On 8/12/2010 8:59 PM, Mike Schumann wrote:
Very well said.

It is frustrating that the obviously bright guys behind PowerFLARM
couldn't take the next logical step and make their "FLARM" RF
subsystem compatible with ADS-B UAT for the US market.
It may be a bit presumptuous to decide the "next logical step" for the
FLARM folks. Are you aware that besides FLARM and PowerFLARM, they also
operate SAFEmine (visit safe-mine.com)? I'm guessing they have plenty to
do with a proven device that is in widespread use (and being adapted
for other uses), and diving into the murky waters of the ADS-B market
probably looks like a poor opportunity at this time. And also because
those murky waters have some large sharks swimming in them, like Garmin
and the other aviation instrument companies.

I hope you get a chance to talk to Urs Rothacher of FLARM, as I have at
SSA conventions. I think a half hour on the phone would clear up a lot
confusion about FLARM and it's relation to ADS-B, and how much more
trouble the ADS-B out arena is compared to FLARM's niche.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (netto to net to email me)

- "Transponders in Sailplanes - Feb/2010" also ADS-B, PCAS, Flarm http://tinyurl.com/yb3xywl

- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation Mar/2004" Much of what you need to know tinyurl.com/yfs7tnz