Important: Before purchasing or installing the Glider Canopy Flasher, please read the separate Legal & Formal Requirements and Regulations page. It explains the installation, inspection, documentation and approval requirements that may apply to your aircraft and country of registration.

Glider Canopy Flasher — Full Functional Description

The Glider Canopy Flasher is an intelligent, high-intensity red visual-awareness light designed for sailplanes and powered sailplanes.

It combines a powerful forward-facing canopy flasher with automatic FLARM alarm response, wireless configuration and wireless distribution of FLARM data to compatible cockpit devices.

The system is designed to improve the daytime visual conspicuity of the aircraft while maintaining low average battery consumption during normal operation.

System Overview

The complete Glider Canopy Flasher system consists of:

a compact forward-facing canopy-mounted light unit;
a separate electronic control unit;
an interconnecting cable between the light and controller;
an aircraft power connection;
a wired serial connection to the aircraft FLARM equipment;
an accessible aircraft-mounted ON/OFF control.

The light unit is normally mounted inside the forward part of the canopy. The control unit can be installed behind the instrument panel or in another suitable protected location.

Separating the light unit from the control electronics keeps the canopy-mounted component compact and lightweight while allowing the controller, electrical protection and communication interfaces to remain in a more accessible and protected part of the aircraft.

High-Intensity Optical System

The canopy-mounted light contains six high-intensity red LED emitters.

The optical arrangement combines:

four LEDs with narrow-beam optics for strong long-distance forward visibility;
two LEDs with a wider light distribution for improved visibility away from the exact aircraft centreline.

The narrow-beam LEDs concentrate more light in the forward direction, while the wider-beam LEDs increase practical angular coverage.

This combined arrangement provides a strong forward signal without relying entirely on either a very narrow spotlight or a lower-intensity wide beam.

Two Independent LED Driver Channels

The six LEDs are divided between two independent constant-current LED driver channels.

This provides functional redundancy. A failure affecting one driver channel does not necessarily extinguish the complete flasher.

During normal operation, both channels operate together and follow the selected flash pattern.

The controlled-current driver system maintains consistent LED operation across the supported aircraft supply-voltage range.

Aircraft Power Supply

The Glider Canopy Flasher is designed for aircraft electrical systems operating from approximately:

12–28 V DC

The control system includes:

reverse-polarity protection (optional);
input transient protection (optional);
controlled constant-current LED operation;
non-volatile configuration storage;
firmware watchdog protection.

The actual average current taken from the aircraft battery depends mainly on:

the selected flash pattern;
the duration of each flash;
the number of flashes in each sequence;
the rest interval between sequences;
the enabled wireless communication functions.

The control electronics consume approximately:

7 mA with Wi-Fi and unnecessary wireless functions disabled;
approximately 30 mA while the Wi-Fi access point is operating.

These figures exclude active LED flashes and may vary slightly between individual units, software versions and operating conditions.

26 Selectable Flash Patterns

The Glider Canopy Flasher provides 26 selectable flash patterns in total:

22 predefined patterns, P1–P22;
4 user-programmable patterns.

The predefined patterns provide a selection of:

single-flash patterns;
double-flash patterns;
multiple-flash sequences;
rapid attention-getting patterns;
lower-consumption patterns;
ECO-oriented patterns with longer intervals between sequences.

The lower-consumption patterns are intended for aircraft where minimum average battery use is particularly important.

User-Programmable Patterns

Four additional flash patterns can be configured by the user through the built-in web interface.

Each user-programmable pattern can define:

LED ON time;
time between individual flashes;
number of flashes in the sequence;
rest time between complete sequences.

The interface calculates the resulting duty cycle and estimated average consumption while the pattern is being edited.

User-programmable patterns are stored in non-volatile memory and remain available after aircraft power is removed.

Competition Flash-Rate Check

When a flash pattern is selected or assigned to Normal operation or FLARM Alarm Level 1, 2 or 3, the configuration interface automatically calculates its effective number of flashes per minute.

This calculation applies to both:

the 22 predefined patterns, whose time between complete flash sequences can be adjusted; and
the 4 user-programmable patterns, where the flash timing and sequence settings can be configured.

Changing the time between sequences changes the average number of flashes produced per minute. The result is recalculated immediately whenever the pattern settings are adjusted.

