(USA) FlarmNet usage

[2NO]

I can't find any recent discussions on FlarmNet, which is plugged in the Butterfly display manual.

Are most USA PF users registering on FlarmNet.org?

How is the .bnf file installed?

Is it used by the BF display, or by the PF core?

Most importantly will it make me fly faster???

ted/2NO

[Paul Remde]

Hi Ted,

I highly recommend that all FLARM users register at Flarmnet.org. That way,
it will be easier to identify those flying with you.

The .bfn file is installed into the Butterfly display (not the FLARM) using
the upgrade utility program on a PC and a special update cable. I can do it
for you here. I always put the latest FLARMnet file into the Butterfly
FLARM displays when I ship them.

The great news is the the next version of PowerFLARM firmware should support
the ability to upgrade the Butterfly displays by plugging a USB Flash Drive
or microSD memory card with the firmware upgrade file on it into the
PowerFLARM Brick or Portable.

Best Regards,

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
____________________________________

"2NO" wrote in message
...

I can't find any recent discussions on FlarmNet, which is plugged in the
Butterfly display manual.

Are most USA PF users registering on FlarmNet.org?

How is the .bnf file installed?

Is it used by the BF display, or by the PF core?

Most importantly will it make me fly faster???

ted/2NO

[Evan Ludeman[_4_]]

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 12:05:37 AM UTC-4, Paul Remde wrote:

> The great news is the the next version of PowerFLARM firmware should support
>
> the ability to upgrade the Butterfly displays by plugging a USB Flash Drive
>
> or microSD memory card with the firmware upgrade file on it into the
>
> PowerFLARM Brick or Portable.

It works and it's here (in beta) now.

http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support

I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability significantly.

Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd encourage you to make your opinion known.

Evan Ludeman / T8

[John Carlyle]

Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.

The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee for (among other things):

* Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
* IGC approval (IGC)
* Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)

If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise monitoring - for free.

-John, Q3


On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
> It works and it's here (in beta) now.
>
> http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
>
> I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability significantly.
>
> Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd encourage you to make your opinion known.
>
> Evan Ludeman / T8

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
> On Thursday, April 25, 2013 12:05:37 AM UTC-4, Paul Remde wrote:
>
>
>
> > The great news is the the next version of PowerFLARM firmware should support
>
> >
>
> > the ability to upgrade the Butterfly displays by plugging a USB Flash Drive
>
> >
>
> > or microSD memory card with the firmware upgrade file on it into the
>
> >
>
> > PowerFLARM Brick or Portable.
>
>
>
> It works and it's here (in beta) now.
>
>
>
> http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
>
>
>
> I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability significantly.
>
>
>
> Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd encourage you to make your opinion known.
>
>
>
> Evan Ludeman / T8

Where are the display firmware updates? I found the FlarmNet file for the
Americas (I registered a while back) but I don't see any updates for the
display. Will the default level of firmware cope with FlarmNet?

Matt

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:11:35 AM UTC-4, John Carlyle wrote:
> Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.
>
>
>
> The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee for (among other things):
>
>
>
> * Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
>
> * IGC approval (IGC)
>
> * Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
>
>
>
> If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise monitoring - for free.
>
>
>
> -John, Q3
>
>

In the readme file they say that the extra charges only apply to features
not shipped on new purchases. If you already have your PF then you're fine.
The only charge I see (in the future) is for access to the obstacle database.
Since that's called something like "alps 2011" I don't think that's very
applicable.

Matt

[John Carlyle]

I'm not so sure, Matt, that one can say that US PowerFLARMs were sold with these features. It certainly doesn't say so on any paperwork that I have. And the PFcore I bought last year certainly didn't do IGC logging out of the box, so it can't be said it shipped with this feature.

I'd really love to be wrong on this. Any official word from FLARM?

