FLARM: update to software version 5.00 available

Dear FLARM-user

Every few years, all FLARM devices have to undergo a scheduled
maintenance through software update. The free, but mandatory update
for version 4 must be done now; 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! SD-card equipped
units will then be able to use all sizes of microSD cards.

Version 5.00 is available for download for FLARM and all compatible
designs (LX, Ediatec, Triadis, Garrecht, Flytec and RF-Developments):
http://www.flarm.com/support/updates/index_en.html (right side)

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 required 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. These improvements
would not be possible without a firmware update in all devices of the
FLARM network. 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 wishes for 2011 and good flights
The FLARM team

www.flarm.com

Hmm.. The PDF file with "Step by step intructions for LX FLARM products"
seems to indicate that updating LX products is very, very easy ;-)

/Lars Peder


"pilot" wrote in message
...
Dear FLARM-user

Every few years, all FLARM devices have to undergo a scheduled
maintenance through software update. The free, but mandatory update
for version 4 must be done now; 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! SD-card equipped
units will then be able to use all sizes of microSD cards.

Version 5.00 is available for download for FLARM and all compatible
designs (LX, Ediatec, Triadis, Garrecht, Flytec and RF-Developments):
http://www.flarm.com/support/updates/index_en.html (right side)

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 required 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. These improvements
would not be possible without a firmware update in all devices of the
FLARM network. 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 wishes for 2011 and good flights
The FLARM team

www.flarm.com