The current FAI/IGC competition rules specify a range of 40 to 100 flashes per minute for an installed red or white strobe light.

For multi-flash patterns, every individual light pulse is counted as one flash. The average flash rate is calculated over the complete repeating pattern, including the rest period between sequences.

The interface displays the calculated flash rate and identifies the selected configuration as:

IGC flash-rate compatible — between 40 and 100 flashes per minute; or
Outside the IGC flash-rate range — below 40 or above 100 flashes per minute.

This allows the pilot to adjust the interval between sequences and immediately see whether the selected predefined or user-programmable pattern is suitable for competition use.

Note: This indication checks the published IGC flash-rate requirement only. The visibility and brightness of the installed light, as well as any additional requirements in the competition Local Procedures, must also be considered.

Normal and FLARM Alarm Pattern Assignments

A separate flash pattern can be assigned to each operating state:

Normal operation;
FLARM Alarm Level 1;
FLARM Alarm Level 2;
FLARM Alarm Level 3.

Any suitable predefined or user-programmable pattern can be assigned to each state.

A typical configuration may use:

a low-consumption pattern during normal flight;
a more noticeable pattern for Alarm Level 1;
a stronger pattern for Alarm Level 2;
the most attention-getting pattern for Alarm Level 3.

The change between Normal and alarm patterns is automatic. The pilot does not need to manually select a different pattern during a traffic encounter.

FLARM Data Connection

The control unit receives FLARM and navigation data through a wired serial connection.

The firmware processes the FLARM and NMEA information required for operation, including:

current FLARM operating status;
current FLARM alarm level;
traffic-target information;
aircraft speed information;
GNSS position and altitude information.

The default serial data rate is:

19,200 baud

The system also supports commonly used higher data rates:

38,400 baud;
57,600 baud;
115,200 baud.

Automatic FLARM Alarm Response

When FLARM reports a traffic alarm, the Glider Canopy Flasher automatically activates the pattern assigned to the corresponding alarm level.

The alarm pattern takes priority over normal operation and the normal speed-control setting.

This means the flasher can immediately change to a more noticeable pattern when FLARM identifies a potential traffic conflict.

Alarm Hold Time

When a FLARM alarm ends, the alarm pattern remains active for approximately five seconds before the system returns to the Normal pattern.

This short hold period prevents distracting rapid switching between Normal and alarm patterns when the FLARM alarm level changes repeatedly near a warning threshold.

Operation Without FLARM Data

The Glider Canopy Flasher does not depend on continuous FLARM communication to produce light.

If valid FLARM data is unavailable, the system continues operating using the selected Normal pattern.

A disconnected, unavailable or switched-off FLARM system therefore does not automatically disable the visual-awareness light.

Functions that require valid navigation data, such as speed-controlled Normal flashing, are ignored when the required data is unavailable.

Speed-Controlled Normal Flashing

Normal flashing can be configured to operate only when the aircraft exceeds a selected speed.

The standard threshold is approximately:

30 km/h

This function can reduce unnecessary flashing and battery consumption while the aircraft is parked or being handled on the ground.

Speed-controlled operation can be disabled when continuous Normal flashing is preferred.

An active FLARM alarm always overrides the normal speed threshold.

Pattern Test Function

Any selected pattern can be tested directly from the web interface.

The test operates for approximately ten seconds and then automatically returns to the previously active operating pattern.

This allows the installer or pilot to check the brightness and appearance of a pattern without permanently changing the Normal or alarm configuration.

Duty-Cycle Monitoring

The configuration interface calculates the effective duty cycle of each flash pattern.

It also displays:

the calculated LED duty cycle;
estimated average aircraft current consumption;
an indication of the relative power level;
a warning when a high-duty-cycle pattern is selected.

The consumption estimate is based on representative operation from a 13.5 V aircraft electrical supply.

High-Power Pattern Warning

Patterns exceeding approximately 20% duty cycle are treated as high-power patterns by the configuration interface.

A warning is displayed beside the pattern information and identifies which operating assignment is affected:

Normal;
Alarm Level 1;
Alarm Level 2;
Alarm Level 3.

Before a high-power pattern is saved or tested, the user is asked to confirm that the increased average current consumption and thermal loading are understood.

