The
TM250 is the first air traffic monitoring solution for
General Aviation which combines Mode-S, ADS-B and FLARM in a single
unit.
The built-in receiver decodes ADS-B transmissions from
other aircraft. Their relative position is shown on the
display together with their horizontal and vertical
direction of movement. This allows an instantaneous
capture of the traffic situation.
The
traffic display TM250 by Funkwerk Avionics GmbH is aimed at supporting
air space surveillance for GA. It integrates Mode-S, ADS B, and
FLARM ® detection in one single device for cockpit installation.
The TM-250 features an internal GPS receiver and can output its
data via another serial line to both Funkwerk-avionic and other
compatible transponders.
ADS-B and Mode-S
ADS B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) means
that aircraft with a Mode-S Transponder coupled to a GPS receiver
emit their position data on the frequency 1,090 MHz. This data
can be received by all airspace users up to a range of approx.
150 nm.
These ADS-B transmissions from other aircraft are decoded by
the built-in Mode-S receiver in the TM250 with the display indicating
their relative position as well as changes in the vertical plane.
This allows the TM 250 to provide a very quick assessment of the
traffic situation.
Today, the majority of Air Transport aeroplanes are equipped
with ADS-B capable systems. Because GA still has a relatively
low degree of ADS-B equipage, the TM 250 is designed also to detect
aircraft with transponders that are not sending out ADS-B signals.
This is achieved through evaluation of the field strength of the
Mode-S signals and, in this case, the proximity of such aircraft
is signalled by the TM250 both graphically and acoustically. However,
a representation of direction, altitude or position of these aircraft
is not possible in this case. It should be further noted that
Mode A/C signals are not detected (this is in planning for a next
SW-Version with a release date of early 2010).
The TM250 includes a built-in GPS receiver and transmits its
position data via an additional serial interface to an ADS-B capable
Mode-S transponder (such as the TRT800A/H). This connection then
produces a complete ADS-B system which can receive and transmit
position data that will play a major role in minimising in-flight
traffic conflicts.
FLARM®
The are some 14,000 FLARM® systems in use in gliders for
collision avoidance,with the majority being in Europe. By the
simple connection of a serial interface an external FLARM®
receiver can be connected to the TM250 which then allows it to
indicate the position and movement direction of these aircraft
on the display of the TM250 in the same way as for ADS-B transmitting
aircraft.
If the aircraft does not carry such a FLARM® receiver connected
to the TM250, other gliders nearby that have a FLARM® transmitter
will still be detected and indicated on the TM250 both graphically
and acoustically. This is achieved through a non-directed, raw
detection of the signal strength of a nearby FLARM® transmitter
by the TM250. In this case however, it is not possible to indicate
the direction, distance, altitude, or position of such targets.
Also, no transmission to other gliders occurs.
Software updates can be installed easily via the built-in USB
interface using a PC.
In summary, the TM250 offers:
- Compact traffic monitoring and warning system
- Integrated GPS, Mode-S and FLARM receivers
- Reception of ADS-B position reports via Mode-S
- Interface for external FLARM receiver
- Complete ADS-B solution if used in combination with
extended squitter-capable transponder (e.g. Funkwerk
Avionics TRT800A/H)
- ADS-B traffic in the vicinity up to 16nm
- Proximity warning for all Mode-S equipped aircraft
and FLARM (gliders)
- Acoustic warning by internal buzzer and via external
units (e.g., Funkwerk Avionics ATR833)
- 5.3cm (2.1") colour display, 57mm standard housing
- Low power consumption
- Easy operation
Future planned developments include:
- Software and minor hardware upgrade to enable simple warning
of nearby Mode A/C transmitting aircraft (early 2010)
Introductory Price: £899.00 excl VAT, £1,056.00 incl
VAT
Installation
and Operation Manual (Initial issue – to be corrected
for English)