Hide thumbs Also See for POWERFLARM FLEX:

Advertisement

Quick Links

Date: 2022-06-06
Version: 1.1
POWERFLARM FLEX
Page: 1 of 38
MANUAL
FLARM Technology AG
Document Number:
Industriesstrase 49
FTD-114
CH-6300 Zug

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the POWERFLARM FLEX and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for FLARM POWERFLARM FLEX

  • Page 1 Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 1 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 2 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Document Status Published status Confidentiality status ☒ Draft ☐ Internal ☐ Released ☐ NDA ☐ Canceled ☒ Public Version Control Ver.
  • Page 3 Web Interface ............23 5.3.3 Hub Functionality ............23 IGC Flight Recorder ................. 25 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Data Usage ............25 FLARM Theory of Operation ............. 26 Display ................. 26 Traffic Collision Warnings ............26 8.2.1 FLARM ..............26 8.2.2 ADS-B ..............
  • Page 4 Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 4 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug 9.1.2 System Drawings ............29 Specifications ................. 30 10 Additional Information ..............31 10.1 Safety Information ..............31 10.1.1 Battery Safety ............
  • Page 5: General Description

    PowerFLARM Flex is a modern FLARM device for installation in General Aviation aircraft. It is a self-contained unit with integrated display, antennas and power supply. PowerFLARM Flex has been designed for worldwide use and connects to a range of displays, including mobile apps via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. A complimentary FLARM Hub app is available on both iOS and Android mobile devices for straightforward configuration and maintenance.
  • Page 6: Abbreviations And Definitions

    Global Navigation Satellite System Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR) Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Interface Control Document Instrument Flight Rules The ISM radio bands (FLARM uses ≈ 915 MHz) Radio Frequency/Radio SRD860 The SRD860 radio band (FLARM uses ≈ 868 MHz) Secondary Surveillance Radar...
  • Page 7: General Overview

    General Aviation, light aircraft, and UAVs. It has been designed to support self-separation for both VFR and IFR in applicable airspace classes. Aircraft with a FLARM system alert the pilots when on a collision course with another aircraft. Like TCAS/TAS, visual and aural warnings indicate that a collision is imminent, requiring the pilots to take action.
  • Page 8: Displays

    FLARM Data Port protocol, an extension of NMEA 0183. PowerFLARM Flex also supports connections to EFBs running on iPads or similar for supplementary displays and navigation systems over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Radio Communication and Antennas The FLARM system uses a radio communication frequency in the SRD860 band (≈...
  • Page 9: Additional Documents, Data, And Information

    FLARM Hub Firmware release notes, FTD-081  Application Note FLARM Antenna Installation, FTD-041  Dataport Interface Control Document (ICD), FTD-012  FLARM Configuration Specification, FTD-014  For questions, first consult the FAQ: https://www.flarm.com/en/support/ For questions not answered in the FAQ, contact FLARM Technology: support@flarm.com...
  • Page 10: Limitations

    The pilot is solely responsible for the PowerFLARM Flex being operated in accordance with applicable regulations. The use of PowerFLARM Flex is limited to flights in VMC (both VFR and IFR). PowerFLARM Flex may not be used for navigation.
  • Page 11: Installation

    Both permanent and temporary mounting options are supported. General Advice PowerFLARM Flex must be installed in a way that does not interfere with certified avionics or compromise aircraft safety. Installations must comply with applicable regulations.
  • Page 12: Placement

    Alternatively, using a Velcro-style temporary attachment, for example 3M Dual Lock, is recommended. Placement Since the radio antennas are tightly integrated into PowerFLARM Flex, the correct placement of the device is crucial for optimal system performance. Thake the following aspects into consideration. Also, consult “Application Note FLARM Antenna Installation (FTD-041)”...
  • Page 13: External Display

    By following these placement guidelines, you ensure optimal performance. External Display PowerFLARM Flex can be connected to a compatible external display via the RJ45 port. External displays may provide additional viewing and control options and are particularly useful in permanent installations for twin seat aircraft.
  • Page 14: Battery

    3.5.1 Battery PowerFLARM Flex uses a replaceable, rechargeable 18650 Li-Ion battery (not included). It supports standalone operation or serves as a buffer during external power interruptions. Only standard-sized 18650 cells (maximum Ø18.6 mm x 65.2 mm) may be used.
  • Page 15: External Power

    Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 15 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Charge the battery only inside the device, using a compliant USB-C or RJ45  power source. Do not charge unattended or near flammable materials.
  • Page 16: Configuration

    See Section 5.3 for how to update firmware on PowerFLARM Flex. Obstacle Database The Obstacle Warning System in FLARM is an integral, but optional, part of the system. It requires a valid obstacle database with a license to work. There are different databases covering various geographical areas and use cases.
  • Page 17 Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Power on the device and check the integrated display and FLARM Hub for  any error or warning messages. Errors must be resolved before flight (see Appendix B for guidance). Confirm GPS lock: The device should acquire a GPS lock within 15 minutes ...
  • Page 18: User Interface

    CH-6300 Zug User Interface PowerFLARM Flex has a hybrid display, consisting of an LED ring on the left, and a small high-resolution LCD screen on the right. This hybrid display ensures optimal readability in all lighting conditions. The screen brightness is automatically set depending on the ambient light level.
  • Page 19: Lcd Screen