The acknowledgement can be stored in non-volatile memory so that the controller remembers that the user has accepted the warning.

The factory-default Normal and alarm assignments use moderate-duty patterns.

FLARM Data Gateway

In addition to controlling the light, the Glider Canopy Flasher can distribute incoming FLARM serial data to other cockpit equipment.

FLARM data can be transmitted through:

Bluetooth Classic SPP;
Bluetooth Low Energy;
Wi-Fi UDP.

This allows compatible navigation applications, displays, phones and tablets to receive FLARM information without requiring several physical connections to the original FLARM serial output.

The wireless outputs can be individually enabled or disabled.

Bluetooth Classic FLARM Output

Bluetooth Classic SPP provides a conventional wireless serial-data connection.

It is intended for navigation applications and cockpit devices that support Bluetooth serial FLARM input.

The Bluetooth output carries a copy of the FLARM data received by the controller.

Bluetooth Low Energy FLARM Output

Bluetooth Low Energy provides FLARM data to compatible BLE applications and devices.

BLE can be enabled independently of Bluetooth Classic.

This allows the user to activate only the wireless communication services required in the aircraft.

Wi-Fi UDP FLARM Output

The controller can transmit FLARM data over Wi-Fi using UDP.

This can be used by compatible navigation applications running on:

mobile phones;
tablets;
portable navigation displays;
other Wi-Fi-equipped cockpit devices.

The default UDP output port is:

4353

When Wi-Fi UDP output is enabled, the required Wi-Fi functions remain active after the normal configuration-access period.

Browser-Based Wi-Fi Configuration

The Glider Canopy Flasher is configured through its own Wi-Fi access point and built-in web server.

No dedicated application or internet connection is required.

Configuration can be completed using a standard web browser on:

a mobile phone;
a tablet;
a laptop computer;
another Wi-Fi-capable device.

The controller creates a unit-specific Wi-Fi network based on the device serial number.

The web interface is designed for both desktop and mobile screens.

No DIP Switches or USB Configuration

Routine configuration does not require physical access to the control unit.

There are no DIP switches to change and no USB cable is required to select patterns or configure communication functions.

This is particularly useful when the controller is installed behind the instrument panel or in another location that is difficult to access after installation.

Available Web Configuration Functions

The web interface provides access to:

current system status;
current FLARM communication status;
current Normal or alarm operating state;
selection of the 22 predefined flash patterns;
assignment of Normal and Alarm Level 1–3 patterns;
editing of the four user-programmable patterns;
ten-second pattern testing;
speed-control settings;
Bluetooth Classic configuration;
Bluetooth Low Energy configuration;
Wi-Fi UDP configuration;
Wi-Fi access-point timing;
duty-cycle information;
estimated power consumption;
high-power pattern warnings;
saved non-volatile settings;
firmware updates;
service and diagnostic information.

Wi-Fi Access-Point Timing

The Wi-Fi configuration access point becomes available when the Glider Canopy Flasher is powered.

The standard access period is approximately 120 seconds.

The access-point timeout can be configured:

minimum standard timeout of approximately 60 seconds;
default timeout of approximately 120 seconds;
timeout set to zero for continuous availability.

The access point remains active while a device is connected and configuration is in progress.

After the configured period, unnecessary wireless functions can be disabled automatically to reduce battery consumption.

Intelligent Wireless Power Management

The controller keeps active only the wireless communication functions required by the saved configuration.

For example:

if no wireless data output is required, the radios can switch off after configuration;
if Bluetooth Classic output is enabled, Bluetooth remains active;
if Bluetooth Low Energy output is enabled, BLE remains active;
if Wi-Fi UDP output is enabled, Wi-Fi remains active.

The light-generation timing operates independently of the web interface and wireless communication functions.

Closing the browser or allowing the configuration access point to time out does not stop the flasher.

Non-Volatile Configuration Storage

Operational settings are stored in non-volatile memory and restored automatically when the system is next powered.

Stored settings include:

Normal pattern selection;
Alarm Level 1 pattern selection;
Alarm Level 2 pattern selection;
Alarm Level 3 pattern selection;
four user-programmable pattern definitions;
speed threshold and speed-control state;
enabled wireless outputs;
Wi-Fi configuration;
Wi-Fi access-point timeout;
accepted high-power warnings;
installation and service settings.

