EAA Sport Aviation - January 2010

MEMBER TESTED

PRODUCT REVIEWS

ZAON PCAS MRX

ZAON’S PORTABLE COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (PCAS) MRX is a small collision avoidance device that offers the features of upper-end systems. It features a digital range from 5 nautical miles to 1 nautical mile; relative altitude from ±2500 feet to ±500 feet, with ascending/descending indicator; a built-in altimeter that provides the highest, real-time accuracy available; displays the local squawk code and altitude; and offers audio alerts for threats and advisories.

MEMBER REVIEW

I try to spend my dollars on fuel rather than tools, but one flight with the MRX caused me
to rethink the usefulness of a collision avoidance system. It is not a replacement for visual
vigilance, but there is a limit to what can be seen on a hazy day. Having a little electronic
help is a nice advantage. … Jeff Dinius, EAA 330961

... The first thing that struck me was its size. It could easily be mistaken for an automotive radar detector. The manual is one of the best that I’ve come across. It’s amazing how much traffic you don’t see. It was great to have a heads up on the traffic called by Flight Following, and it trains you to be a better judge of distance and relative altitude by giving you a concrete number to compare to your sight picture...Best of all, Zaon shrunk down previously costly and complex collision avoidance technology into a small, simple to use package…and at a cost that Joe-Pilot can afford. … Eric Miller, EAA 617261

...I was fascinated at the amount of traffic that is nearby and never seen in spite of the usual visual scanning. During our flights with MRX, both pilots continually made a concerted effort to see aircraft before the PCAS; Score: PCAS 47; Pilots 0. In 15 hours of flight, our watchdog PCAS managed to notify me of aircraft before ATC…. Approaching uncontrolled airports is much more comfortable with PCAS; traffic with transponders can be spotted early, allowing more time to look for non-radio aircraft. Two thumbs up from me... Sam Roberts, EAA 878823

MSRP: $549, Street price $449.

Supplied by: Zaon Flight Systems, www.Zaon.aero Phone: 800-496-9430 or 469-916-6640

Number Tested

7

Would you recommend this product to other members? Yes—100%

Would you purchase this product?

Yes—71%

Overall, how satisfied were you with this product (0-10, 10 being highest)?

7. 9

WIRESPOON

THIS TOOL ALLOWS A builder to sneak a wire into an
already run or completed harness without removing
the ties or devices holding the bundles together.

MEMBER REVIEW

So simple, one has to ask, “Why didn’t I think of this?” I’ve used the spoon several times and found it to be one of those products that makes me wonder how I ever got along without it…James Burke, EAA 561784

... What a fantastic idea! For years I have needed to cut
the zip ties so I could add another wire. I used it…and
it saved me 24 zip ties! It’s simple and effective!...
Steve Cohen, EAA 657230

... The wirespoon is a great little timesaver…it worked better than I could have hoped. It does work a bit better with lacing cord as opposed to zip ties, but still serves its purpose in either application. …The wirespoon can be used to protect a harness from being nicked while cutting ties by inserting it under the tie and lifting it away from the harness… Jerry Hose, EAA 883741

…It’s a godsend for non-destructively putting more wire in an existing bundle without having to cut or remove the ties/wire holders. I have been hesitant to bundle stuff behind the panel that isn’t already, but I think I’ll start doing so…Josh Jourdan, EAA 876440