On Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 4:14:17 PM UTC-6, Mike Schumann wrote:

There is inherently no technical reason that an ADS-B based system can't provide just as sophisticated collision warnings as FLARM. Both systems rely on GPS position data transmitted once per second. I'm not an expert on this, but FLARM may transmit more predictive data that makes threat analysis in the receiver easier, but there is no inherent technical reason that an app connected to an ADS-B receiver can't track multiple threat targets and compute exactly the same trajectories that FLARM provides.


Ah, but does it do it NOW? Or for the past 5 years? PF has and does. Come back when you can show me an equivalent ADS-b system for experimental GLIDERS. Until then - you are peddling vaporware and snake oil.


The BIG advantage of these ADS-B receivers is that they provide accurate position data for non ADS-B OUT, but transponder aircraft, received from ADS-B ground stations via TIS-B. Due to the half baked ADS-B IN implementation of PowerFlarm, which does not support TIS-B, transponder equipped aircraft can only be identified with an approximate range and altitude, so you have no idea if the target is in front of you, to the side, or behind you, nor which direction it is headed, etc...

Wait - will a non-TSOd or certified setup in an EXPERIMENTAL GLIDER get ANY of those TIS-B ADS-B traffic reports? I thought ONLY CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT WITH CERTIFIED ADS-B OUT SYSTEMS would? If I am wrong, please correct me!

Then of course PowerFlarm doesnt' provide weather radar, METARS, TAFs, and TFRs which are also standard with most ADS-B IN receivers.

So? I'm not flying IFR for cristsakes! I haven't looked at a METAF, TAF, or TFR in over 2500 hours of glider flying! WHOGAS!

Listen, I understand how great ADS-B IN/OUT is for power flying, I can't wait for our towplanes to be equipped, but for gliders (and this is still rec..aviation.soaring, I think) ADS-B is at this time pure smoke and mirrors for most. And by discouraging adoption of a proven system (FLARM) in the US you are doing a great disservice.

Kirk
66
(happily PF'ing since 2013)