-John, Q3


On Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:32:50 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> On Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:11:35 AM UTC-4, John Carlyle wrote:
> > Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.
> >
> > The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee for (among other things):
> >
> > * Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
> >
> > * IGC approval (IGC)
> >
> > * Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
> >
> > If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise monitoring - for free.
> >
> > -John, Q3
>
> In the readme file they say that the extra charges only apply to features
> not shipped on new purchases. If you already have your PF then you're fine.
> The only charge I see (in the future) is for access to the obstacle database.
> Since that's called something like "alps 2011" I don't think that's very
> applicable.
>
> Matt

[Evan Ludeman[_4_]]

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 10:29:11 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
>
> > On Thursday, April 25, 2013 12:05:37 AM UTC-4, Paul Remde wrote:
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > > The great news is the the next version of PowerFLARM firmware should support
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
> > > the ability to upgrade the Butterfly displays by plugging a USB Flash Drive
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
> > > or microSD memory card with the firmware upgrade file on it into the
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
> > > PowerFLARM Brick or Portable.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > It works and it's here (in beta) now.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability significantly.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd encourage you to make your opinion known.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Evan Ludeman / T8
>
>
>
> Where are the display firmware updates? I found the FlarmNet file for the
>
> Americas (I registered a while back) but I don't see any updates for the
>
> display. Will the default level of firmware cope with FlarmNet?
>
>
>
> Matt

See "Displays" at bottom of page I linked to above for the 2.79 beta.

-T8

[Paul Remde]

Hi John,

The U.S. price for PowerFLARM Core and Portable includes IGC Approval as
standard. That has been the plan from the start. In Europe it is an
option.

Engine Noise Level functionality has always been promoted as an extra cost
option in the USA.

Best Regards,

Paul Remde
Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
__________________________

"John Carlyle" wrote in message
...

Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.

The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee
for (among other things):

* Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
* IGC approval (IGC)
* Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)

If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my
Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight
trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise
monitoring - for free.

-John, Q3


On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
> It works and it's here (in beta) now.
>
> http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
>
> I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta
> because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it
> allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability
> significantly.
>
> Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly
> displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've
> suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd
> encourage you to make your opinion known.
>
> Evan Ludeman / T8

[John Carlyle]

Thanks, Paul, that answers questions about three of the license items.

Can you shed light on the other extra cost options listed in the V2.79 release notes? Specifically, in the US, are the Audio (AUD), the Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB, and the Garmin TIS output (TIS)extra cost options?

Thanks in advance.

-John, Q3

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 3:31:08 PM UTC-4, Paul Remde wrote:
> Hi John,
>
> The U.S. price for PowerFLARM Core and Portable includes IGC Approval as
> standard. That has been the plan from the start. In Europe it is an
> option.
>
> Engine Noise Level functionality has always been promoted as an extra cost
> option in the USA.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Paul Remde
> Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
> __________________________
>
> "John Carlyle" wrote in message
> ...
>
> Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.
>
> The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee
> for (among other things):
>
> * Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
> * IGC approval (IGC)
> * Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
>
> If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my
> Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight
> trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise
> monitoring - for free.
>
> -John, Q3
>
>
> On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
> > It works and it's here (in beta) now.
> >
> > http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
> >
> > I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta
> > because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it
> > allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability
> > significantly.
> >
> > Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly
> > displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've
> > suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd
> > encourage you to make your opinion known.
> >
> > Evan Ludeman / T8

[Jim[_31_]]

