This page describes the '''most convenient method''' for setting up a Flarmradar Ground Station. This component reads out the flarm device and streams the data it to the Flarmradar Server. More specific solutions (WLAN, mobile Stations, etc) are described in the [wiki:construction_manual Advanced Construction Manual]

[[Image(ground_station.jpg, align=right)]]    

= Flarm Radar Groundstation Construction Guide =

=== Before you start ===
While the ground station can be built in short time, consider that it takes a considerable amount of time for finding a good spot on the airfield. A direct line of sight to the entire runway and the open sky are optimal conditions to achieve a good result.  

'''Prerequisites:'''
  - a Flarm device, equipped with the latest Firmware (at least 5.09 from 2013/03/01) and a GPS receiver
  - a working internet connection from the place where ground station is installed

'''Components to buy:'''
  - a [http://www.raspberrypi.org Raspberry PI] Type B, order also a pre-formatted SD card
  - the rs232 communication board for the Raspberry (the board can be ordered [http://www.abelectronics.co.uk/products/3/Raspberry-Pi/29/Serial-Pi-RS232-Interface here], make sure to order also the distance piece, it makes board fixation much more robust)
  - a power supply for 12V and 5V (e.g. [http://www.meanwell.com/search/ADD-55/ADD-55-spec.pdf Mean Well ADD-55A])
  - an external antenna for the flarm device (e.g. [http://shop.segelflugbedarf24.de/product_info.php?info=p29_FLARM--Outside-Antenna-4-m-cable.html this one]
  - a box to incorporate and connect all components (e.g a small [http://www.pelishop.com/peli-cases-small.html Peli Case], 25x25x12cm minimal interior dimensions) 
  - for the [wiki:communication_cable communication cable] between Flarm, Raspberry and Powersupply
    - a short RJ45 cable (will be cut in parts)
    - a 9-Pin Sub-D connector
    - a micro-usb connector cable (will be cut in parts)
  - alternatively: Order a pre-built cable from info@flarmradar.ch

=== Step-by-Step ===

==== Bring the Raspberry into service ====

We use Raspbian (a descendant of the Linux Debian operating system), You will need a USB keyboard (a USB mouse is optional but helps) and a screen which connects to Chinch-video signal or HDMI for initial OS setup. Once your Pi is connected to the network, you can disconnect the peripherals and access it remotely via SSH (verify that ssh is enabled after setting up the OS).

==== The communication cable ====
The communication cable has multiple functions
  - transport the RS232 signal from the Flarm device to the Raspberry 
  - power supply for the Flarm device
  - power supply for the Raspberry

Heat up your soldering iron and [wiki:communication_cable craft your own] or contact mailto:info@flarmradar.ch if you would like to obtain a cable from us. We probably can help out.

==== Assemble & wire the components ====

Mount the RS232 Communication Board on the Raspberry, [http://www.irrational.net/2012/04/19/using-the-raspberry-pis-serial-port/ disable console output and boot messages on the serial interface].

Then plug in the Sub-D plug into the plug socket of the RS232 Communication Board. Also connect micro-usb cable with the Raspberry's power supply socket. Finally connect the 3 cables with GND (black), +12V (red) and +5V (

==== Configuration & Testing ====

==== Client Software Installation ====
The client software is written in [http://www.perl.org Perl] and should run on any platform where Perl is supported. 
Follow the [https://secure.netzschmiede.ch/svn/flarmradar/core/trunk/client/README.txt installation procedure] to install the client software. 



==== Software Installation ====

... to be written

==== Final installation ====

... to be written