The user does not need to reconfigure the system after each power cycle.

Browser-Based Firmware Updates

The controller supports wireless firmware updates through the built-in web interface.

The user connects to the Glider Canopy Flasher Wi-Fi network, opens the update page and uploads an approved firmware file.

The update system uses separate firmware storage areas so that a new firmware image can be written without immediately overwriting the currently operating version.

The controller restarts after a successful update and verifies that the new firmware is operating correctly.

Routine firmware updates do not require:

opening the control-unit enclosure;
connecting a USB cable;
removing the equipment from the aircraft;
using an external programming tool.

Status and Diagnostics

The controller monitors the main operating functions of the system.

Available diagnostic information includes:

serial-data reception;
recognised FLARM messages;
current FLARM alarm level;
active flash pattern;
enabled wireless outputs;
connected Wi-Fi devices;
saved configuration status;
firmware-update status;
internal watchdog and communication status.

Diagnostic information is available through the web interface and service logging functions.

A problem affecting a secondary function, such as one wireless data output, is not intended to disable the primary flashing function.

Mechanical Construction

The canopy-mounted light unit is designed as a compact, streamlined assembly.

Its construction includes:

a shaped polymer enclosure;
a metal heat-spreading plate;
a curved canopy mounting surface;
an adhesive mounting layer;
a compliant sealing or support layer where required;
a cable connection to the separate control unit.

The light is intended to be attached to the inside surface of the canopy without requiring routine drilling of the canopy.

Different canopy curvatures can be accommodated using the appropriate mounting arrangement.

Thermal Management

The high-intensity LEDs generate heat during each flash.

A metal heat spreader behind the LED assembly distributes this heat across a larger area and improves thermal stability.

Average thermal loading is controlled primarily by the selected pattern duty cycle.

Lower-duty-cycle and ECO-oriented patterns provide the lowest average heating and battery consumption.

The web interface warns the user before unusually high-duty-cycle settings are accepted.

Typical Operating Sequence

The pilot switches on the aircraft electrical supply and the Glider Canopy Flasher.
The controller loads the saved configuration.
The selected Normal pattern begins operating.
The Wi-Fi configuration access point becomes available for the configured period.
The controller begins receiving and processing FLARM data.
If speed control is enabled, Normal flashing follows the configured speed threshold.
If FLARM reports an alarm, the assigned Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 pattern starts automatically.
The alarm pattern overrides the normal speed threshold.
When the alarm ends, the alarm pattern remains active for the short hold period.
The system then returns to the selected Normal pattern.
Enabled FLARM data outputs continue operating through Bluetooth Classic, BLE or Wi-Fi UDP.
When aircraft power is removed, all configuration settings remain stored.

Current and Planned Connectivity

The current system uses FLARM data for automatic alarm response and wireless FLARM data distribution.

ADS-B integration is planned for the next major software update.

Until that update is released, ADS-B should be treated as planned functionality rather than a currently active production feature.

Functional Summary

high-intensity forward-facing red visual-awareness light;
six high-intensity LED emitters;
combined narrow and wide optical coverage;
two independent LED driver channels;
12–28 V DC operation;
22 predefined flash patterns;
4 user-programmable flash patterns;
26 selectable patterns in total;
separate Normal and FLARM Alarm Level 1–3 assignments;
automatic response to FLARM alarm level;
configurable speed-controlled Normal flashing;
continued Normal flashing when FLARM data is unavailable;
approximately five-second alarm hold;
ten-second automatic pattern test;
duty-cycle calculation;
estimated average aircraft current consumption;
high-duty-cycle warnings;
persistent high-power acknowledgement;
wired FLARM serial input;
Bluetooth Classic FLARM output;
Bluetooth Low Energy FLARM output;
Wi-Fi UDP FLARM output;
mobile-friendly browser configuration;
no DIP-switch configuration;
no USB connection required for routine configuration;
non-volatile storage of settings;
browser-based firmware updates;
automatic wireless power management;
reverse-polarity protection;
input transient protection;
low controller standby consumption;
compact canopy-mounted light unit;
separate protected control unit;
planned ADS-B integration in the next major software update.