    Connect to Hub or refer to Appendix A (Error Codes) to resolve. NO GPS: PowerFLARM Flex is acquiring a GPS position fix. Clear view of sky is required. If this persists for more than 15 min, move device.
  • Page 20 Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 20 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Shows overview over all traffic in the vicinity. Nearest target is shown on LED ring and shown in large size on screen, with altitude difference indicated next to target.
  • Page 21: Configuration

    5.1.1 Aircraft Type FLARM uses collision algorithms specific to the aircraft type in which it is installed. If the wrong aircraft type is configured, this will have negative effects both for the own system as well as FLARM systems in other aircraft.
  • Page 22: Aircraft Information Broadcast

    Settings allows configuring items related to the core FLARM functionality,  such as aircraft type, ID, transponder, and ranges. Wi-Fi & Hub shows the Wi-Fi credential and QR code to connect the FLARM  Hub App. Info shows crucial information, such as serial number and firmware ...
  • Page 23: Flarm Hub

    1. Install FLARM Hub App on mobile device 2. On the display, open the Menu, and navigate to Hub & Wi-Fi. A QR code appears. 3. On the app, add new device via QR code, and connect to PowerFLARM Flex. Google Play App Store...
  • Page 24 The severity level is indicated by the color and has the following meaning: 1 (grey): information, 2 (amber): functionality reduced, 3 (red) fatal error, device not functional Configuration pages to adjust FLARM, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and FLARM Hub  settings or upload a config file. Changes are applied automatically and confirmed visually.
  • Page 25: Igc Flight Recorder

    When the memory is full, the oldest flights are overwritten first. To read out the flight records in the IGC file format, use FLARM Hub. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Data Usage PowerFLARM Flex can be connected to EFBs and mobile devices (tablets, smart phones) to stream traffic data.
  • Page 26: Flarm Theory Of Operation

    Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug FLARM Theory of Operation This section outlines how PowerFLARM Flex operates in flight. For details about external displays, refer to their respective manuals. Display PowerFLARM Flex uses its integrated display as the primary user interface for traffic awareness and collision avoidance.
  • Page 27: Alert Zones

    Obstacle alerts do not include bearing or altitude, they’re always aligned with your predicted path. Alert Zones FLARM Alert Zones (e.g. skydive drop zones, UAV areas) use ground-based FLARM transmitters to define a protected airspace. When entering such a zone: A 4-second warning is given every 12 seconds ...
  • Page 28: Technical Specifications

    Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 28 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Technical Specifications Drawings 9.1.1 Mechanical Drawings...
  • Page 29: System Drawings

    Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 29 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug 9.1.2 System Drawings...
  • Page 30: Specifications

    Brightness 350 cd/m2 12-segment RGB dimmable Input Combined rotary encoder + pushbutton Apps FLARM Dataport, GDL 90 for traffic FLARM Hub native App Sound Piezo buzzer FLARM (In/Out) 868 MHz (EU, UK), 14 dBm 915 MHz (USA, Canada, Australia), 20 dBm...
  • Page 31: 10 Additional Information

    10.1.1 Battery Safety PowerFLARM Flex uses a replaceable 18650 Li-Ion battery to provide power during portable operation. While this battery type is widely used for its high energy density and reliability, improper handling can pose serious safety risks. Users must follow appropriate precautions when using, charging, storing, or replacing the battery.
  • Page 32: General Safety Information

    10.1.3 Electrical Installation Precautions When powering over RJ45 port, PowerFLARM Flex must be connected via a dedicated 3 A circuit breaker or switch, separate from essential avionics systems. This allows the device to be isolated in flight without affecting critical flight instruments.
  • Page 33 Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 33 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug 10.3.3...
  • Page 34: Appendix A List Of Error Codes

    Crypto Chip Error GNSS communication Configuration of GNSS module GNSS antenna RF communication Another FLARM device with the same Radio ID is being received. Alarms are suppressed for the relevant device. Wrong ICAO 24-bit address or radio ID Communication Flash memory...
  • Page 35 Date: 2022-06-06 Version: 1.1 POWERFLARM FLEX Page: 35 of 38 MANUAL FLARM Technology AG Document Number: Industriesstrase 49 FTD-114 CH-6300 Zug Generic error Flash File System error Failure updating firmware of external display Device is operated outside the designated region; the...
  • Page 36: Appendix B Annual Maintenance Checklist

    The following checklist shall be completed during annual maintenance, i.e. every 12 calendar months. Item Description Mechanical Verify that the PowerFLARM Flex and any installed Attachment accessories (e.g., mounts, external display) are securely fastened with no signs of movement, wear, or mechanical stress.
  • Page 37: Appendix C End User License Agreement (Eula)

    "firmware", "license key", and "data" refer to such items Newsletter. installed or available in the FLARM device at time of purchase or 2.9. After power-up, FLARM performs a self-test which use, as applicable.
  • Page 38 (i) your first use of the FLARM device, your requirements or operate error free. software, firmware, license key, or data with actual 6.2.

Table of Contents