Astronics next-gen, tablet-based radio test set combines nine test capabilities in one device for field radio testing

EAST AURORA, N.Y., 29 April 2016 Astronics Test Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Astronics Corp. (NASDAQ:ATRO), in Irvine, Calif., is introducing a radio test solution for commercial aerospace, military, and civil security applications. The new CTS 6000 Series radio test set incorporates nine test capabilities into a single tester with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface for testing radio communications systems at the factory, at the depot, or in the field.

“Radio communications are the safety net of any security force, and keeping those systems up and running is critical for mission success,” says Brian Price, executive vice president and general manager of Astronics Test Systems. “This new system is the first of its kind in the marketplace and brings radio communications testing into the digital age with intuitive interfaces and synthetic instrumentation to make testing all parts of a radio system, anywhere, much faster, easier, and more secure than ever before.”

“Innovasys selected the CTS-6010 to support field radio maintenance activities for its military customers. The ability to collaborate with the Astronics team, plus the Astronics CTS-6000 Series’ unique combination of power and portability, made this the clear choice for a radio test set to boost the supportability of communications equipment at the front line,” says Germeen Kaldas, director of Innovasys Pty Ltd.

The new CTS 6000 is well suited to use by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), police, fire, private security, airline personnel, all branches of the military, and other industries requiring secure, reliable radio communications.

It provides extensive test capability for any radio system to reduce testing time and cost, maintenance and calibration costs, lifecycle ownership costs, and the number of “no fault found” results. Users can test tactical handsets, amplifiers, antennae, and any other component of a radio system.

General specifications include:

• 10.1” sunlight-readable display
• Size: 11.8” x 10” x 3.3” (300 mm x 255 mm x 85 mm)
• Weight: <10.6 lbs. (4.8 kg)
• 2 batteries included
• Windows 7, 128 GB solid state hard drive

This handheld unit also provides over-the-air testing for remote test capability. The synthetic test instrumentation includes:

• RF signal generator
• RF receiver
• RF power meter
• RF analyzers – spectrum, VSWR, cable distance-to-fault
• AF signal generator
• Audio meters – SINAD/distortion, frequency, audio filters
• Oscilloscope
• Reference oscillator
• Tracking generator

The CTS 6000 incorporates a modular, customizable architecture for easy updating and future supportability. Users can rely on the included test program set or create and run their own custom test protocols. With every program, Astronics Test Systems can provide engineer-to-engineer custom collaboration plus optional multi-year maintenance and support services.

Units are in production and available in OEM-customizable and off-the-shelf versions.

Astronics Corp. (NASDAQ:ATRO) is a supplier of products to the global aerospace, defense, electronics, and semiconductor industries. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Astronics Test Systems, delivers more than 50 years of test and measurement experience, offered through a wide range of products and capabilities that include automatic test equipment (ATE), integrated test systems, instrumentation, software, and custom engineering solutions.

Astronics Test Systems solutions are implemented on a global scale, testing more than five billion devices to date to ensure reliable operation of everything from the aircraft you fly to the mobile device in your pocket.