FLARM PowerFLARM User Manual

1

Manual

Version 1.0

PowerFLARM Manual Version 1.0

2

Contents

Introduction ............................................................... 4

Installation ................................................................. 6

General Advice on Installation ......................................................... 6

Housing ..................................................................................................... 8

Connections ............................................................................................. 9

Overview .................................................................................................... 9

Power and Data Connections ........................................................... 9

Audio ..........................................................................................................10

Communications Antennas ..............................................................10

GPS-System ........................................................................................... 11

Operation with an internal Antenna ..........................................11

Operation with an external Antenna ..........................................11

FLARM®-COMMUNICATIONS ...................................................... 12

Transponder and ADS-B Reception ............................................ 12

Audio ....................................................................................................... 13

Micro SD-Card...................................................................................... 13

Insertion and Removal ......................................................................13

Power Supply ....................................................................................... 14

Power Supply using the Aircraft's own Electrical Power

System .......................................................................................................14

Power Supply Using Batteries or Rechargeable Batteries14

Battery Insertion ..................................................................................15

Rechargeable internal Batteries ...................................................15

Technical Data ..................................................................................... 16

Operation ................................................................. 17

General Advice on Operation ........................................................ 17

Use ...............................................................................................................17

Compatibility .........................................................................................17

Radio Range and Reception ............................................................17

Position Determination .....................................................................18

Flight Path Calculation .....................................................................18

Data Protection ....................................................................................19

3

Limitations ..............................................................................................19

Certification ............................................................................................19

Start-Up .................................................................................................. 19

Fault Reporting and other Information .................................... 20

Operation ............................................................................................... 20

Normal Operation .............................................................................. 21

Collision Warnings............................................................................. 22

Warning Presentation .......................................................................22

Information about Warnings .........................................................23

Settings Menu ...................................................................................... 25

Menu Diagram ......................................................................................25

Essential Settings Prior to First Flight ....................................... 26

Selection of Aircraft Type .................................................................26

ICAO Address ..........................................................................................26

Transponder ...........................................................................................26

Legal Notes ............................................................... 27

Product Guarantee ............................................................................. 27

Limitations ............................................................................................ 27

Legal Liability ...................................................................................... 28

Conformity Declaration ................................................................... 28

PowerFLARM Manual Version 1.0

4

Introduction

A PowerFLARM unit draws its position and movement
information from an internal GPS-receiver. The position
measured is rendered more accurate by an integral pressure
sensor. The unit calculates the predicted flight path and
transmits this information as a short, low-power digital signal
burst at one-second intervals together with a unique
identification code. At the same time, the unit receives similar
signals from FLARM units installed in other aircraft and within
radio range, or from aircraft equipped with ADS-B, Mode-C and
Mode-S transponders. The PowerFLARM unit compares the
signals received with its own projected flight path. An optional
future additional feature will be for PowerFLARM to compare its
own projected flight path with the positions of known fixed
obstacles (e.g. cables, aerials, cable railways, avalanche
detonation sites) held in the unit's data base.

If PowerFLARM determines one or more threats of a dangerous
conflict with another aircraft or obstacle, it warns the user of the
most dangerous threat as per the internal calculation. Acoustic
warnings are issued via a warning bleeper and headset audio
output, also an optical warning via an LCD display. These signals
indicate the height of the threat, the direction from which it has
been detected, and the height difference. During turns, a different
calculation algorithm is applied from that used in approximately
straight flight. The GPS- and collision threat data received are
also fed to a serial data port output for use by other units such as
an external display and PDA. Suitable equipment is available
from a number of suppliers.

5

Warnings are issued in accordance with the time remaining to a
possible collision, not the geometric distance between the
aircraft. The first warning is typically issued between 19 and 25
seconds prior to the calculated possible collision with aircraft or
obstacle; the second is issued 14 to 18 seconds beforehand, and
the third 6 to 8 seconds in advance. Warnings are sustained as
long as the threat remains as calculated. Depending upon the
prediction, the threat may be downgraded or deleted. Warnings
are selective, i.e. they are only issued if the calculation detects a
high probability of a collision in the immediate future.

Communications between PowerFLARM units employ a
proprietary copyright protected protocol in different frequency
bands allocated by region. Effective range depends very much
upon the position in which device is fitted.

The communications system between units is locked against
unauthorised access. The design is patent protected. There is no
public access to the protocol. Any unlicensed use, copying,
distribution, conversion, replication, de-compiling, reverse
engineering, or further transmission of knowledge so acquired
relating to the system components or software, in whole or in
part, is forbidden and will result in legal enforcement action.
FLARM is an internationally registered Trade Mark and may not
be used by third parties without a license. Technical data may be
changed at any time and without prior warning. Some named
functions are not provided in all versions of PowerFLARM, but
may be provided at extra cost or for a fee.

PowerFLARM Manual Version 1.0

6

Installation

General Advice on Installation

Installation and operation is on a non-interference and non­hazard basis, and may not be allowed to endanger the safe
operation of certificated equipment that is either necessary or
required by regulation for safe flight. Installation must comply
with official requirements.

