I would agree that it is the Collins 4200. It is the same one we use on our CRJ200, CRJ700, and CRJ900s. It is used as the interface for both the Flight Managment System (FMS) and the ACARS.

Each airline can have their FMS/ACARS configured to meet their needs.

The routes can be uploaded using an computer as necessary. The only issue I have with this piece of equipment is that on occasion, when you press a key, like "A," it prints multiple "AAAAAAA." Very annoying. A lot of backspacing goes on.

The FMS uses GPS but can triangulate on VORs if necessary. We were recently authorized to do GPS approaches.

The ACARS allows us to contact Crew Support, Dispatch, the Regional Controller, and Maintenance Control. Since we can contact these folks directly, we are not required to monitor Atlanta Radio any more but I still monitor 121.50 just in case. If for some reason we can not contact Dispatch, et al., via ACARS we can still contact them by being relayed through Atlanta Radio. This doesn't happen very much though anymore and I have only done it once in 7 years.

Regards,

Jeffrey

P.S. Check out this FMS/EFIS (Glass Cockpit) DVD by Nolly if you want to learn more.