This page describes the most convenient method for setting up a Flarmradar Ground Station. This is the component that reads out the flarm device and streams the data it to the Flarmradar Server.

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 ​Raspberry PI Type B, order also a pre-formatted SD card
• the rs232 communication board for the Raspberry (the board can be ordered ​here)
• a power supply for 12V and 5V (e.g. ​Mean Well ADD-55A)
• an external antenna for the flarm device
• a box to incorporate and connect all components (e.g a small ​Peli Case, 25x25x12cm minimal interior dimensions)
• for the 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@…

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.

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 craft your own or contact mailto:info@… if you are afraid of bruning fingers. We probably can help out.

Wire the components

... to be written

Configuration & Testing

... to be written

Software Installation

... to be written

Final installation

... to be written