Download Print this page

AeroFlash Nexus PRO Installation And Operating Manual

Valid for: canopyflasher + fuselageflasher + nexus pro. aeroflash plus kit.

Advertisement

Quick Links

N E X U S P R O
A E R O F L A S H P L U S
"See and Avoid" starts with being SEEN...
Valid for:
CanopyFlasher + FuselageFlasher + Nexus PRO.
AeroFlash PLUS kit.
Installation and Operating Manual
Revision 2 - February 2022
1

Advertisement

loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Nexus PRO and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for AeroFlash Nexus PRO

  • Page 1 A E R O F L A S H P L U S “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN… Valid for: CanopyFlasher + FuselageFlasher + Nexus PRO. AeroFlash PLUS kit. Installation and Operating Manual Revision 2 - February 2022...
  • Page 2 Cooling requirements Humidity Mounting requirements 4. Installation instructions and examples Scope of delivery Installation of the Nexus PRO unit Connection to a Flarm Mounting the CanopyFlasher Vertical-opening canopy installations Side-opening canopy installations - general Side-opening canopy installations - Schempp Hirth...
  • Page 3 The pilot is always responsible for this action and may NEVER fully rely on being seen by the other traffic. AeroFlash is only an aid to enhance visibility of your aircraft. The installation of an AeroFlash system must comply with EASA regulations as per Standard Change CS-SC036a “INSTALLATION OF VISUAL AWARENESS...
  • Page 4 AeroFlash retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or firmware, or to offer a full refund of the purchase price, at its sole discretion.
  • Page 5 2.1 Terminology Nexus / Nexus MINI: computer controlled Flasher activator and power supply for one CanopyFlasher. Nexus PRO: computer controlled Flasher activator and power supply for one CanopyFlasher and one FuselageFlasher. AeroFlash PLUS: Value kit containing one Nexus PRO, one CanopyFlasher and one FuselageFlasher.
  • Page 6 60 to 120 minutes. For an overview of the scope of delivery please refer to chapter 4.1. Nexus PRO - connection box - the brain of AeroFlash Nexus has an IGC-standard RJ12 Flarm input port for plug-and-fly connection of a Flarm, an additional display and a wired PDA/PNA port.
  • Page 7 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 to us for service and updates: you can update the Nexus yourself using the Mini-USB port and a configuration / update tool on your PC. CanopyFlasher - canopy mounted, forward-facing flasher...
  • Page 8 3.1.1 RJ12 input port Nexus features an IGC-compatible RJ12 port for input of Flarm data. Included with the Nexus PRO is an RJ12 splitter, a short RJ12-RJ12 cable, and two longer RJ12-RJ12 and RJ12-RJ45 cables for easy plug-and-fly connection with your Flarm. The user can also directly connect an external Flarm Display to one of these ports.
  • Page 9 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 tool is available for download on our website - downloads section. Read more about this tool in chapter 3.1.3. Status LEDs The CanopyFlasher features two different colored status LEDs. These quickly show various different operating modes and errors.
  • Page 10 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 3.1.4 Auto/ON mode logic - in flight ON-mode vs AUTO-mode logic - in flight In ON-mode, both the CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher are always flashing in a 3-flash per 1,5 second sequence. If a Flarm warning occurs, the system automatically adapts to a flashing...
  • Page 11 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Example: (CF = CanopyFlasher, FF = Fuselage Flasher) Glider A is flying in forward sector 4 (starts at less than 3km): Both CF and FF activate - 3 flashes per second.
  • Page 12 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Please always manually select ON-mode when visibility is degraded or potentially dangerous situations may exist. Examples of these are, but are not limited to: flying close to cloud base, running under cloud streets, flying along...
  • Page 13 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 further overheating protection is available. This may be necessary to operate the system without Flarm data (refer to chapter 6.1 Troubleshooting). Limit the activation of the FuselageFlasher on the ground for a...
  • Page 14: Power Consumption

    Power consumption Due to the smart technology and complex synchronized flash-sequencing we incorporated in all AeroFlash products, power consumption is very reasonable and should not be an obstacle to installing AeroFlash. Typical power consumption in AUTO-mode after a 6-hour flight with moderate traffic (multiple activations of a few minutes per hour) will result...
  • Page 15 Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Power supply All AeroFlash systems accept a power input of 10V to 20V DC. We designed our system to be smart in an automatic power saving mode, or “always on” in the ON-mode. AeroFlash should not be powered through the same circuit breaker as the Flarm, as AeroFlash systems are rated significantly...
  • Page 16 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Maximum operating times at high ambient temperatures: CanopyFlasher FuselageFlasher On ground In flight On ground In flight Max 10 minutes 50ºC OAT Max 5 minutes! 60ºC OAT...
  • Page 17: Mounting Requirements

