FLARM B Installation

[Hank Nixon]

Is there a way to determine if the "B" antenna function is installed if one knows the type and serial number?

This is for a FLARM core.

Thanks

UH

[Frederic Bick]

My understanding is that all FLARM Core units have the B function. Question is whether a license was purchased to enable it. Things to do:

Check via USB/SD File System

• After a firmware update, FLARM writes diagnostic files to USB or microSD.

• Look for a file like FLARMDEV.CSV on the drives

• Open it in a text editor (Notepad, Excel, etc.).

• Search for entries related to FLARM B or Port B. If the port is enabled, you should see active or “enabled” status for it.

4. Use FLARMNET or Butterfly Software

• If you have access to FLARMNET or Butterfly software, connect the PowerFLARM Core and check the device’s configuration.

• In the device details, look for FLARM B or Port B status. If it’s listed as enabled, the function is active.

5. Physical Test

• If the port is enabled, you can connect a FLARM B antenna (receive‑only) and test reception.

• If the port is disabled, the antenna will not be recognized or used.

Eric B.

KB

[Moshe Braner]

Yeah the CSV file (which is updated when you do a firmware update), on your SD card or USB stick, should show the status of the B port and other options.  Mine says:

     AUD:1;IGC:1;RFB:1;TIS:1

which I presume means that audio output, IGC file logging, and RF port B are active.  TIS may mean the ADS-R/TIS-B option, which would surprise me, since it's an old FLARM, and I have not purchased that option when it became available.

In my Portable PowerFLARM the "B" antenna port is for reception only.  Do any FLARM models also transmit via the second antenna?

[John Iacobucci]

regarding whether TIS may mean the ADS-R/TIS-B is installed.  When I purchased my Power Flarm Core the item just became available in the USA.  As an incentive to purchase, the unit came with both the B antenna and the ADSB installed without paying for the license upgrades.

So, indeed, your unit may have these licenses already included.

BTW, my unit is for sale.

Enjoy, fly safe, fly your best !

[Greg Arnold]

I am pretty sure that TIS is an older system that has been mostly phased out and replaced with TIS-B.  At least, that is what ChatGPT says, and has it ever been wrong?

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[Moshe Braner]

The ADS-B (1090) is indeed included and working on my old PowerFLARM.  But the ADS-R/TIS-B add-on is a much more recent feature that FLARM added to their software, and requires an extra fee to activate.  Even though that it is just a small change in the software.  (I know, because I've written such software myself.)  Oh well.  That feature is not really helpful unless you also have ADS-B Out, since ADS-R/TIS-B is only broadcast by the FAA ground stations "by request" of the ADS-B Out (configured to say "I can receive 1090 but not 978").

Regarding what that "TIS" in the CSV file means, the manual for my FLARM says:

"Feature licences
...
• AUD: Audio output
• ENL: Engine noise level sensor
• IGC: IGC approval
• TIS: Garmin TIS interface <<<

• RFB: Second FLARM antenna connector

Devices sold prior to Software version 3.00 have pre-installed
‘grandfather’ licences for the features they were sold with."

[Moshe Braner]

I see that IGC files from my FLARM also include the same info.  Open with a text editor (e.g., Wordpad) - just before the first B-record I see this line:

LFLA16362307LIC AUD:1;IGC:1;RFB:1;TIS:1

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 4:17:39 PM UTC-4 Moshe Braner wrote: