Abstract: A touch key of an interface for an aircraft avionics system. The touch key includes a button, a mechanical switch, and a sensor. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated when the button is pressed. Actuation of the mechanical switch sends a switch signal to the aircraft avionics system. The sensor is configured to detect when the button is being touched independent of whether the button is being pressed. The sensor sends a touch signal indicating that the button is being touched to the aircraft avionics system.

Abstract: An interface device configured to interface with one or more aircraft avionics data systems and an antenna. The interface device includes a radio and at least one computing device that are housed inside an enclosure. The radio is connected to the antenna. The radio is configured to transmit outgoing messages and to receive incoming messages via the antenna. The at least one computing device is configured to send the outgoing messages to the radio for transmission by the radio via the antenna and to receive the incoming messages from the radio. The radio may be a very high frequency (“VHF”) transceiver.

Abstract: A control panel or display device that includes a light source, a controller, an illuminated element, a light conductor, and a light sensor. The controller generates a control signal instructing the light source when to generate light. The light conductor conducts light generated by the light source to the illuminated element to illuminate it. The light conductor receives ambient light through the illuminated element when the light source is not generating light. The light sensor receives the ambient light from the light conductor, generates a sensor signal based on the received ambient light, and sends the sensor signal to the controller. The controller determines a brightness level based at least in part on the sensor signal and encodes the brightness level in the control signal. Brightness of the light generated by the light source is based at least in part on the brightness level encoded in the control signal.

Abstract: An interface device configured to interface with one or more aircraft avionics data systems and an antenna. The interface device includes a radio and at least one computing device that are housed inside an enclosure. The radio is connected to the antenna. The radio is configured to transmit outgoing messages and to receive incoming messages via the antenna. The at least one computing device is configured to send the outgoing messages to the radio for transmission by the radio via the antenna and to receive the incoming messages from the radio. The radio may be a very high frequency (“VHF”) transceiver.

Abstract: A control panel or display device that includes a light source, a controller, an illuminated element, a light conductor, and a light sensor. The controller generates a control signal instructing the light source when to generate light. The light conductor conducts light generated by the light source to the illuminated element to illuminate it. The light conductor receives ambient light through the illuminated element when the light source is not generating light. The light sensor receives the ambient light from the light conductor, generates a sensor signal based on the received ambient light, and sends the sensor signal to the controller. The controller determines a brightness level based at least in part on the sensor signal and encodes the brightness level in the control signal. Brightness of the light generated by the light source is based at least in part on the brightness level encoded in the control signal.

Abstract: A touch key of an interface for an aircraft avionics system. The touch key includes a button, a mechanical switch, and a sensor. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated when the button is pressed. Actuation of the mechanical switch sends a switch signal to the aircraft avionics system. The sensor is configured to detect when the button is being touched independent of whether the button is being pressed. The sensor sends a touch signal indicating that the button is being touched to the aircraft avionics system.