On Thursday, April 25, 2013 4:00:17 PM UTC-4, John Carlyle wrote:
> Thanks, Paul, that answers questions about three of the license items.
>
>
>
> Can you shed light on the other extra cost options listed in the V2.79 release notes? Specifically, in the US, are the Audio (AUD), the Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB, and the Garmin TIS output (TIS)extra cost options?
>
>
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
>
> -John, Q3
>
>
>
> On Thursday, April 25, 2013 3:31:08 PM UTC-4, Paul Remde wrote:
>
> > Hi John,
>
> >
>
> > The U.S. price for PowerFLARM Core and Portable includes IGC Approval as
>
> > standard. That has been the plan from the start. In Europe it is an
>
> > option.
>
> >
>
> > Engine Noise Level functionality has always been promoted as an extra cost
>
> > option in the USA.
>
> >
>
> > Best Regards,
>
> >
>
> > Paul Remde
>
> > Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
>
> > __________________________
>
> >
>
> > "John Carlyle" wrote in message
>
> > ...
>
> >
>
> > Thanks for the "heads-up", Evan.
>
> >
>
> > The release notes are very interesting. FLARM is now going to charge a fee
>
> > for (among other things):
>
> >
>
> > * Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
>
> > * IGC approval (IGC)
>
> > * Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
>
> >
>
> > If this scheme is applicable to the US, too, then I'll be using my
>
> > Volkslogger along with PowerFLARM. At least I'll get an IGC approved flight
>
> > trace good for up to world records (OK, stop laughing) with engine noise
>
> > monitoring - for free.
>
> >
>
> > -John, Q3
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > On Thursday, April 25, 2013 8:49:25 AM UTC-4, Evan Ludeman wrote:
>
> > > It works and it's here (in beta) now.
>
> > >
>
> > > http://www.powerflarm.aero/index.php/en/knowledge-and-support
>
> > >
>
> > > I don't use or care much about flarmnet, but I do recommend the 2.79 beta
>
> > > because it appears to have better pcas sensitivity and reliability and it
>
> > > allows one to easily update the display to 3.1, which improves readability
>
> > > significantly.
>
> > >
>
> > > Sure wish they'd chuck those silly, useless pcas circles on the butterfly
>
> > > displays in favor of digital range information (like Zaon). I've
>
> > > suggested this, without reply. If you agree, or have a better idea, I'd
>
> > > encourage you to make your opinion known.
>
> > >
>
> > > Evan Ludeman / T8

John/Q3, I sent an email to (that's the email on the update page) asking the same question. The release notes clearly say only units that sold WITH the second antenna are grandfathered. When I unpacked my PF core I was surprised it only had one antenna (especially when all the range issues were being aired on RAS). I immediately purchased my second antenna from Paul last year and yet to install it.
Jim/PC

[kirk.stant]

On Saturday, April 27, 2013 3:53:54 PM UTC+2, Jim wrote:

> John/Q3, I sent an email to (that's the email on the update page) asking the same question. The release notes clearly say only units that sold WITH the second antenna are grandfathered. When I unpacked my PF core I was surprised it only had one antenna (especially when all the range issues were being aired on RAS). I immediately purchased my second antenna from Paul last year and yet to install it.
>
> Jim/PC

I'm curious also. All the documentation and propaganda about the PowerFLARM Brick (now Core) touted the fact that you had the ability to use two flarm antennas. I've installed two antennas on mine, because of the need to mount the primary way in the front of my LS6 and wanting as much coverage as possible.

But mine did not come with a second flarm antenna - I purchased it from Cumulus Soaring after taking delivery of my PFB (as one of the original Arizona group purchase).

So clarification by Flarm would be nice. I'm OK with having to pay for ENL (since I don't have an engine :^), or new data formats (Garmin TIS) that weren't advertised, but items like the IGC logger and second antenna were part of the original sales pitch, IMO.

Immediate question: Is the second flarm antenna active on my PFB? Will it be if I install 2.79 beta?

Kirk
66

[Richard[_9_]]

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 7:35:02 AM UTC-7, kirk.stant wrote:
> On Saturday, April 27, 2013 3:53:54 PM UTC+2, Jim wrote: > John/Q3, I sent an email to (that's the email on the update page) asking the same question. The release notes clearly say only units that sold WITH the second antenna are grandfathered. When I unpacked my PF core I was surprised it only had one antenna (especially when all the range issues were being aired on RAS). I immediately purchased my second antenna from Paul last year and yet to install it. > > Jim/PC I'm curious also. All the documentation and propaganda about the PowerFLARM Brick (now Core) touted the fact that you had the ability to use two flarm antennas. I've installed two antennas on mine, because of the need to mount the primary way in the front of my LS6 and wanting as much coverage as possible. But mine did not come with a second flarm antenna - I purchased it from Cumulus Soaring after taking delivery of my PFB (as one of the original Arizona group purchase). So clarification by Flarm would be nice. I'm OK with having to pay for ENL (since I don't have an engine :^), or new data formats (Garmin TIS) that weren't advertised, but items like the IGC logger and second antenna were part of the original sales pitch, IMO. Immediate question: Is the second flarm antenna active on my PFB? Will it be if I install 2.79 beta? Kirk 66

Kirk,

The Flarm B antenna port is active, but PowerFlarm does not provide two antennas.
Flarm A is transmit and receive.
Flarm B is receive only.

