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APPROACH
SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Approach products cable harnesses?
What
does the FAA think about it?
Who can install the system?
What about cost?
How can I upgrade avionics
in the future?
What about durability of the Approach Hub
and Cables?
Where can I mount it?
If
I purchase the Approach Hub and Cable System, what will I receive?
How
long are the cables?
How is it safe?
Can
I add functions the Approach Hub doesn't support?
Why is
it called "Sport Hub"?
Q.
Are Approach products cable harnesses?
A. No, the Approach Hub is a junction box and cable system of individual, professionally
made cables manufactured specifically for your avionics. The Approach Hub and
Cable System delivers everything you need making avionic installs and upgrades
fast, cost-effective and safe. Simply install the Sport Hub and select the appropriate
Approach cables for your avionics. Approach virtually eliminates all hand wiring
and troubleshooting with a standardized, modular approach that finally eradicates
the “snake pit” behind your instrument panel.
Q. What does the FAA think about it?
A. Power does not run through the Approach Hub and is NOT considered
an “active” component. This means that the hub and cables are just wires
and connections like you already have and are approved. All wiring complies with
FAA AC43-13B.
Q.
Who can install the system?
A. If you are building a kit
plane, you or your A&P can perform the installation. If the aircraft is certified
then your avionics shop needs to perform the install and the necessary 337.
Q.
What about cost?
A. The Approach Sport Hub is $299 and
Approach cables are $99. The Approach system drastically reduces your costs by
eliminating most of the hand wiring and troubleshooting required for avionic installs
and upgrades today and replaces it with a standardized, modular system that is
safer and will get you back in the air sooner.
Q. How can I upgrade avionics in the future?
A. With the Sport Hub system installed in your aircraft, upgrading is easy.
Simply select the appropriate Approach cable for you new avionics equipment and
switch to the new cable. The Approach Hub (junction box) does not need to be replaced.
Plus, we will give you an exchange credit for your old Approach cables.
Q.
What about durability of the Approach Hub and Cables?
A. The test mule for box and cables has been in a Pitts for over 6 months. The
system has performed flawlessly even after hours of advanced aerobatics and competition
flying. The cables and connectors are high quality with an additional outer polyolefin
jacket. The Approach Hub is extremely rugged with a conductive anodization for
central grounding. The Approach Hub and Cable System is a more reliable system
than a typical hand wired and debugged instrument panel.
Q. Where can I mount it?
A. The hub is less than 4" x 5" and weighs 7 oz. (218 grams) permitting
installation virtually anywhere behind your instrument panel.
Q. If I
purchase the Approach Hub and Cable System, what will I receive?
A. You will receive the Approach Hub packed in one box and in a second box,
the appropriate Approach cables for your installation. The cables are specific
to your avionics and connect your equipment to the Approach Hub for a truly modular,
plug and play system. Also, included is an in-depth install and technical manual.
Q.
How long are the cables?
A. The cables are 24” between
the connectors and the pig tailed leads for power, ground, and lighting are 36”.
Q.
How is it safe?
A. Because we sell cables and not individual
wires tied together (a harness), the longevity is increased from the inability
of a single wire to wear or be damaged in some way. Trouble shooting and debugging
hand wiring is a painfully long and arduous process; this is eliminated with the
Approach system. The cables are also easier to secure away from moving objects
behind the panel like the control column. Plus, the Approach system almost fully
“automates” the installation process eliminating a vast amount of human
error that is introduced when hand wiring and troubleshooting the instrument panel.
Q.
Can I add functions the Approach Hub doesn't support?
A. Yes, the connector at the back of the tray supplied by Approach is typically
open and adding functions is as easy as inserting a wire in the connector. Call
an Approach sales representative for more information.
Q. Why is it called "Sport Hub"?
A. It was primarily aimed at VFR aircraft. Mode switching, annunciators,
and auto pilot interface is not included. The more comprehensive "Pro Hub"
will be available April 2002 and supports complete IFR packages.
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