1 Important Notices
The LXNAV FlarmView system is designed for VFR use only as an aid to prudent navigation. All information is presented for reference only. Traffic data and Collision warnings are provided only as an aid to situation awareness.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. LXNAV reserves the right to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of this material without obligation to notify any person or organisation of such changes or improvements.
A yellow triangle ⚠️ is shown for parts of the manual which should be read carefully and are important for operating the LXNAV FlarmView system.
Notes with a red triangle ❗ describe procedures that are critical and may result in loss of data or any other critical situation.
A bulb icon ? is shown when a useful hint is provided to the reader.
1.1 Limited Warranty
This LXNAV FlarmView product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. Within this period, LXNAV will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour, the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorised alterations or repairs.
THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LXNAV BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER RESULTING FROM THE USE, MISUSE, OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR FROM DEFECTS IN THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. LXNAV retains the exclusive right to repair or replace the unit or software, or to offer a full refund of the purchase price, at its sole discretion. SUCH REMEDY SHALL BE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR ANY BREACH OF WARRANTY.
To obtain warranty service, contact your local LXNAV dealer or contact LXNAV directly.
February 2015 © 2015 LXNAV. All rights reserved.
2 Packing Lists
- LXNAV FlarmView
- FlarmView cable
3 Basics
3.1 LXNAV FlarmView at a Glance
LXNAV FlarmView is a Flarm and ADS-B traffic and collision warning display with a preloaded FlarmNet database. The 2" QVGA sunlight readable display has 320*240 RGB pixels resolution. For simple and quick manipulation, four push buttons on FlarmView and a rotary push button on FlarmView57 are used. FlarmView monitors vertical speed and altitude of each object on the screen.
Image Description: Two images are shown. The first displays the FlarmView unit with a circular screen showing navigation data including Flarm ID, distance, vertical speed, and altitude. The second image displays the FlarmView57 unit, also with a similar screen showing navigation data. A side view and a rear view of the FlarmView57 unit are also shown, revealing its ports.
3.1.1 Features
3.1.1.1 LXNAV FlarmView Features
- Extremely bright 2" (5 cm) colour display readable in all sunlight conditions.
- Four push buttons for user input.
- Pre-loaded FlarmNet database on removable SD card.
- Standard Flarm RS232 input.
3.1.1.2 LXNAV FlarmView57 Features
- Extremely bright 2" (5 cm) colour display readable in all sunlight conditions.
- Rotary push button.
- Pre-loaded FlarmNet database on removable SD card.
- Standard Flarm RS232 input.
3.1.2 Interfaces
- Flarm / ADS-B port input/output on RS232 level (Standard IGC RJ12 connector).
3.1.3 Technical Data
- Power input: 3.3V DC (for FlarmViews serial numbers below 30), all others have 12V-16V DC input.
- In case Flarm has no 12V output, an adapter is provided.
- Consumption of LXNAV FlarmView: (0.84W) 70mA@12V.
- Weight: FlarmView - 25g, FlarmView57 – 97g.
4 System Description
4.1 Push buttons on FlarmView
With four push buttons, it is possible to zoom, choose between targets, and adjust FlarmView settings. In some cases, a long press on a button has a specific function. For example, a long press on the upper button moves the cursor one position to the left. A long press on the lower button cancels all changes.
Image Description: An example screen shows "Edit FlarmNet Data" with fields for Flarm ID and Competition ID, and buttons like "Ok" and "Cancel".
4.2 Rotary encoder with push button on FlarmView57
Using the rotary switch is easier than four buttons. With the rotating knob, the user can select targets, edit numbers, names, etc. A short press confirms an action (ENTER or OK), while a long press cancels (CANCEL or ESC). Changing between different zoom levels and pages is possible by pushing and rotating together.
4.3 Switching on the Unit
The unit switches on immediately after receiving power supply from an external Flarm/ADS-B device. The welcome screen displays information about the version and serial number.
