On Feb 28, 3:58*am, Andrzej Kobus wrote:
On Feb 27, 10:32*pm, Morgan wrote:



I've got about 5 flights with the PowerFlarm now although only 1 with
another PowerFlarm equipped glider nearby.

With a transponder equipped plane approaching, the display goes red at
a couple of miles of estimated range. *No audible alert though.

What I've found so far is probably similar to other PCAS users. *You
are suddenly surprised at how many aircraft are around that you never
see. Most of these have been over 4 miles away, but it can be a
challenge to find traffic at 3-4 miles even when you know their
relative altitude.

I can understand why they do not have an audio alert. *First off, the
range is estimated not an exact position. *Second, there is no
directional information. *So what are you going to do with the alert
info you possess? *Hopefully keep your eyes peeled with greater
scrutiny. *It takes but a 1/2 second to include the PF in your
instrument scan and get a sense of range/altitude of the nearest
target.

Lastly, the main reason they may not have an audio alert is that there
are currently some false alarms showing up from your own transponder
if you're equipped. * I'm hopeful that future revs of the software
will filter that out further, but currently I've seen a number of
false alarms even with a Mode S Trig. *They usually don't last long,
but it would be a different story of nuisance if they were audio
alerting.

Morgan

There should be a selection of range for PCAS so you don't have to be
alerted at 4 miles unless you fly high where power planes fly with
greater speeds. Sound should alert you to look at the display, there
should be no need to scan this display. One beep that all it takes to
let you know someone is near you. While in a thermal there is no time
to do scanning. You keep your head outside at all time. Every so often
a pick at a variometer is enough of a distraction from observing
traffic around you.

Audio alerts are a must. Otherwise, unless you stare at the PowerFlarm
all the time, you will not see the alerts. I've been flying with PCAS
for many years, and only notice the alerts after I hear the audio
alert.
If I recall correctly, they announced at the SSA Convention talk that
audio alert is coming next. It will not be an alarm sound, just an
alert.

Ramy