= Welcome to Flarmradar =

This wiki should become a source of knowledge for the Flarmradar-Project. 


=== Server ===
... still needs some writing :-)

=== Client ===
While the transmission protocol of the FLARM devices are proprietary (and unusable for our purpose), the [http://www.flarm.com/support/manual/FLARM_DataportManual_v6.00E.pdf Data Port Specification] is public. The client software uses the data available on the devices Data Port, just like any 3rd party product.

The concept of the client software is quite simple. It reads the Data Port from a regular FLARM device (RS232 interface) and streams the data (via the HTTP protocol) to the server which does all computing. Since data streaming does not require much computing power, a mini-computer like the Raspberry PI is sufficient. 

==== Hardware ====
We use a [http://www.raspberrypi.org Raspberry PI] in our pilot installation. This is a credit-card sized computer that is able to run a Debian-based operating system (Raspbian). The costs for a such a device are around 50$.

===== Infrastructure & Assembly =====
We used the following components to build up our client infrastructure. Note that links provided are just proposals for your convenience, other components will also work.
  - a FLARM device
  - a power adapter and data cable for the FLARM device, we use currently this [http://shop.segelflugbedarf24.de/product_info.php?info=p32_Update-Cable-RS232.html update cable]
  - a [http://www.raspberrypi.org Raspberry PI]
  - a USB charger to power the Raspberry, just make sure it can deliver at least 1000mA
  - optional, recommended for a stationary installation: we use currently an [http://shop.segelflugbedarf24.de/product_info.php?info=p29_FLARM--Outside-Antenna-4-m-cable.html external antenna]

===== Troubleshooting =====
  - The [wiki:raspberry raspberry-specific issues] are collected on a separate page.

==== Software Installation ====
[http://www.flarmradar.ch/public/dist/client-SNAPSHOT.zip Download the client] and follow the [https://secure.netzschmiede.ch/svn/flarmradar/core/trunk/client/README.txt installation procedure] to install the client software. 

The client software is written in Perl and should therefore be portable on any platform where perl runs.