Flarm Range Analysis

I utilize the Flarm range analysis tool a few times each season to make sure that my antenna installation and configuration file are operating adequately. However, I would REALLY like to see a 3D view of my range. 2D is fine as far as it goes for the basic knowledge about horizontal coverage, but I think that better understanding of the vertical arena could be equally important, as thermaling in close quarters often puts other gliders in a blind spot for both parties. If Flarm can help recognize these encounters, we need to be sure that our installation can at least pick up a Flarm signal from above and behind or below and in front. Both are scenarios that can rapidly increase the chances of more than scuffed paint.

Well put, Mark.

I recall a flight with a Discus 2 below me. Neither of us could see the
other on Flarm (we had visual contact) but, when I rolled into a steep
bank allowing the antennae to "see" each other, we got electronic hits.
The obvious solution would be to place an antenna on the bottom of the
ship but since there's only one transmit antenna (Flarm A), it wouldn't
make much of an improvement.

On 6/7/2017 7:55 PM, wrote:
I utilize the Flarm range analysis tool a few times each season to make sure that my antenna installation and configuration file are operating adequately. However, I would REALLY like to see a 3D view of my range. 2D is fine as far as it goes for the basic knowledge about horizontal coverage, but I think that better understanding of the vertical arena could be equally important, as thermaling in close quarters often puts other gliders in a blind spot for both parties. If Flarm can help recognize these encounters, we need to be sure that our installation can at least pick up a Flarm signal from above and behind or below and in front. Both are scenarios that can rapidly increase the chances of more than scuffed paint.


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Dan, 5J

On Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 9:55:56 PM UTC-4, wrote:
However, I would REALLY like to see a 3D view of my range. 2D is fine as far as it goes for the basic knowledge about horizontal coverage, but I think that better understanding of the vertical arena could be equally important, as thermaling in close quarters often puts other gliders in a blind spot for both parties.

I totally agree that Flarm should provide a side view, and front view analysis in addition to the top view. Or even better provide a 3D bubble if they wanted to delight their customers.

Has anyone asked them for this?

Chris