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Garrecht Avionik GmbH
TRX-2000 ADS-B Traffic Monitor
User Manual
Revision: 1.0b
31
19 DEC 2011
5. Firmware updates (FLARM + TRX-2000) via mircoSD-Card
The integral FLARM® module requires the same update procedures and interval as an original
FLARM® system. In the same step, the TRX-2000 Firmware and the FLARM-Net file should be updatet
to the newest release.
The FLARM® firmware update is mandatory. Please read the statement of the FLARM-Team for
detailed information about the 2011 update:
FLARM Software Maintenance 2011
Every few years, all FLARM devices have to undergo a scheduled maintenance through software
update. The next such free, but mandatory update is due end February 2011 for version 4; this
behaviour is explained in the operating manual. Update now for free both software version 5 and
obstacle data, in any case before the next flight!
Release 5 contains a new, higher performance FLARM engine which will be able to process more
aircraft, a major redesign of the software required for integration of FLARM-features into hang-gliders
and powered aircraft (PowerFLARM), its software-data-fusion with transponder-data and related
requirements from regulators like EASA and FCC. This requires a modification to the radio
communication amongst the units where we introduce frequency hopping to increase the radio
bandwidth and reliability as well as some back-and-forth radio bursts for checking radio communication
quality. In addition, version 5 accepts all sizes of microSD cards. An updated obstacle database, which
has grown to over 35’000 objects is available, too.
When is the next scheduled service update due?
Since its creation FLARM has maintained scheduled updates, initially in a one year cycle, in 2006 a two
year cycle, and last time in 2008 a three year cycle. As the technology matures, we further extend this
period to now four years, i.e. version 5 expires on March 1, 2015. This is more convenient for some
users, but slows down the innovation cycle, possibly delaying the use in new applications.
Why scheduled, mandatory updates?
The ability to update the whole network without being limited by constraints of the past is one of the key
features of FLARM and has allowed it to adapt to rapidly expanding requirements. Many parts of aircraft
require scheduled maintenance; this is not a concept which is new to aviation.
Best regards
The FLARM team
(from: www.flarm.com)