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Aviation Instruments Encrypt Engine-Monitor Data

Posted by timothy on from the must-be-in-the-public-interest dept.

kitplane01 writes "Airplanes engines need to always work, and are monitored by engine monitors. JP Instruments' engine-monitor units have begun to encrypt the data output of its monitors so it can't be read by third-party software. Whether this is to protect itself liability-wise or to discourage competitors is unclear. It seems the company is working on a fix, which may require a fee from users to translate the file format."

2 of 152 comments (clear)

  1. Also the Gemini: by Monf · · Score: 5, Interesting
    This is from AOPA's review of the JPI model and the Insight model - the blurb below refers to the Insight Gemini. Maybe this is what JPI is now doing and why:

    The Gemini goes about data-logging quite differently. When you want to see what's been happening, simply point the supplied Hewlett-Packard HP200LX palmtop at the Gemini's faceplate and the information will be transferred by infrared link. The information remains encrypted in the HP200LX--it cannot be altered by the user- -so it may be more useful to resolve a warranty dispute or to see how renter-pilots are treating your leaseback bird.

    --
    Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.
  2. There's no practical reason? by Perryman · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Why would engine monitor data need to be encrypted? All it is is fuel flow rates, its pressure and temperature, FTIT, etc. The pilot needs to see this data anyway to monitor in-flight. Maybe they're talking about when this information goes through engine diagnostics or is stored for looking at later? Oh, and do these guys just do civilian aircraft, or military too? I'd think no one would buy their engine monitor units if they couldn't look at the logs to monitor their own aircraft statistics [think nascar]. Could be a good way to lose customers. What do you think?