User Manual XC Tracer Maxx
Rev 02 4.6.2020
FLARM Firmware / Update
The FLARM firmware must be updated once a year. In the config file you can see which firmware
version is installed and until when this firmware is valid.
After this expiration date FLARM will not work anymore! An update must be done before this date!
if a new FLARM firmware (*.fw file) is available.
These firmware updates are free of charge, the installation is easy done with drag & drop. For
instructions on how to do a firmware update see below.
FLARM Obstacle Database / Collision Warning
XC Tracer Maxx transmits your position twice per second and also your estimated trajectory for
the next 20 seconds. Any other FLARM devices in the vicinity can use this information to assess
any possible risk of collision. If another FLARM device determines that a collision is possible, it will
warn the pilot of the other aircraft.
XC Tracer Maxx itself does not warn of possible collisions with other aircraft!
XC Tracer Maxx can receive signals from FLARM devices on paragliders and hang-gliders and
transmit the data to a mobile phone, tablet or e-reader. Depending on the app you use, you will
know in real-time where your buddies are! During flight tests, signals were received from FLARM
devices up to 29 km away.
The FLARM obstacle database can be installed optionally. Equipped with the obstacle database, XC
Tracer Maxx reliably warns against collisions with fixed obstacles such as cables or antennas that
are recorded in the database. The database and the collision algorithm enable the processing of
complex obstacle types, comprehensively segmented and divided power lines and cable cars in 3
dimensions. The data is extensively checked and optimised using a digital elevation model in order
to largely prevent false alarms.
Various obstacle databases are available, information which version is best for you can be found
here
flarm.com/products/product-extensions/obstacle-databases/
A warning tone sounds approximately 10 seconds before a possible collision. The closer you fly to
the obstacle and the more likely a collision is, the more intense the warning tone will be. As soon as
you fly away from the obstacle, XC Tracer Maxx will supress this warning tone.
In the settings you can set how often per flight you want to be warned of an obstacle. If you set
obstacleWarngings=2x the vario will warn you twice about a cable, and then not more during the
same flight. This can be helpful if you have to turn up above a gondola, then you are not disturbed by
the obstacle alarm.
The obstacle database is intended as additional safety feature, but you must never rely on it alone!!!
