Flarm or not Flarm ...?

August 2, 2020

... that's obviously a question for some devices with Flarm. A current case shows: Some Flarm identifiers are not transmitted correctly. A Skytraxx 2.1 with activated Flarm, but the Flarm receiver (here: XCTracer Maxx) reports: "No Flarm nearby". // Source: Lu-Glidz A pilot had bought a Vario Skytraxx 2.1 because he wanted to be more instrumentally visible to glider pilots in the air via Flarm. However, after his first flights, he found that the Flarm ID of his device could not be found on any of the usual logger sites on the Internet, even though he had certainly been traveling in the reception area of the Flarm antennas at surrounding glider airfields. Shouldn't his new Vario, as promised, emit the Flarm signals for collision warning? The pilot made repeated attempts, but was always unsuccessful. Finally, a friend who was a friend of mine held an XCTracer Maxx next to it. As a buddy function, this Vario can also receive and display Flarm signals from other paragliders. However, the pilot's Skytraxx device remained undetected (other Skytraxx varios were received, however). What to do? The pilot sent his Skytraxx 2.1 to the manufacturer. And he reported back after checking: The Flarm actually doesn't work. But there is no hardware problem behind it. Rather, it would have turned out that the software provided by the Swiss provider Flarm probably had a problem with sending certain addresses. Skytraxx have now contacted Flarm and emphatically asked for an update. As soon as this is available, Skytraxx will publish it as soon as possible. (Note: The code of the Flarm software is protected, the vario manufacturers have no direct access to it, but have to take it over from Flarm.) Tip: Check the Flarm function How many devices could be affected by the Flarm bug at the moment not clear. The case makes one thing particularly clear: owners of Varios with a Flarm function, not only from Skytraxx but also from other manufacturers, should not blindly rely on the technology. It is advisable to check occasionally and from time to time whether your own Flarm ID is actually received by other Flarm users, or whether your own position data on OGN logging servers such as Glidernet, KTrax or on live tracking Page of Burnair Maps. In addition, you should always make sure that the firmware of your Flarm Vario is always up to date. If only because the license of the Flarm software contained therein is only valid for one year and then has to be renewed for Flarm to continue working.

This article has been translated for your convenience and was originally written in German.