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Avionics

AvidynesTWX670: Sophisticated Sferics

Although satellite weatherlink seems to have permanently dented the Stormscope/Strike Finder market, Avidyne is forging boldly forward with a new sferics-based product called the TWX670 digital Tactical Weather Detection system. Its already being called a modern Stormscope. Are these guy nuts? Not necessarily. Dont forget, outside the U.S., weatherlink doesnt exist and some North American pilots still want sferics-based detection to go with their datalink. The TWX60 fills the need with real-time mapping of storms and aggressive filtering of noise responsible for bogus strikes. Although the price is high, this new device promises to simplify installation and it color codes the strike pattern, potentially taking the guesswork out of tactical storm avoidance.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Although satellite weatherlink seems to have permanently dented the Stormscope/Strike Finder market, Avidyne is forging boldly forward with a new sferics-based product called the TWX670 digital Tactical Weather Detection system. Its already being called a modern Stormscope.

Are these guy nuts? Not necessarily. Dont forget, outside the U.S., weatherlink doesnt exist and some North American pilots still want sferics-based detection to go with their datalink. The TWX60 fills the need with real-time mapping of storms and aggressive filtering of noise responsible for bogus strikes. Although the price is

Avidyne’sTWX670

high, this new device promises to simplify installation and it color codes the strike pattern, potentially taking the guesswork out of tactical storm avoidance.

Origins

Avidyne merged with Ohio-based Ryan International in 2005, forming the Avidyne Safety Systems Group. Ryan developed the original Stormscope technology back in the 1970s, eventually selling it to 3M who then passed it on to L-3. The Stormscope hasnt seen a major new product upgrade for years, so the TWX670 is a step-up product that owes its roots to Paul Ryans expertise. Its part of Avidynes MHAS (multi-hazard awareness system) which encompasses remote traffic and weather sensors, including the TAS600-series active traffic system and the MLB700 WSI-based and SIRIUS-delivered datalink product. The TWX670 is a three-piece system that will accommodate a choice of displays. A remotely mounted receiver/processor measuring 7.9 x 2.5 x 4.0 inches and weighing 1.4 pounds is connected to the ANT67 directional antenna, which weighs just shy of two pounds and can be mounted on top or bottom of the fuselage.

The antenna is a critical component of the system and like all sferics devices, its susceptible to stray electromagnetic noise. An antenna cable routed within close proximity to RF transmitters and servo actuators can cause false strikes and

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.