned around in under two weeks.  The upgrade is fully warranted and is backed by one of the oldest companies in the avionics communications industry.  Call us today at 216-265-2315 to discuss how we can renew your old M15-25 base station!  Preventative Maintenance now will save you $$$ - Upgrade Today!

NEW RADIO CONTROLLER FROM MENTOR RADIO PROVIDES USER PROGRAMMABLE FREQUENCIES, INCREASED SAFETY

CLEVELAND, (Jan 19, 2010) – Mentor Radio announces the introduction of the new M2115RCU Radio Controller (RCU), also known as Pilot Controlled Lighting (PCL), Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting (ARCAL) or Pilot Activated Lighting (PAL). The new controller operates in either the aviation VHF band (118-137MHz) or in the marine VHF band (155-157MHz) and is available in a certified FAA unit. The aviation unit allows for unattended, air-to-ground radio control using standard communications radios to operate and control approach and runway end lights, taxi lights, hanger doors or any other application where remote operation is desired. The marine controller can be used to control horns, lights, and other waterway markers from inside the vessel.

The M2115RCU offers all the performance and reliability of older Mentor Radio products, plus newer features that characterize the company’s evolution. Synthesized tuning, no more crystals to replace! User programmable frequency and sensitivity from your PC! Operational security, ensured by password protection! All these features are accessed via a simple Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing for quick changes to the operation of the M2115RCU through any computer serial interface. The M2115RCU operates like it predecessor with the same mutually exclusive 3, 5, and 7 clicks to activate protocol. The unit has power status and relay status LED’s along with a test button allowing you to test the receiver and controller circuits without radio inputs. The controller offers 8 different time out values: no timeouts, 10 seconds (used for testing units), 5, 10, 15, 30, 45 & 60 minutes. Available in 8 and 12 hour timeouts intervals upon special request.

In addition to the new look and user interface the M2115RCU provides for additional features not available in any other RCU. Restore from power loss effortlessly! The RCU automatically returns to the same operating condition that it was on when the power was lost, significantly increasing flight crew safety. Operates from any available power source! The RCU can operate from 10VDC, 12VDC, 24VDC, 30VDC, 115VAC, 230VAC or from a solar panel with a battery back-up system for longer life and minimum maintenance. This flexibility is especially helpful when the flying approach is to a remote airfield or where the choice for power is limited. Finally, the RCU can be made with lightning protection available for both AC line input and antenna input. (Standard on all FAA certified units.)

The M2115RCU can be configured to meet a tight budget or the most demanding control applications. The base unit comes with a single relay for control and a basic 12” x 6” fiberglass, weatherproof, NEMA enclosure with built-in mounting holes, which can be expanded to three relays, any type of power interface, and an easy accessible enclosure.

(Download M2115RCU Brochure)

About Mentor Radio

Mentor Radio is one of the oldest aviation communications equipment manufacturers in the country with over 50 years of continuous service to the aviation industry. Located at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Mentor Radio is an independently owned and operated company. Our goal is to produce a highly reliable and affordable line of aviation band radio receivers, transmitters and transceivers, that allow our customers to meet the stringent requirements needed to operate at airports. Mentor Radio also produces and supplies specialized products. We have a wide selection of radio control equipment for various types of pilot operated devices from airport runway lighting to private hanger doors. In addition to our OEM products, we provide a wide array of accessories, including remote control interface components such as consoles, cables and interface devices, along with vehicle mounted mobile and base station antenna systems, interference filters, coaxial cable, speakers, headsets and handheld and pedestal style microphones. Finally, we offer design and consulting service for aviation communication needs, as well as general radio systems and circuits. Our engineers can help you design communications systems, specific radio circuits, RF power amplifiers, and solve system integration problems associated with avionics radios. For more information on Mentor Radio visit www.mentorradio.com.

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