Richard
www.craggyaero.com

[Jim[_31_]]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:45:04 PM UTC-4, 2NO wrote:
> I can't find any recent discussions on FlarmNet, which is plugged in the Butterfly display manual.
>
>
>
> Are most USA PF users registering on FlarmNet.org?
>
>
>
> How is the .bnf file installed?
>
>
>
> Is it used by the BF display, or by the PF core?
>
>
>
> Most importantly will it make me fly faster???
>
>
>
> ted/2NO

But will the "B" port remain active if the core is updated with the new software? The release notes lead me to believe no...

[Richard[_9_]]

On Monday, April 29, 2013 1:43:06 PM UTC-7, Jim wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:45:04 PM UTC-4, 2NO wrote: > I can't find any recent discussions on FlarmNet, which is plugged in the Butterfly display manual. > > > > Are most USA PF users registering on FlarmNet.org? > > > > How is the .bnf file installed? > > > > Is it used by the BF display, or by the PF core? > > > > Most importantly will it make me fly faster??? > > > > ted/2NO But will the "B" port remain active if the core is updated with the new software? The release notes lead me to believe no...

Read the notes carefully.

Feature licencing system. The following features now require a licence
subject to a fee:
* Obstacle database updates (OBST)
* Audio (AUD)
* Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
* IGC approval (IGC)
* Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
* Garmin TIS output (TIS)

Devices already sold with any of the above features have the respective
licences preinstalled.

One thing you do lose with the new updates 2.6 and above is the unlimited Flarm vertical range. It is now limited to +/- 500 meters.

Rich

[Jim[_31_]]

On Monday, April 29, 2013 9:38:21 PM UTC-4, Richard wrote:
> On Monday, April 29, 2013 1:43:06 PM UTC-7, Jim wrote:
>
> > On Wednesday, April 24, 2013 10:45:04 PM UTC-4, 2NO wrote: > I can't find any recent discussions on FlarmNet, which is plugged in the Butterfly display manual. > > > > Are most USA PF users registering on FlarmNet.org? > > > > How is the .bnf file installed? > > > > Is it used by the BF display, or by the PF core? > > > > Most importantly will it make me fly faster??? > > > > ted/2NO But will the "B" port remain active if the core is updated with the new software? The release notes lead me to believe no...
>
>
>
> Read the notes carefully.
>
>
>
> Feature licencing system. The following features now require a licence
>
> subject to a fee:
>
> * Obstacle database updates (OBST)
>
> * Audio (AUD)
>
> * Engine Noise Level recording (ENL)
>
> * IGC approval (IGC)
>
> * Second FLARM antenna connection (RFB)
>
> * Garmin TIS output (TIS)
>
>
>
> Devices already sold with any of the above features have the respective
>
> licences preinstalled.
>
>
>
> One thing you do lose with the new updates 2.6 and above is the unlimited Flarm vertical range. It is now limited to +/- 500 meters.
>
>
>
> Rich

Thanks Richard. The notes are not clear what "sold with the feature" means because the core was not sold with the second antenna feature (only the port, not the antenna). However, you are correct. I got a (presently prompt) reply from Butterfly saying the second port will not be disabled with updating software:
"Hello, thanks for your email.

Q. If I update my firmware/software now will I not have my second antenna working?
A. The licensing system is only for new devices. Your B-Port FLARM antenna will work.

For any questions we are happy to assist you.

Best wishes,
Joachim Fetzer
Butterfly"