Guys, Its hardware repairs that are discontinued, not firmware support. Important to differentiate.
The problem is getting replacement parts and the shipping/labour costs involved. It is correct that all new units going forward will be a single design (powerflarm) and a global exchange process for faulty units is being put in place to ensure long term support. Existing Flarm model supply to the market is being phased out this year. I hear there is a chap in Europe who is fixing Swiss Flarms, but i don't have his details immediately at hand Richard > On 17 Mar 2015, at 12:08 am, [email protected] wrote: > > Send Aus-soaring mailing list submissions to > [email protected] > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > [email protected] > > You can reach the person managing the list at > [email protected] > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Aus-soaring digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Flarm support non existant (David Kinlan) > 2. Re: Flarm Update (Chris Runeckles) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 23:06:48 +1000 > From: David Kinlan <[email protected]> > Subject: [Aus-soaring] Flarm support non existant > To: "[email protected]" > <[email protected]> > Message-ID: <[email protected]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > I can only add to Laurie Simpkins concerns. > Recently y 4yr old SwissFlarm had a defect and could no longer receive a > signal. On contacting Flarm in Switzerland they informed me that they no > longer support any of the purported 25,000 flarm units out there (they > referred to these as the 'classic' flarms they will only service powerflarms. > So once your classic flarm has an issue it it effectively worthless and > beyond repair. I am guessing everyone out there is not aware of this as it is > not clear from their website. > > David Kinlan > > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > <http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/private/aus-soaring/attachments/20150316/04347dd6/attachment.html> > > ------------------------------ > > Message: 2 > Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:08:16 +0800 > From: Chris Runeckles <[email protected]> > Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Flarm Update > To: "Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia." > <[email protected]> > Message-ID: > <cag02_klkkqiutekoegx+wbd7npjywv02qdwu-vw4lde_yk4...@mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > Hi Laurie > > So before I make the same error with my Swiss flarm, what was the problem? > and could you share the fix with the forum please > > Many thanks > > Chris Runeckles > GCWA > > On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 8:34 PM, Laurie Simpkins <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> Hi, >> Just attempted to updated my Swiss Flarm this weekend and turned it into >> an expensive paperweight. Fortunately two well known members of WGC ( >> thanks again) pooled their combined knowledge and many hours later it >> became a semi useful part of the airframe again. Was about to scrap all >> electronics and install my cosim vario and make my own beeping noises??? >> It will be a sad day IMHO when we mandate any form of electronic device >> for all gliders as standard equipment. I appreciate their use for gliders >> and tugs ( I used to tow ) in comps etc but as the owner of some vintage >> gliders ( including my open cirrus) i challenge their relevance in all >> parts of our sport. >> I still believe we could help ourselves more by encouraging more anti >> collision marking ( read all the arguments) and keeping our heads out of >> the cockpit where they belong. >> Before you crucify me ( as happens occasionally here) please justify your >> comments with why you think i need a Flarm or equivalent in a vintage or >> training aircraft mostly operating in the CTAF. Soon we will be asked these >> questions as a body and i hope we answer wisely. >> I say again i support and understand the relevance in a comp situation for >> devices likes Flarms however we will need to make future decisions and >> rules for all the gliding community. >> Currently i probably couldn't operate at some local clubs due to an >> insistence an Flarms for all aircraft??????????? >> >> cheers >> Laurie >> >> GMO,GDW,GEF,GHJ,GTG >> >> >> >>> From: [email protected] >>> Subject: Aus-soaring Digest, Vol 138, Issue 25 >>> To: [email protected] >>> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:22:52 +1030 >>> >>> Send Aus-soaring mailing list submissions to >>> [email protected] >>> >>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >>> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring >>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >>> [email protected] >>> >>> You can reach the person managing the list at >>> [email protected] >>> >>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >>> than "Re: Contents of Aus-soaring digest..." >>> >>> >>> Today's Topics: >>> >>> 1. Re: FLARM update (Mike Borgelt) >>> 2. Easter Comp 2015 cancelled (Erich Wittstock) >>> 3. Re: Easter Comp 2015 cancelled (Ian Downes) >>> >>> >>> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> >>> Message: 1 >>> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 11:47:29 +1000 >>> From: Mike Borgelt <[email protected]> >>> Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] FLARM update >>> To: "Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia." >>> <[email protected]> >>> Message-ID: <[email protected]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; Format="flowed" >>> >>> As a standalone device a Flarm is merely an expensive GPS data source. >>> >>> Flarm is a *system* and requires other devices >>> and compatibility between devices to function. >>> The usefulness also degrades rapidly as the >>> proportion of potential targets either is not >>> equipped or the unit isn't working or is non compatible. >>> >>> Analogies with parachutes aren't useful. There >>> are many parachute manufacturers and I'm not >>> aware that licence fees are being paid by the >>> others to one manufacturer and while there may >>> be airworthiness directives from time to time on a particular brand or >> type of >>> >>> parachute there aren't potential fleet wide problems every year. >>> >>> Not a problem until use is mandated as in contests or some clubs. >>> >>> The serious parts of aviation seem to go to lots >>> of trouble to maintain backwards compatibility. >>> i.e. continuing use of pressure altitude instead >>> of GPS altitude, Mode A transponders are >>> compatible with Mode C and mode S and ADSB co-exists with these on the >> same >>> >>> frequencies. Except in the USA where the >>> potential congestion means they have gone to >>> 978Mhz for ADSB for small aircraft and maintained >>> the Extended squitter transponder 1090 Mhz use >>> for large aircraft. That means ground stations >>> and being in range of one for the two >>> >>> sets of users to know about each other. Wonderful! >>> >>> TCAS as used in airliners also has the feature >>> that the system logic is known to the users and users are trained in it. >>> >>> A couple of years ago I analysed a mid air >>> between two gliders in Austria. Both Flarm >>> equipped and both Flarms were working. The pilots >>> frantically scanned and still failed to see each >>> other whereupon one turned left - right across >>> the other glider's flightpath and the >>> >>> collision occurred. Otherwise they'd have missed. >>> Fortunately both managed to land safely. >>> >>> Mike >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> At 10:56 AM 16/03/2015, you wrote: >>>> Hi Tim, >>>> As you have reminded many in the past, - this is >>>> a Gliding Forum. Keep the politics and political comments out of it. >>>> Glenn >>>> >>>> >>>>> On 14/03/2015 8:32 PM, Tim Shirley wrote: >>>>> Hi all, >>>>> >>>>> Flarms are standalone devices. They won't stop >>>>> working tomorrow, because there is nothing to >>>>> stop them working. A Flarm on V5 will see a >>>>> Flarm on V5 just the same for ever, so it is >>>>> probably better for the upgrade at a club, or >>>>> in an area where gliders often fly together, to >>>>> be co-ordinated. Making an instant change to >>>>> your own Flarm might simply disable yours :) >>>>> >>>>> Flarm is being 100% consistent in its policy, >>>>> and if that is irresponsible well then more >>>>> irresponsibility from Tony Abbott would be good >>>>> (if that is possible). They have NEVER >>>>> guaranteed that a major version upgrade is >>>>> backward compatible, in fact they have always >>>>> said that any backward compatibility between >>>>> major versions is coincidental. I make no >>>>> comment on the reasons or the necessity for this policy. >>>>> >>>>> There's nothing wrong with a Flarm, except for >>>>> the far too high expectations we have of it. >>>>> >>>>> Just look out the window - no version changes >>>>> required but make sure your specs are up to spec. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers >>>>> >>>>> Tim Shirley >>>>> >>>>> tra dire ? fare c' ? mezzo il mare >>>>>> On 14/03/2015 6:54 PM, Matthew Scutter wrote: >>>>>> FYI: >>>>>> FLARM has now published it's latest update - v6. >>>>>> It's available here: >>>>>> <http://flarm.com/support/firmware-updates/> >> http://flarm.com/support/firmware-updates/ >>>>>> >>>>>> The protocols in the current version (v5) and >>>>>> new version (v6) are supposedly totally >>>>>> incompatible, so please update your FLARMs >>>>>> before next flight or you won't be able to see pilots with the other >> version. >>>>>> >>>>>> <soapbox opinion> I think it's very >>>>>> irresponsible of FLARM to publish a backwards >>>>>> incompatible upgrade like this. I am glad I am >>>>>> not flying in the Alps this weekend. </opinion> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Aus-soaring mailing list >>>>>> <mailto:[email protected]> >> [email protected] >>>>>> To check or change subscription details, visit: >>>>>> <http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring> >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Aus-soaring mailing list >>>>> <mailto:[email protected]> >> [email protected] >>>>> To check or change subscription details, visit: >>>>> <http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring> >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Aus-soaring mailing list >>>> [email protected] >>>> To check or change subscription details, visit: >>>> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring >>> >>> Borgelt Instruments - design & manufacture of >>> quality soaring instrumentation since 1978 >>> www.borgeltinstruments.com >>> tel: 07 4635 5784 overseas: int+61-7-4635 5784 >>> mob: 042835 5784 : int+61-42835 5784 >>> P O Box 4607, Toowoomba East, QLD 4350, Australia >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: < >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/private/aus-soaring/attachments/20150316/97c4f1e8/attachment.html >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 2 >>> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 19:19:16 +1100 >>> From: Erich Wittstock <[email protected]> >>> Subject: [Aus-soaring] Easter Comp 2015 cancelled >>> To: "Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia." >>> <[email protected]> >>> Message-ID: >>> <caph3ingu9naf3qd9syosnusgocnb6z6dzxvcxnu_2bjsm0n...