Hi Mike (et al),
yes, ADSB will give direction and altitude in a TCAS system.
But if you are "just" a glider pilot and you purchase a powerflarm - it
still is not the best solution. Just more expensive.
If you have a PowerFlarm and hook transponder data into it: you do not get
a direction warning indication, just "incoming". Only Flarm traffic is
shown comprehensively, even with climb rate etc...
The direction / altitude data from a transponder only appears after you
throw a few thousand dollars more at your glider instrument panel and get
additional boxes containing magic smoke.

TABS: "Traffic Advisory Broadcast System".
>From my understanding: it is backwards compatible: It is another (new) box
containing magic smoke and is able to mix Flarm and transponder smoke. It
will cost less than buying a transponder and powerflarm.
"TSO-C199" is the data-sheet for the new smoke.
http://www.icao.int/APAC/Meetings/2015%20ADSBSITF14/SP08b_FAA%20TABS%20briefing.pdf

I am looking after my original OZFlarm and wait for TABS.
However, encrypting the Flarm protocol would mean I would have to fork out
$2500 for a powerflarm just because the Flarm makers are greedy and want
all other manufacturers out of their business.
My existing OZFlarm would be useless even as a paperweight since it is too
light (that's why it is great for a glider).

The good 'ol flarm can be configured via software (by the user) to operate
at different frequencies - to work in different countries. Later Flarm
firmware versions switch frequencies automatically and allow you to take a
flarm from Europe to the US and Australia without any problems.
Powerflarms have to be configured by the manufacturer to change frequencies
- and the Flarmin Swiss Company will charge a few toblerones for that! Why?
because they can!
...make sure you select the "US/Australia" powerflarm from the millenair
website, if you really have to buy a powerflarm and can't wait for TABS.

Third party manufacturers such as LX Nav / LX Navigation utilise the good
'ol flarm in their devices - that's why they switch automatically according
where you are. However, I can foresee that being stopped by the "flarm data
encryption". You will need two powerflarms: One for Europe and the other
for US/Australia.

A bit like no longer  being able to take your phone overseas and just using
it with a sim card from that country..

Lucky for us users: there are enough brainy people out there that are
capable of designing something that is far superior to flarm.
Erich





On Thu, May 21, 2015 at 11:23 AM, Mike Borgelt <
[email protected]> wrote:

>  Erich,
>
> ADSB monitoring should give direction just like Flarm. You may be seeing
> Mode S returns with no ADSB position/speed/direction information in the
> message. Or Mode C returns which won't give direction either. Both should
> give relative altitudes though.
>
> OK what is TABS?
>
> Mike
>
>
> At 10:04 AM 21/05/2015, you wrote:
>
>
> https://www.change.org/p/mr-urs-rothacher-flarm-chairman-petition-against-flarm-decision-to-encrypt-the-communication-protocol
>
> Please correct me if I am wrong:
> Anyone who does not own a powerflarm should sign the petition.
> ..unless you are happy with being forced to replace your perfectly working
> flarm with a powerflarm - that is nearly $2500!
>
> Any OZflarm, miniOz, flarm-mouse, etc will be affected. Some people own
> gadgets like LXNax LX90xx or LXNavigation Zeus..
> Guess what: the integrated flarm engine of your very nice but not cheap
> instrument will be rendered useless and you will have to buy a powerFlarm.
> ..I would sign if I were you.
> Erich
>
> My personal view: PowerFlarm with ADSB traffic monitoring is a bit like a
> joke. Yes, there is a warning of "incoming". But no indication of direction.
> TABS is in the making and looks very promising - and affordable.
> Â
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