4.4 User Input
The LXNAV FlarmView user interface consists of many dialogues with different input controls designed for easy input of names, parameters, etc. Input controls include:
- Text editor
- Spin controls (Selection control)
- Checkboxes
- Slider control
To move between controls, use the up or down buttons. Pressing the "Edit" button accesses the displayed control.
Image Description: A "Target Settings" screen is shown, displaying controls for "Active Timeout", "Inactive Timeout", "Line to target", and "Enabled", with "Edit" and "Close" buttons.
In FlarmView57, "up" and "down" mean rotating left and right the knob. A short press acts as "Edit", and a long push acts as "Close".
4.4.1 Buttons on FlarmView
Buttons have dynamically set functions. When a button is pressed, blue labels appear on its side indicating the assigned action. On the main screen, the top button always switches between pages. A short press cycles pages in one direction, while a long press cycles in the opposite direction. The zoom level is indicated by a number showing the outer circle radius (2km, depending on distance units). The inner circle is half of that distance.
Image Description: A radar screen display shows traffic information with Flarm ID, distance, vertical speed, and altitude. It also shows a zoom level indicator.
Middle buttons help with target selection by cycling through available targets. The lower button has a ZOOM back or EDIT function with a long press, allowing the user to edit or view the currently selected target.
Image Description: A radar screen display shows traffic information with Flarm ID, distance, vertical speed, and altitude. It also shows a zoom level indicator.
4.4.2 Text Edit Control
The Text Editor is used to input alphanumeric strings. The image shows typical options when editing text. Use the up/down buttons to change the value at the current cursor position.
Image Description: An "Edit FlarmNet Data" screen is displayed, showing fields for "Flarm ID" and "Competition ID", with an input cursor in the "Competition ID" field.
The "next" push button moves the cursor right. A long press on "next" moves the cursor left. At the last character position, a push button confirms the edited value. A long press on "Ok" cancels editing and exits the control. If a long press is available, part of the button label is in gray. For example, the top button's long press ">> B" has a back function. The bottom button's long press has a Cancel function. The Flarm ID field is not editable as it is a unique Flarm identification number.
On FlarmView57, users can enter Edit mode with a short press. Rotating the knob changes characters. A short press confirms the current character and jumps to the next position. A long press finishes editing the field. Pushing and rotating moves the cursor left and right.
4.4.3 Selection Control
Selection boxes, also known as combo boxes, are used to select a value from a list of predefined values. Use the up/down buttons to select the appropriate value.
Image Description: A "Units" selection screen is shown, with options for Distance (km), Altitude (m), and Vertical speed (km/h).
4.4.4 Checkbox and Checkbox List
A checkbox enables or disables a particular parameter. Press the "EDIT" button to toggle the value. If an option is enabled, a check mark ☑️ is shown; otherwise, an empty rectangle is displayed.
Image Description: A "Sounds" configuration screen is shown, with checkboxes for "low alarm", "important alarm", and "urgent alarm", each with a "Beep on" option.
4.4.5 Slider selector
Some values, like volume and brightness, are displayed as a slider.
Image Description: A "Target Settings" screen is shown, with a slider control for "Active Timeout" (currently set to 68).
With "Edit", you can activate the slider control. Then, using the up/down buttons, you can select the preferred value and confirm it with the "Ok" push button.
4.5 Operating Modes
LXNAV FlarmView has four operating pages: the Main radar screen with different zoom levels, the Flarm traffic list, and the Setting Page. The fourth page, "Flarm watch", is displayed automatically if Flarm detects a potential collision situation and issues a warning.
- Main radar screen: Shows all visible objects and their information (ID, distance, vertical speed, and altitude), status of Flarm (TX/2).
- Flarm Traffic list: Displays traffic in textual format.
- Settings: Setup of the whole system.
- Flarm Watch: Shows the direction of any threat.
4.6 Main screen
The LXNAV FlarmView Main Screen is described below. Image Description: A detailed diagram of the main radar screen is shown, with labels pointing to various elements: "Status of Flarm", "Flarm identification", "Distance to selected target", "Vario of selected target", "Relative Alt to target", "GPS status", "Selected object", "Label set in target menu", "Undirected warning from AC mode", and "Zoom level".