    Mounting requirements Nexus PRO may be mounted with up to 4 screws, or by using the supplied 3M “Dual Lock” super strong double sided adhesive tape and some cable ties. In any case Nexus PRO should be mounted in accordance with the installation requirements as per (a.o.) CS-SC036a and CS-SC402b.
  • Page 18 Additional power cable. Crimp or soldering tools. Cable ties, cable clips. Installation of the Nexus PRO unit Find a suitable location for the Nexus PRO unit. It may be required to make some brackets and use the mounting flanges to mount it with two or four screws.
  • Page 19 Use the (positive, attached to the switch) and black (ground) wire to power the Nexus PRO. Observe the maximum input voltage of 20V DC and the polarity of the wiring. Install a fuse or circuit breaker. Observe the tripping current as chapter 3.3, and connect these to the glider’s power...
  • Page 20 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 make it easier to align the CanopyFlasher so it’s perfectly straight. It may be very difficult to see the alignment once you try to stick it to the canopy from the inside.
  • Page 21 Now that you have mounted the CanopyFlasher, it’s time to take care of the cable set. The AeroFlash installation consists of commonly seen male and female DB9 (D SUB 9) type connectors for the data cables (status LEDs and temperature sensor), and for the power supply of the CanopyFlasher.
  • Page 22 If possible, secure the cable set from the CanopyFlasher to a sturdy point on the instrument panel cover. In case someone forgets to manually separate the connectors during regular maintenance/removal of the canopy, no chance exists to accidentally damage the CanopyFlasher or Nexus PRO.
  • Page 23 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Step 2 Continue now with chapter 4.8 Installation of the FuselageFlasher. Depending on the glider type, you may have removed the canopy. You can now reinstall the canopy as the installation is nearly complete and we need to correctly orientate the OFF/Auto/ON switch and test its function.
  • Page 24 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Side-opening canopy installations - Schempp-Hirth This section mostly applies (but is not limited to, or possible for all) to Schempp-Hirth gliders. For example Cirrus gliders require a vertical-opening canopy connector solution.
  • Page 25 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Find a suitable place to install the 7-pin CanopyConnector that is attached to the CanopyFlasher. You need to install this CanopyConnector to the canopy frame using one of the supplied mountings at a location where when the canopy is closed, it can make good contact with the opposite part.
  • Page 26 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Step 1 Depending on your glider type, we included a suitable angled mounting support in order for you to optimally mount it in your specific glider. It may be...
  • Page 27 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Step 2 To find the proper mounting position for the connector on top of the mounting support, it’s recommended to use some simple double-sided adhesive tape to try various positions.
  • Page 28 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Step 3 Included with the kit is a simple plastic drilling template to resemble the PanelContact. It comes pre-applied with some general purpose double sided adhesive tape. On the other side are two slightly oversized pins that clamp into the alignment holes in the CanopyConnector.
  • Page 29 Installation of the FuselageFlasher The Nexus PRO cable set is equipped with a 8-pin pluggable screw-terminal power connector, for easy connection. No soldering is required. Find the pinout and connection details of this connector later in this chapter at step 5.
  • Page 30 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 trailer fuselage support can damage it. Ensure that the selected location is also accessible from the inside of the fuselage. Observe the roundness of the fuselage: The FuselageFlasher has a 1,6mm...
  • Page 31 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 If mounted in the water drain hole on the bottom of the fuselage, this drain hole may still remain functional if a small opening is kept on the side of the FuselageFlasher near the cable.
  • Page 32 +12* to 20V INPUT (VCC, positive) (AWG20) *FuselageFlashers may not work optimally at voltages below 12V. It is not advisable to use weaker lead-acid batteries with AeroFlash Nexus PRO. Installation of the Auto/ON switch A drill hole of 6mm is required for the OFF/Auto/ON switch.
  • Page 33 Installation of a second FuselageFlasher and Fusion unit Reserved. This procedure ONLY APPLIES if you are retrofitting an existing installation of Nexus PRO. Please contact us directly to obtain a suitable version with the correct cable set. 5. Firmware configurations and updates Windows PC tool The Windows PC tool (“Nexus configuration tool”) offers possibilities to...
  • Page 34 If there is a new version available, a button will appear with the text “update available”. Click it. Please enter your serial number (found on the stickers on the Nexus PRO) to ensure you get the correct firmware version for your specific hardware model. An update progress bar will appear.
  • Page 35: Troubleshooting

    You may now close the application and ideally you should use “safely remove the hardware” before you remove the USB cable. Step 10 Reconnect the CanopyFlasher connector to the Nexus PRO. 6. Troubleshooting Q: My Flarm is broken/removed and I want to use the system without AUTO-mode No problem! It is possible to use the system without a connected Flarm.
  • Page 36 3rd party Bluetooth module, Nexus may respond erratically as it “passively listens” to all the incoming data. It’s strongly recommended to (temporarily) power-off the AeroFlash system in case you would use a separate Bluetooth module for downloading of flights, or uploading of a flight declaration to the Flarm.
  • Page 37 Contact us at info@AeroFlash.de for support and more information. 7. Revision history Revision 2 - February 2022; Revised updating procedures. Revised pictures. Revised flashing sequence: Nexus PRO now flashes 3-6 times per second. Revision 1 - October 2021; Initial issue.
  • Page 38 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 8. Appendix Product comparison Nexus GEN1 Nexus MINI Nexus PRO Power Box PowerBox PRO (2019/2020, (>08/2021) (>08/2021) (2022) (2022) no longer produced) Flarm compatible RJ12 IGC ports...
  • Page 39 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 DG-single seater cable set differences CanopyFlasher/Nexus systems are optimized and designed for each individual glider. For the DG-series single seat gliders with vertical opening canopies the Nexus-Flasher cable set needs to be longer than standard to route the cables optimally.
  • Page 40 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Cable set versions PRIOR to July 2021: CanopyFlasher/Nexus systems are optimized and designed for each individual glider. For the DG-series single seat gliders with vertical opening canopies the Nexus-Flasher cable set is longer than standard to route the cables optimally (120-145cm), and the screw-terminal DB9 connector is located on the side of the Nexus.
  • Page 41 “See and Avoid” starts with being SEEN Rev 2 - FEB 2022 Fixed canopy cable set differences This applies to gliders with a 2-part fixed canopy, like (some) DG100, DG200, LS1C/D, Hornet, Kestrel, etc. Fixed canopy cable sets may be delivered with or without a connector between the Nexus and CanopyFlasher.

This manual is also suitable for:

Aeroflash plusNexus miniCanopyflasher