TSTC Avionics Technology program using new touch-screen radio testers

(WACO, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s Avionics Technology program has started using new equipment to make testing avionics radios easier as part of students’ training.

Earlier this year the program purchased three T-RX avionics testers from Canada-based CCX Technologies.

“The T-RX is a leap forward in technology, designed to be intuitive and easy to use — perfect for both experienced avionics technicians and the newest industry entrants graduating from colleges like TSTC,” said Chris Bartlett, president of CCX Technologies.  

Avionics Technology students will use the testers in classes that involve performing ramp checks on airplanes starting in the program’s second semester. The portable testers have touch screens, are battery operated and have an external antenna system.

“Touch screens are more fun and easy to use,” said Connor Odom, a TSTC Avionics Technology student from Coppell who is scheduled to graduate in August.

The testers can conduct more than 100 tests and check radio systems from as far away as 10 feet.

“As soon as we saw the T-RX in operation, we knew that this device would be a strong addition to this program,” said Martin Segraves, statewide lead instructor in TSTC’s Avionics Technology program. “Working on the latest and greatest maintenance technologies like the T-RX helps our students be prepared for the range of devices they’ll encounter in the field.”

Segraves said students are not only using the new testers, but also working with the program’s analog and digital testers to have a range of equipment experience.

Olaf Coleman, a fifth-semester Avionics Technology student from River Oaks, said he was pleased with how quickly the testers produce results. He said the complexity of problems factored into his decision to major in the program.

“It is about like a puzzle with troubleshooting,” Coleman said. “You have to figure out the logical deductions to see what is wrong.”

TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Avionics Technology at the Waco campus. The program is taught in a hybrid format that combines online classes with in-person labs.

Registration continues for the fall semester, and scholarships are available. For more information, go to tstc.edu.