Status of Flarm: TX/2 means the Flarm device transmits data (TX) and receives data from two Flarm devices (2).
Flarm identification: This is a 6-digit hexadecimal number.
GPS status: Indicates the status of the Flarm's GPS receiver. The number of painted bars counts the satellites received. Green bars indicate GPS 3D status, yellow indicates GPS 2D, and red indicates GPS BAD. "N.C." means that FlarmView does not receive anything from Flarm.
Zoom level: Indicates the current zoom setting on the radar.
Image Description: A radar screen display shows traffic information with Flarm ID, distance, vertical speed, and altitude. It also shows a zoom level indicator.
Image Description: A "Flarm Traffic 1/3" list view is displayed, showing competition IDs (CD, AL, DD9C78) with distance and vertical speed information.
In case an undirected warning is very close, the warning display may look different, as shown in the following picture. Image Description: A radar screen display shows a warning with a target identified by Flarm ID DD9C78, distance, vertical speed, and altitude.
All targets are displayed as glider symbols. The user can change the symbol to another type. It is also possible to change the object color depending on relative altitude. All received targets (Flarm or PCAS) are marked with the same symbol type, except for undirected targets, for which the direction is unknown. Flarm targets can be separated only by their ID.
4.6.1 Flarm symbols
Image Description: A list of Flarm symbols is displayed, with corresponding aircraft types: Unknown, Glider, Tow plane, Helicopter, Parachute, Drop plane, Hang glider, Para Glider, Powered Aircraft, Jet Aircraft, Balloon, Airship, UAV.
4.6.2 Selecting and switching between targets
Targets can be selected using the Up/Down (middle two) buttons. If a selected target disappears, FlarmView will still indicate some information about the last selected target. Information about distance, altitude, and vario will disappear. If the target reappears, it will be traced again. If the "Lock to nearest target" function is enabled, target selection may not be possible (See Ch.4.9.3).
4.7 Flarm Warning
If Flarm warnings are enabled, the following is a typical screen display. The first two are normal Flarm warnings, the third is for undirected/PCAS warning, and the last is for obstacle warning.
Image Description: Four radar screen displays are shown, illustrating different warning scenarios. The first two show multiple targets with distance and directional indicators. The third shows a single target with distance and directional indicators. The fourth shows a target with distance and directional indicators, indicating an obstacle warning.
The screen indicates the relative position of the threat. In the first image, two gliders are approaching from the left at the same altitude, and one from the back right. The second screen shows one glider approaching from the right (4 o'clock). The third screen is an example of an undirected warning (AC mode). The middle number shows the horizontal distance to the target, and the last picture indicates an obstacle warning.
4.8 Traffic list mode
On this page, all traffic is displayed in list form. Buttons have similar functionality as on the Main page. In this list, inactive targets (those from which signals were lost) are also shown. They remain on the list for a time set in the "target inactive timeout" setting (which is configurable). If a target is included in the FlarmNet database or UserDatabase, it will appear on the list under a user-friendly name (e.g., Competition Sign (CD, AL)). If the target is not in the FlarmNet or UserDatabase, it will be displayed with its FlarmId code.
Image Description: A "Flarm Traffic 1/3" list view is displayed, showing competition IDs (CD, AL, DD9C78) with distance and vertical speed information.
4.9 Settings Mode
In the setup menu, users can configure the LXNAV FlarmView. Use up/down to select the appropriate setup item and press the "Select" button to enter a menu. A dialogue or sub-menu will open.
Image Description: Two "Settings" screens are shown, listing options like "Display", "Warnings", "Target", "Sounds", "Units", "Hardware", "Password", and "About", with "Next P" and "Select" buttons.
4.9.1 Display
The display menu controls the color scheme and what is displayed on the screen, as well as button behavior.
- Display Settings: Options include "Background" (black on white), "Rotation" (rotate display), and "Buttons" (always hidden).
Image Description: A "Display" settings screen is shown with options for Background, Rotation, and Buttons.
For better readability, the background can be set to Black or White.