PowerFLARM must be so secured that the pilot can see the
displays, hear the acoustic warnings, and operate the turning­button. PowerFLARM must not obstruct the pilot in his operation
of the aircraft (including emergencies); in particular at all times
it must not obstruct his view of the sky, even in the event of
serious vibration or acceleration. PowerFLARM is not suitable
for use in conjunction with night vision equipment, for night
flying, or in pressurised cabins.

Ideally, PowerFLARM will be fitted to the instrument panel glare­shield or cockpit sidewall. If the PowerFLARM internal display is
in use, the rear face of the unit with cable connectors must face
the direction of flight. If the unit is coupled to an external display
with controls, PowerFLARM can be installed in another position
or point in a different direction. Usually, this will require the use
of separate communications and GPS aerials.

The installation must ensure that the communications antenna A
and ADS-B are not in contact with any other objects through
which there might be a regular electrostatic discharge.

For example, the communications antenna should not be in
permanent contact with the cockpit windscreen inner face,
because this could result in damage to the PowerFLARM
communications transceiver. The unit will not operate properly
in the absence of an antenna or if the antenna is not properly
screwed tight; the unit cannot self-test for correct antenna
function.

7

For updates, configuration and flight data evaluation it is helpful
if the unit is installed such that the power and data connectors
and the microSD-reader are easily accessible or reachable with
an extension cable. The PowerFLARM serial number must be
known for software updates.

It is advisable that the PowerFLARM is so fitted to the aircraft
that the turn-button cannot be inadvertently pressed during
entry to or egress from the aircraft. Should the PowerFLARM or
any associated components be fitted to a part of the aircraft that
will be jettisoned in an emergency, suitable break points should
be incorporated to prevent any interference with the jettison
sequence.

Cables must not be folded or placed under tension. Adequate
space must be left for the cable connectors. Cables for power
supply, data, and external units must be shortened as necessary:
to prevent the occurrence of inductive effects they may not be
coiled. Only a single PowerFLARM may be installed in each
aircraft.

The PowerFLARM and any associated aerials should be located
as far away as possible -- at least 25 cm -- away from any other
GPS aerial and the magnetic compass.

After installation, an inspection must be made to ensure that the
PowerFLARM unit does not interfere with any mechanical,
electrical, electronic (radio) or magnetic (e.g. compass) system,
and this fact must be recorded in the aircraft documents. In
addition, the aircraft documents must bear a record of the
PowerFLARM serial number and Software Version Number. If
employed in a fixed installation, the Means of Compliance must
be recorded in the aircraft documentation, and an AFM
Supplement is to be carried on board the aircraft.

PowerFLARM Manual Version 1.0

8

Housing

The lower face of the polycarbonate housing has two threaded
screw holes, so that PowerFLARM may be easily secured using
two M4 screws (max. 10 mm long). The thread matches those of
most standard fixtures. The PowerFLARM must be fitted to a flat
surface and the housing not subjected to any mechanical stress.
Several types of fixture are available.

The housing can also be secured using DualLock® industrial
hook and loop tape, which can be secured and released several
times. Users should note that the adhesive used on DualLock® is
exceptionally strong and will not easily release. The adhesive
tape should not cover the battery compartment lid, but should be
applied elsewhere on the housing.

The housing is not air or watertight and users should avoid the
ingress of solid particles and liquids. Should the unit get moist, it
must be completely dried prior to further use. If the unit
becomes wet, it may be permanently damaged and rendered
unusable; no guarantee claim will be accepted for any unit
damaged by moisture. Should the unit be suddenly cooled this
may result in the formation of condensation. The housing may
only be cleaned using a slightly moist non-abrasive cloth without
a chemical cleaning agent. The housing does not resist scratches
or abrasion.

The plastic housing is black to reduce glare and has been tested
in the temperature range -10 °C to +60°C. Care should be taken
to avoid over-heating due to direct or indirect sunshine, in
particular because the housing can become deformed at
temperatures above +84 °C without any mechanical tension, and
also at lower temperatures. The unit must not be locally over­heated by exposure to focused sunrays, and care is required
when cockpit doors or canopies have been opened (risk of fire to
due lens effect).

9

Connections

Overview

Power and Data Connections

The 8-pin RJ45-socket accepts and retains an 8-pin (temporarily
also a 6-pin) plug. The pin connection is mostly in accordance
with IGC GNSS FR specifications.
(http://www.fai.org/gliding/system/files/tech_spec_gnss.pdf).

An 8-pin (temporarily also a 6-pin) ribbon cable with an RJ45
push-fit connector or an 8-pin twisted-pair patch cable with RJ45
may be used. Suitable cables are obtainable from retailers.

1: +8 to +27V DC
2: +8 to +27V DC
3: PowerFLARM supplies + 3V DC
4: GND
5: TX (RS232): only 1 user!
6: RX (RS232): only 1 user!
7: GND
8: GND

Pin 1 Pin 8 (view from rear)

For 8-pin cables Pins 1=2 are to be linked. Also Pins 7=8. If the
other wires are not to be used, they should be individually
insulated and may not be soldered together or twisted in pairs.

PowerFLARM Manual Version 1.0