Dear pilot, This is a reminder for the mandatory free software updated required now. Every few years, all FLARM devices have to undergo a scheduled maintenance through software update. This behavior is explained in the operating manual. Version 4 must no longer be used; Update to software version 5 now, or for sure before the next flight!
Version 5.0 is available for download for FLARM and all compatible designs (including LX, LXNAV, MiniOz, OzFLARM, Swift Avionics 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. This requires 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. 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 _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