Image Description: A radar screen display showing a target at 138m with directional indicators.
If you want the buttons on the left side, the complete screen can be rotated.
If "always hidden" is checked, the button labels are not displayed on main screens.
4.9.2 Warnings
Warnings can be enabled for three different levels (low, important, and urgent), separately for A/C (undirected warnings can be enabled), and also a distance for A/C warning, where "Flarm watch" will be displayed. If "Alert on A/C mode" is disabled, the A/C mode distance is not applicable.
Image Description: Two "Warnings" configuration screens are shown, allowing users to enable "low", "important", "urgent" alarms, and "A/C mode" warnings, with an option for "A/C mode dist. (km)".
Please keep in mind that a bad A/C receiver or false A/C information can be distracting on FlarmView. To avoid such situations, you can uncheck alerts on A/C mode at any time.
For the first 3 minutes, there won't be any warnings.
The warnings are classified into three levels (See Flarm manual for details on www.flarm.com):
- First level (Low): approximately 18 seconds before predicted collision.
- Second level (Important): approximately 13 seconds before predicted collision.
- Third level (Urgent): approximately 8 seconds before predicted collision.
4.9.3 Target
Active timeout: Adjusts the remaining time of a glider on the map after it was last seen. Inactive timeout: Adjusts the remaining time of inactive gliders on the list. Inactive gliders are those from which the signal was lost; after the Active timeout, they become inactive and remain only on the list.
If a glider's vertical distance is less than 100m (330ft), it will be painted with the "near glider color". Gliders with vertical distances above that will be painted with the "above" setting, and below 100m (330ft) will be painted with the "below" setting.
Zoom mode: Can be set to automatic (zoom to the target) or manual.
If "Target label" is active, the near glider will display the chosen value.
Show A/C range: Shows the A/C ring on the Flarm radar screen.
Lock on nearest: Automatically selects the nearest target and displays its data. If you want to select another target, it's possible. After 10 seconds, FlarmView will switch back to the nearest target.
If no targets are selected, "Auto select" will select the next incoming target. "Lock on nearest" has higher priority.
Image Description: Multiple "Target Settings" screens are shown, covering options like "Glider Image", "Color of glider above/below", "Zoom mode", "Target label", "Active Timeout", "Inactive Timeout", "Show A/C range", and "Lock on nearest".
4.9.4 Sounds
In the Sounds setup menu, volume settings for LXNAV FlarmView and alarm settings can be modified.
- Volume: The sounds slider changes the alarm volume.
- Beep on traffic: FlarmView will notify with a short beep of a new Flarm object.
- Beep on low alarm: FlarmView will beep on low-level alarms triggered by Flarm.
- Beep on important alarm: FlarmView will beep on important-level alarms triggered by Flarm.
- Beep on urgent alarm: FlarmView will beep on critical-level alarms (collision) triggered by Flarm.
Image Description: A "Sounds" configuration screen is shown, with options for Volume and checkboxes for "Beep on traffic", "Beep on low alarm", "Beep on important alarm", and "Beep on urgent alarm".
4.9.5 Units
Use this menu to specify units.
Image Description: A "Units" selection screen is shown, with options for Distance (km), Altitude (m), and Vertical speed (km/h).
4.9.6 Hardware
On this page, baudrate of the serial interface can be configured. If more than one FlarmView is connected to Flarm, the "Communication" setting must be set to Rx -Slave. This allows the Master FlarmView to communicate with Flarm in both directions.
Image Description: A "Hardware" configuration screen is shown, with options for "Baudrate" (115200) and "Communication" (RX&TX).
4.9.7 Flarm settings
On this page, information about the Flarm device can be viewed, and configuration for flight recorder, Flarm, and aircraft can be done.
Image Description: A "Flarm Settings" menu is displayed, listing "Flarm Config", "Aircraft Config", "Flight recorder", and "Flarm Info" with a "Select" button.
These settings will only work if FlarmView is the only device communicating with Flarm. If other devices (e.g., Oudie) are connected, there will be a conflict between the transmit lines of RS232 from Oudie and FlarmView, and communication will not work.
