Garmin has unveiled the GRC 10, a handheld remote control designed specifically for use with the GDL 69A, which itself is a remote sensor that receives broadcast weather data from XM WX Satellite Weather and audio entertainment from XM Satellite Radio. Information obtained from the GDL 69A is displayed on aviation products such as the G1000 (pictured), the GMX 200 (not pictured), the GNS 530W (not pictured) and the GNS 430W (also not pictured).

Using the GRC 10 passengers in the rear seats/cabin of the airplane can scan through their favorite XM radio channels without disturbing the pilot. The GRC 10 controls the GDL 69A's XM entertainment features such as volume, channel selection by channel, channel selection by category and more.

Thanks to its strong 2.4 GHz RF link, the GRC 10 can control XM Satellite Radio from anywhere in the cabin no matter what direction you're pointing the remote. The bi-directional remote also receives and displays information from the XM unit directly on the remote, so you can see what song is currently playing right on the remote. It has a high contrast, 160x128 pixel backlit display that makes it viewable in all lighting conditions.

The GRC 10 communicates with the GDL 69A through the GRT 10 which is connected through a serial port (you follow that? The GRT 10 is actually a wireless transceiver installed in the airplane, which talks to the GRC 10 and relay the message to the GDL 69A... I know, alphabet soup).

Garmin's GDL 69A delivers both XM digital entertainment and XM WX Satellite Weather. The GDL 69A's comprehensive weather data suite includes NEXRAD, METARS, TAFs, TFRs and more (more alphabet soup!).

Garmin figures the GRC 10 and GRT 10 will be sold together at a suggested retail price of $590.00. And if all goes well, availability will be around June 2007.