POWERFLARM FUSION
INSTALLATION MANUAL
Date: 2020-11-10
Version: 1.0
Page: 20 of 38
FLARM Technology Ltd
Hinterbergstrasse 15
CH-6330 Cham
Document Number:
FTD-077
2.4.10
GPS Antenna (SMC Connector)
PowerFLARM Fusion contains a 72 channel GNSS receiver, connecting to an
external antenna. Ensure that the antenna cable is properly and fully screwed into
the device. Fusion will not work without good GPS reception.
2.5
Antennas
The minimum number of antennas required for installation is one FLARM antenna
and one GPS antenna. In addition, a second FLARM antenna should be installed
for antenna diversity. The system can also optionally receive SSR transponder
Mode-S and ADS-B 1090ES traffic on 1090 MHz using a separate 1090 antenna
(recommended).
All antennas may be installed either externally (on the aircraft fuselage) or
internally (inside the aircraft fuselage). External antennas are normally mounted
on top and below the aircraft. Internal antennas are normally mounted on the
glareshield or otherwise in the cockpit next to one of the side windows. In
fiberglass gliders, internal antennas can sometimes also be mounted inside the
vertical stabilizer. External antennas for FLARM A and FLARM B are strongly
recommended for all aircraft for the best performance (range). For GPS and 1090,
internal antennas are usually suitable in most light aircraft.
The antennas supplied with the device may only be mounted internally. Additional
approved and acceptable antennas are listed in Appendix B.
Note:
Except for the AV-75 antenna, FLARM antennas are made for either the
SRD860 or ISM band, used in different parts of the world (see Section 1.4
for details). The antennas shipped with the device are for the band
applicable in the country where the device was sold. Ensure that the correct
antenna type for the intended area of operation is installed.
2.5.1
External Antennas
External FLARM antennas should be installed in most aircraft. An external 1090
antenna is recommended for aircraft with MTOM above 2,000 kg, as well as lighter
aircraft where installation of the internal antenna is not feasible. For external
antennas, follow the requirements below.
Poor RF cables attenuate the radio signal and can lead to severely degraded
range. Use only low-attenuation RF cables, especially if the cable is longer
than 1.5 m. The total attenuation per antenna cable should be less than 3
dB.
Minimize cable lengths to ensure maximum signal strength.