@mail.gmail.com> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >>> >>> Regretfully the decision has been made to cancel this years Easter >>> Competition that was to be held at Goondiwindi. The principal reason was >>> a lack of competitors. There were not sufficient entrants to justify the >>> commitment of the organisers, it was a risk financially and the small >>> numbers in the classes gave little competition. >>> >>> It is unfortunate however we felt it better to cancel rather than try to >>> run a sub-standard event. We will commence planning in a couple of months >>> for Easter 2016. Watch for our announcements. >>> >>> For those who have made the commitment to go to Goondiwindi this year all >>> is not totally lost for you. Warwick Club intend to fly all week and >>> offer non-competitive scored soaring for those interested. If you are >>> interested contact Warwick club www.warwickgliding.org.au >>> >>> >>> >>> Lindsay Mitchell >>> President >>> Queensland Gliding Assoc. Inc. >>> 0419 280 811 >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: < >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/private/aus-soaring/attachments/20150316/770436f8/attachment.html >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> Message: 3 >>> Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:52:43 +1100 >>> From: "Ian Downes" <[email protected]> >>> Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Easter Comp 2015 cancelled >>> To: "'Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.'" >>> <[email protected]> >>> Message-ID: <[email protected]> >>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" >>> >>> Good evening all >>> >>> >>> >>> Sorry to hear about the need to cancel this years event at Goondiwindi. >>> >>> >>> >>> As well as our friends at Warwick, Lake Keepit is also operating over >> the Easter break as part of our full time operation. >>> >>> >>> >>> Whilst accommodation at the club and the adjoining caravan park is >> pretty tight, we do have plenty of camping spots available. >>> >>> >>> >>> If you can't make Warwick we would love to see you at Keepit. >>> >>> >>> >>> Regards, >>> >>> >>> >>> Ian Downes. >>> >>> Lake Keepit Soaring Club >>> >>> >>> >>> From: [email protected] [mailto: >> [email protected]] On Behalf Of Erich Wittstock >>> Sent: Monday, March 16, 2015 7:19 PM >>> To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia. >>> Subject: [Aus-soaring] Easter Comp 2015 cancelled >>> >>> >>> >>> Regretfully the decision has been made to cancel this years Easter >> Competition that was to be held at Goondiwindi. The principal reason was a >> lack of competitors. There were not sufficient entrants to justify the >> commitment of the organisers, it was a risk financially and the small >> numbers in the classes gave little competition. >>> >>> >>> >>> It is unfortunate however we felt it better to cancel rather than try to >> run a sub-standard event. We will commence planning in a couple of months >> for Easter 2016. Watch for our announcements. >>> >>> >>> >>> For those who have made the commitment to go to Goondiwindi this year >> all is not totally lost for you. Warwick Club intend to fly all week and >> offer non-competitive scored soaring for those interested. If you are >> interested contact Warwick club www.warwickgliding.org.au < >> http://www.warwickgliding.org.au/> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Lindsay Mitchell >>> President >>> Queensland Gliding Assoc. Inc. >>> >>> 0419 280 811 <tel:0419%20280%20811> >>> >>> -------------- next part -------------- >>> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... >>> URL: < >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/private/aus-soaring/attachments/20150316/28148f67/attachment.html >>> >>> >>> ------------------------------ >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Aus-soaring mailing list >>> [email protected] >>> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring >>> >>> End of Aus-soaring Digest, Vol 138, Issue 25 >>> ******************************************** >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Aus-soaring mailing list >> [email protected] >> To check or change subscription details, visit: >> http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring > -------------- next part -------------- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > <http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/private/aus-soaring/attachments/20150316/066bd3af/attachment.html> > > ------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Aus-soaring mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring > > End of Aus-soaring Digest, Vol 138, Issue 27 > ******************************************** _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list [email protected] To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
