OPERATING MANUAL FLARM COLLISION WARNING UNIT
Version 4.06E
Page 3 of 12
March 28, 2009
The operating range is very dependent upon the antenna installation in the aircraft. The normal range is
about 2 km. In individual cases the range may be up to 5 km, which can be valuable for fast sailplanes with a
speed of up to 250 kt, providing the pilots in both aircraft with a warning enabling visual identification and
reaction to the potential hazard. The effective range can easily be verified with an online tool
1
. Warnings are
given in order of the time remaining before a potential collision, not the geometrical distance. The first
warning level for another aircraft or an obstacle is delivered when less than 18 seconds remain to the
possible collision; the second warning level is delivered when less than 13 seconds remains; the third level
when less than 8 seconds remains.
The warnings continue as long as FLARM calculates a threat of collision. The warning level may decline or
be cancelled, depending upon the prediction. The warnings are selective; they are only issued if the
calculation reveals a high probability of collision in the near future. The alarm sensitivity can be configured
with the PC.
In addition, FLARM operates as an IGC-file compatible flight recorder including the G-record. Flight logs can
be read out either via the SD-card or via the data port and a suitable cable. The SD card does not need to be
carried on during the flight. FLARM is optionally also available as diamond-level IGC-
approved
Flight
Recorder, optionally with Engine Noise Level sensor (ENL).
With the standard Jan 2009 obstacle databank there is memory for more than 100 hrs of flight recording at a
2s interval. Use the free PC-software to download flights to your PC and to properly configure your device for
flight recording. Flight recording automatically starts when the aircraft is moving and ends when the unit is
switched off. Switching off the device during the flight for a longer period results in separate flight record files.
Allow at least 1 minute (if the interval is 2s, our recommended value) after landing before you switch off the
device else you loose the last part of the flight. Allow more time after landing if the interval is higher. When
the memory is full, the oldest data is overwritten. Always download you flight data before you update the
obstacle databank or the software.
FLARM applies for the radio communication between the units a proprietary and copyright-protected protocol
in regionally different frequency bands. The radio communication is separately secured against unauthorized
access. The design is protected by several patents. The radio communication protocol is not public, but
FLARM Technology GmbH offers a license contract where it is accessible in the form of a compatible core
design ready for integration into 3
rd
party systems. These systems are officially declared as FLARM-
compatible. Any non-licensed use, dissemination, copying, implementation, reverse engineering or
decompilation of the FLARM radio communication protocol, the FLARM hardware and software or parts of it
is forbidden by law and will be prosecuted. FLARM is an internationally registered trademark and can not be
used without license. Technical specifications subject to change at any time without notice.
3.
General Advice on Operation
This Manual must be carried on board the aircraft. When permanently installed in an aircraft, the 'AFM
Supplement' must also be carried in the aircraft.
In flight the pilot must have direct sight of and immediate access to a switch or circuit breaker that
disconnects FLARM from the aircraft electrical power supply, without affecting other essential aircraft
systems. This might be necessary if the pilot suspects that FLARM may be interfering with another on-board
system, the suspected presence of smoke, the smell of smoke, or flying in a country where the use of
FLARM is not permitted.
FLARM must not be operated at night or with night vision systems.
FLARM will not operate without adequate GPS signal strength. Correct antenna installation has a great
effect on the transmission/receiving range; an incomplete or improper installation can make correct
operations impossible without the system being able to detect this.
FLARM is not able to measure its own RF-receiver sensitivity. When the pilot detects that other aircraft are
received only when very close or not at all and when the RF-antenna’s positioning is clearly not the cause of
it, the device must be checked by the manufacturer.
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www.flarm.com/support/analyze