4.9.7.1 Flarm Config
This menu contains all range setups for the Flarm device.
Image Description: A "Flarm Configuration" screen is shown, with options for "Flarm range", "PCAS Hor. Range", "PCAS Vert. Range", "ADSB Hor. Range", "ADSB Vert. Range", "Mode C", and an "Edit" button.
4.9.7.2 Aircraft Config
In the Aircraft config menu, the user can change the type of aircraft and ICAO Address.
Image Description: An "Aircraft Config" screen is shown, with options for "Aircraft type" and "ICAO address", and an "Edit" button.
4.9.7.3 Flight recorder
If Flarm has a flight recorder, FlarmView can send all information about the pilot and aircraft to Flarm. This data will be included in the header of the IGC file from Flarm.
4.9.7.4 PF IGC readout
Pressing this menu item sends a command to PowerFlarm to copy the IGC file to a USB stick plugged into PowerFlarm. This function only works with PowerFlarm connected.
4.9.7.5 Pilot event
Pressing this item sends the PEV message to the Flarm. The PEV will be recorded in the IGC file on the Flarm unit.
4.9.7.6 Flarm info
Image Description: An "About Flarm" screen is displayed, showing Hardware (LXV_FM), Firmware (5.1.0), Flarm ID (DD4E22), SN (2), Obstacles (alps20110919), and OBS date (28.09.2011).
4.9.7.7 ADSB info
If FlarmView is connected to Flarm or PowerFlarm with the LXNAV ADSB module, it will display information and status of the ADSB receiver.
4.9.7.8 Licenses
On this page, the user can see all options that are active or available for the connected Flarm device.
Value | Description |
---|---|
AUD | Audio output connection |
AZN | Alert Zone Generator |
BARO | Barometric sensor |
BAT | Battery compartment or built in batteries |
DP2 | Second Data Port |
ENL | Engine noise level sensor |
Additional device features:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
IGC | Device can be IGC approved. |
OBST | Device can give obstacle warnings if the database is installed and license is valid. |
TIS | Interface for Garmin TIS. |
SD | Slot for SD cards. |
UI | Built-in UI (display, possibly button/knob). |
USB | Slot for USB sticks. |
XPDR | SSR/ADS-B receiver. |
RFB | Second radio channel for antenna diversity. |
GND | Device can operate as receive-only ground station. |
4.9.8 Files
In this menu, the user can download IGC files from Flarm (DL flight data), convert downloaded files to KML file format (for viewing in Google Earth), and convert FLN files to FlarmView readable format.
Warning: Downloading flight data works only with Flarm devices. PowerFlarm is not able to send flight data to FlarmView.
4.9.9 Password
There are several passwords that run specific procedures:
- 00666: Resets all settings on FlarmView to factory default.
- 99999: Will erase all data on the Flarm device.
- 30000: Will delete the Flarmnet user file on FlarmView.
Image Description: A "Password" input screen is shown, with a field for the password and navigation buttons.
4.9.10 About
The "About" page provides information about firmware versions, hardware versions, serial numbers, and the status of the Flarm net database.
Image Description: An "About" screen is displayed, showing "LXNAV", "Flarm View v0.99", build date, SN, and file versions.
5 Installation
5.1 Installing the LXNAV FlarmView
The LXNAV FlarmView cutout is very simple. A square hole with dimensions 14mm x 15mm needs to be cut.
Diagram Description: A diagram shows the dimensions for cutting a square hole (14mm x 15mm) in an instrument panel, with overall dimensions of the unit indicated as 65mm and 41.6mm.
Peel off the protection film and stick FlarmView to the instrument panel.
5.2 Installing the FlarmView57
The FlarmView57 is installed in one standard 57mm (2.5") cutout. If there is none, prepare it according to the picture below.
Diagram Description: A diagram shows the dimensions for a 57mm cutout, including a 4.5mm offset and a 66.0mm diameter. It also indicates that the length of M4 screws is limited to 6mm.
Warning: The length of the M4 screws is limited to 6mm!!!!
