FLARM Technical Overview
From www.flarm.com:
FLARM® is an affordable, active and cooperative traffic and collision-warning system for general aviation and recreational flying. Since 2004, over 13’000 fully FLARM and fully-compatible devices have been installed in aircraft worldwide. These devices have been credited on many occasions with avoiding dangerous situations and increasing situation awareness. FLARM is the only prevalent alternative to the commercial airliners’ expensive ACAS/TCAS system:
- shows nearby traffic, warns visually and acoustically of approaching other aircraft or fixed obstacles
- intelligent motion prediction minimizes nuisance alarms and supports situational awareness
- integrates with over 50 compatible products by other manufacturers (e.g. PDA moving maps, ILEC SN10, ClearNAV, Butterfly) through open serial port protocol
- all versions feature microSD card for easy up- and downloads, IGC-format flight recording (approved for OLC)
- based on award-winning original FLARM design, endorsed by FAI, winner of 2006 OSTIV prize IGC/OSTIV, and EASA (AMC Part 21, Part M)
- optional diamond-level IGC-approval with/without engine noise sensor (ENL)
- typically 4-8km radio range, verified with online radio range analyzer
- high-precision GPS module
- embedded database covers Italian, Swiss, Austrian, French and German obstacles, with periodic updates
- sustainable and full compatibility with wide range of FLARM-licensed products
- operates in a license-free radio band, not based on transponder technology
- small size and simple installation (12V - 24VDC, classic Flarm draws 43mA @ 12v)
