PowerFLARM Flex

Brochure: PowerFLARM Flex Datasheet - English

Introducing PowerFLARM Flex—the new mobile FLARM device designed for all types of manned aviation. Whether you’re replacing an old Classic device or looking for a portable solution for powered aircraft or helicopters, PowerFLARM Flex is the perfect choice.

Availability: ~April, 2025 - probably

Update on April 7, 2025
Units are in stock at Cumulus Soaring, Inc. We are waiting for the finalization of the U.S. F.C.C. approvals. The Flex passed the tests. We're just waiting for the official approval documents - hopefully very soon. I can't ship units until the approval is official. I am taking pre-orders.

Tariff
The first shipment was hit with the new 10% baseline tariff. That adds $145 to the list price.

Perfect Visibility
Our revolutionary hybrid display ensures optimal readability in all lighting conditions. The proven directional display with super-bright LEDs remains easily visible even in sunlight and automatically dims at night to prevent dazzling the pilot. The bright 1.47-inch LCD provides additional information about nearby aircraft and allows for user-friendly configuration. Operating it via the rotary control is straightforward.

Installation? Not necessary!
Say goodbye to fiddling with cables—all antennas are fully integrated into the housing. Our patent-pending FLARM antenna, developed and optimized using advanced numerical engineering methods, provides excellent range in all directions. Standard reception for ADS-B (1090 MHz) is included. PowerFLARM Flex is so compact it easily fits on any instrument panel.

Full Autonomy
Experience full autonomy with a LiPo battery in the common 18650 form factor (not included), providing up to 10 hours of runtime. Need more? The battery can be replaced even during flight. Charge via a 5 V USB-C charger or a 12 V power supply. PowerFLARM Flex can also operate without a battery.

Everything, Better.
PowerFLARM Flex comes with a range of software improvements. InstaCARP is our new method of measuring range performance, providing results within minutes of flight. The 1090 MHz receiver now also supports Mode-C signals. Our completely overhauled flight recording system uses a dedicated crypto chip for impenetrable security (IGC certification pending).

Product Highlights

Complete FLARM solution in one package
Up to 10 hours of autonomy (battery life with optional battery)
Hybrid LCD/LED display for optimal readability in all conditions
Low-profile design fits on any instrument panel
Integrated antennas - not external cables needed
Portable - easy to move it between aircraft
AMPS 2-hole mounting pattern for use with RAM mounts
Compatible with FLARM Hub app (iOS/Android)

Specifications

Mechanical
- Dimensions: 120 x 90 x 40 mm (4.72 x 3.54 x 1.57 inches)
- Weight: 300 g (10.6 ounces)
- Antennas: Integrated - There are no connectors for any external antennas
  - FLARM
  - GPS
  - ADS-B 1090
Connectors
- RJ45 - 12V power input for charging the battery and powering the unit, FLARM data, 3.3v and 12V power for external FLARM displays
- USB-C, 5V power input for charging the battery and powering the unit
User Interface
- Display: Dual mode LCD / LED
- LCD:
  - Size: 1.47" diagonal
  - Resolution: 172 x 320 pixels
  - Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- LED
  - 12-segment RGB, dimmable
- Input: Knob - Combined rotary encoder and push-button
- Apps:
  - FLARM Hub native app (over Wi-Fi) - for configuration, updates, flight log downloads, range analysis
  - GDL 90 for traffic
- Sound: Piezo buzzer
- Radios
  - FLARM: Dua-band: 868 / 915 MHz
  - ADS-B 1090 (receive): ADS-B 1090, Mode-S, Mode-C
  - 2.4 GHz:
    - Wi-Fi (setup)
    - Bluetooth LE (in flight data output) - NOTE: The Bluetooth functionality isn't setup in the software yet. It should be available by about June of 2025. In the meantime, a Naviter-Bluetooth-Dongle-FLARM could be used instead to send FLARM data to a connected Naviter Oudie or iPhone or Android device. Bluetooth radio support will be included in a free firmware upgrade.
  - GNSS: Multi-constellation
- Functions
  - FLARM Hub Web App (Wi-Fi): configuration, updates, flight log downloads, range analysis
  - IGC Recording: Crypto chip for enhanced security, IGC approval pending, 100 h capacity @ 1 s
  - Range Analysis: InstaCARP - Super fast results
- Power
  - Battery
    - Li-ion, 18650 form factor Li-ion battery (not included), replaceable, Must fulfill IEC 62133-2:2017 and/or UL1642 standards. Recommended models: Molicel INR-18650-M35A or Panasonic NCR18650GA. 10+ hours of flight time on a single charge.
    - In-flight charging
    - Precise battery gauge
    - User chargeable
  - External Supply
    - 5V (USB-C)
    - 8 to 32 V (RJ45)

