SkyTrac Systems of Kelowna, British Columbia, is at Heli-Expo Booth No. 1850 to offer details on its latest satellite communication transceiver featuring automatic global, real-time flight following with audio interface and text messaging.

The SkyTrac ISAT-200 system operates on the Iridium constellation of satellites to provide worldwide coverage. Smaller and lighter than its ISAT-100 predecessor, the ISAT-200 has more processing power, improved voice quality and superior memory capacity. Its SD card reader and USB port can both be used for quick, simple firmware upgrades, said Kathleen Wallace, SkyTrac president and CEO.

The SD card can also record flight data for later download to a PC for analysis. Powered by an internal field-replaceable battery, the ISAT-200 occupies a “smart” tray which stores configuration data such as reporting intervals and aircraft registration. The tray is available with either Arinc 404 or Blind Mate connectors.

SkyTrac offers two levels of data packets. The standard version includes lat/long, GPS time, ground speed, altitude and heading. A new premium release appends registration or other identifying number to each position report at time of generation for greater audit capacity and data traceability.