5.3 Connecting LXNAV FlarmView
FlarmView can be connected to any Flarm or ADS-B device with a FlarmView cable.
5.4 Installation of options
Optionally, more FlarmView devices can be connected through a FlarmSplitter.
5.4.1 Ports and Wiring
5.4.1.1 LXNAV FlarmView port (RJ12)
Image Description: Images show the rear panels of the FlarmView and FlarmView57 units, highlighting the RJ12 ports. Labels indicate pin numbers (1-6) for each port. A warning "Data not valid, if signal is broken!" is visible on the FlarmView57.
Pin number | Description |
---|---|
1 | (Power input) 12VDC (On version 2) |
2 | (Power input) 3.3VDC (On version 1) |
3 | GND |
4 | (input) Data in RS232 – receive line |
5 | (output) Data out RS232 – transmit line |
6 | Ground |
FlarmView57 has two equal ports as FlarmView.
5.4.1.2 LXNAV FlarmView wiring
Diagram Description: A wiring diagram shows connections between the J1 and J2 RJ12 ports on the FlarmView unit, labeled "Label: Flarm View".
6 Flarmnet Update
The Flarm net database can be updated very easily.
- Please visit http://www.flarmnet.org.
- Download the file for LXNAV (LX8000, LX8080, LX9000).
- An FLN type file will be downloaded.
- Copy the FLN file to the FlarmView and convert it to FLX file.
On FlarmView, there is also a user.flx file where all user data is stored, which is entered directly on FlarmView. In User data, all Flarm objects entered/edited by the user are stored. These items are probably not in FlarmNet or they are not correct.
7 Firmware Update
Firmware updates of the LXNAV FlarmView can be easily carried out using the SD card. Please visit our webpage www.lxnav.com and check for the updates. You can also subscribe to a newsletter to receive news about the LXNAV FlarmView automatically.
Warning: MicroSD card must be FAT16 or FAT32 formatted.
7.1 Updating LXNAV FlarmView
- Download the latest firmware from our website, section downloads/firmware: http://www.lxnav.com/download/firmware.html.
- Copy the fview.fw file to FlarmView's SD card.
- Turn on FlarmView.
- Firmware update will take a few seconds.
Warning: If the update procedure is interrupted for any reason, LXNAV FlarmView will not start. It will cycle in the bootloader application with the red message "Flash integrity failed". The bootloader application is waiting to read the correct firmware from the SD card. After a successful firmware update, LXNAV FlarmView will start again.
Warning: If FlarmView gives you the message "Flash integrity failed", it means that the firmware update was not successful and needs to be repeated.
8 Revision History
Date | Description |
---|---|
June 2012 | Initial release of owner manual. |
August 2012 | Release of HW2 with 12V DC power supply input. |
September 2012 | Update of version 0.94 Ch.4.5, Ch 4.6.2, Ch 4.6.3. |
November 2012 | Added new chapter 6. |
February 2013 | Added/updated chapters 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.6, 4.6.2, 4.8, 6. |
April 2013 | Firmware 0.98, Added/updated chapters 4.9.6, 4.9.7. |
September 2013 | Firmware 1.00, Added/updated chapters 5.1, 4.9.7, 4.9.1, 4.7. |
November 2013 | Firmware 1.01, Added new product FlarmView57 chapters 3.1.1.2, 4.2, 5.2. |
September 2014 | Updated Ch.5.4.1.1. |
November 2016 | Firmware 2.34. |
July 2017 | Updated and added following chapters 4.9.7, 4.9.7.1, 4.9.7.2, 4.9.7.3, 4.9.7.4, 4.9.7.5, 4.9.7.8, 4.9.8, 4.9.2. |
April 2018 | Added new chapter 4.6.1, Updated chapter 4.9.3. |
January 2020 | Updated chapter 4.9.2. |
June 2020 | Version 2.48, Updated chapter 4.4.1, Added chapter 4.9.7.7. |
December 2020 | Updated 7.1. |
March 2022 | Replaced RJ11 with RJ12. |
August 2025 | Added chapter 4.9.7.5. Updated chapter 6. |