Included

PowerFLARM Flex unit
Padded carrying case
Charging Cable, USB A to USB C
Printed PowerFLARM Tips document

Options

Battery - A battery is not included. It is not needed if you will power the unit with external power through the RJ45 or USB C ports. The Flex is designed to use a single industry standard Lithium-ion rechargeable battery. 18650 form factor, 3.6V, 3500 mAh, Li-ion, replaceable, Must fulfill IEC 62133-2:2017 and/or UL1642 standards. Recommended models: Molicel INR-18650-M35A or Panasonic NCR18650GA. Up to 10 hours of flight time from a single charge. The battery can be charged by the Flex when connected to 12V power thought the RJ45 port, or 5V power through the USB C port.
Logger Calibration - The PowerFLARM Fusion is delivered without a logger altimeter calibration data sheet. I can calibrate it before shipment for $95. You can select the optional calibration at check-out..
Naviter-USB-Power-Port - This power converter gets 12V power from your glider battery and provides 5V power though a USB A port. A USB A to USB C cable can be used to power the Flex with 5V. That would leave the RJ45 port open for connection to a remote FLARM display.
Cable-PFLARM-Pwr-RJ45-2, Cable with RJ45 connector to for connection to a PowerFLARM Flex's RJ45 port, 12V power leads are provided for powering the PowerFLARM Flex and connected accessories with 12V.
Cable - USB C - For charging the optional battery with a standard 5V USB C charger.
LXNAV-Splitter-PF-RJ45 - Is often required and not included. It can be used to connect both 12v external power and a remote FLARM display to the Flex's RJ45 port.
RAP-B-Arm-Std-PlBase - The Flex has mounting holes on the bottom that are compatible with RAM diamond bases. This RAM arm works great for mounting the Flex remotely. Note: It is very important that the FLEX is mounted in a location with a clear view directly forward and to the sides, and with the GPS antenna on top pointing up.
RAM-B-SCMK-RAP-B-201-RAP-B-238 - The Flex has mounting holes on the bottom that are compatible with RAM diamond bases. This RAM suction cup mount works great for mounting the Flex to the canopy, or a towplane window. Note: It is very important that the FLEX is mounted in a location with a clear view directly forward and to the sides, and with the GPS antenna on top pointing up.

Resources

PowerFLARM Tips - by Paul Remde of Cumulus Soaring, Inc.
http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/flarm/PowerFLARM-Tips.pdf
Firmware Upgrades and Release Notes
https://www.flarm.com/en/support/downloads/
Manuals
https://www.flarm.com/en/support/downloads/
PowerFLARM Configuration File Generation Tools
https://www.flarm.com/en/support/tools-software/configurator/
FLARM Range Analysis Tool
This is a great resource. It allows you to upload a flight log that was recorded with any FLARM unit. The tool creates a top-view range analysis plot showing the maximum distance to FLARM targets in all directions. The flight log contains data location of other FLARM units received during the flight. Flights to be analyzed must have at least a duration of 30 minutes and contact with 5+ other FLARM equipped aircraft during the flight. Only FLARM traffic data is analyzed. ADS-B and Mode C/S transponder traffic is not analyzed.
https://www.flarm.com/en/support/tools-software/range-analysis/
Resources for Finding Your Sailplane's Mode S Address - to be entered in the PowerFLARM