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71

General Discussion / Re: USB Cigarette Lighter Adaptor

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 04, 2025, 02:44:42 pm »

Hi Dave,

I echo the recommendation posted by Steve. That Anker adapter is good on both 12 and 24 volt systems

Just a few words of warning as you say you have been experiencing voltage issues throughout April with the official lead and recommended power pack...

1. It may just be that your power pack is getting 'tired',  but check that you don't have a defective cable or a faulty microUSB connection at the PAW power input socket. You can do this by powering up the unit then gently wiggling the cable while observing the RED Power LED (below the P3i 869MHz antenna on Rosetta -visible (with some difficulty) through the ventilation slots above and to the side of the microUSB socket), or at the bottom left end of the ventilated rear panel on the PAW Classic. This LED MUST remain solid red - any sign of dropouts indicates a cable or socket fault. If you need to replace the cable make sure you use the recommended one (available from the shop on pilotaware.com). Socket faults are a bit more complicated. In this case, let me know and I will advise further.

2. Assuming the above test is OK, you can go ahead with using the Anker socket but beware of plugging a second device - especially a power hungry 'low charge level' phone or tablet into the 'spare' USB port on the adapter or you will be back to square 1.

Hope this helps

Best Regards

Peter

72

Technical Support / Re: Intermittent GPS dropout on FX

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 04, 2025, 02:23:30 pm »

Hi David,

Coming a bit late to this thread (I have been away on holiday). Also looks like Lee hasn't been back on here for a while.

Have you read the thread in Technical Support re FX displaying licence expired after software updates? I suspect his is what is causing that message to appear. The 'fix' is detailed in the other thread. If not, please get in touch with Ashley on the PilotAware Support number mentionned in that thread.

With regard to the lack of traffic info, it is important to be aware of the following: - The current Fx Unit is designed to be installed and operated as a highly efficient 'stand alone' Pilotaware unit or to integrate PilotAware into existing Flarm or Power Flarm installations, by simply connecting it in series between the Flarm or PowerFlarm unit and the Flarm Users' Flarm Display and configuring the relevant output port on the Flarm device to supply the necessary data. This adds the full range of PilotAware functions, including ADSB Rx and Mode-S/3D (MLAT) as well as SkyGRID Airborne Relay and Ground uplinks of data via PilotAWare ATOM ground stations and iGRID to the original Flarm installation, while integrating Flarm targets to the PilotAware display (on your Nav System or via the PilotAware RADAR screen) and at the same time maintains the original Flarm Proximity Alerts on your Flarm device(s).

To allow this 'dual use' FX has its own internal GPS, (with internal and external gps antenna options) and has multiple powering options, including the option to be powered directly from the Flarm Device and receive Traffic and GPS (Navigation) data via the RJ45 'Input' Port.

Having been involved in the development and integration of Flarm with the PilotAware system since 2016, initially via direct data integration from a FlarmMouse (or PowerFlarm), then later via several prototype versions of FX as a combined/stand alone unit, I currently run my FX in series with the output from my PowerMouse, which is set to provide both Flarm Traffic and Navigation (GPS) data to my FX on the appropriate PowerMouse output port. In this configuration, FX automatically takes its power supply from the Flarm unit via the RJ45 cable.

So as you are using your FX in a similar manner from your PowerFlarm Core, you must NOT use either the direct 12 volt or 5 volt USB powering options on the FX. You also need to configure the chosen output port on your PFC to supply either 'Traffic Data' (if you want FX to use its own GPS with either its internal antenna - or if fitted behind the panel, its supplied external GPS antenna), or to supply 'Traffic data plus Navigation Data' if you want FX to use the GPS signal from your PFC. (I suspect this part is the source of your problem). You must also configure both your PFC and FX (plus your transponder if you have one) to all transmit the aircraft's official allocated ICAO HexID (to aid effective integration and prevent 'ghost' images) and ensure that the PFC output port and FX are both configured to use the same Baud Rate (usually 19,200 Baud, though FX should determine the Baud rate from the signal supplied by the PFC).

I hope this helps. If not please get back in touch and let me know.

Best Regards

Peter

 

73

Technical Support / Re: Permanent mounting of a Rosetta in a C42

« Last Post by steveu on June 04, 2025, 12:01:48 pm »

In addition to the 1/4" 'tripod' mount, FX also has 2 x 5mm threaded holes to allow additional mounting options. Just make sure that in both cases the screws you choose aren't too long - they should provide a solid mount without 'bottoming out' in the mounting hole(s).

Mine has 3 x 5mm holes and the 1/4" tripod mount doesn't fit anywhere...

74

General Discussion / Re: USB Cigarette Lighter Adaptor

« Last Post by dave_kent on June 04, 2025, 11:59:34 am »

RTFM ?

75

General Discussion / Re: USB Cigarette Lighter Adaptor

« Last Post by steveu on June 04, 2025, 11:51:08 am »

Use the 12V/USB adaptor that PilotAware recommends for use in the ciggie lighter socket?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VH84L5E/

https://www.pilotaware.com/knowledgebase/choosing-your-power-supply

76

General Discussion / USB Cigarette Lighter Adaptor

« Last Post by dave_kent on June 04, 2025, 09:54:07 am »

As a plane renter, my PAW moves with me.  I still struggle with power issues on the PAW, even though I am using the official lead and approved power pack.  In April, I was throttled on every flight, but last week I was green the whole day.

I noticed in my latest rental that it has a cigarette lighter socket, and wondered if I could use this to provide a better power supply to the PAW.  But conscious that this is likely to have power surges etc, and don't want to fry my PAW.  Is anyone aware of a USB/Cigarette light adaptor that has a surge protector built into it?  I can't find one on Amazon.

Thanks, David

77

Technical Support / Re: Permanent mounting of a Rosetta in a C42

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 03, 2025, 05:32:04 pm »

Hi Phil,

I just took a look at the 'Fixed Installations' Forum, - which is worth a look in any case for general awareness - but there isn't a specific post there for the C42.

The 'traditional' mounting position in a C42 for a PAW Classic/Rosetta/or FX (with supplied directly attached antennas and internal GPS), is on top of the coaming just in front of the centre struts, with power and feed out (audio or transponder feed) cables going down through the coaming. You are correct that the units were often mounted using velcro or similar - which, in my experience (I have been installing and using PilotAware in its various iterations in many different aircraft types since prototype development began way back in 2015), has always been perfectly adequate to retain the units in place, though I can't say I have ever actually tested a purely velcro installation to 9x the unit weight. Remember of course that there are (or at least were when I last looked) different test requirements for different directions of pull.

In practice, both Rosetta and FX have a standard 1/4" 'tripod' thread incorporated into the underside of the casing. This can be used to attach the unit to any appropriate part of the aircraft structure using an appropriately sized screw. Just speak to your inspector to make sure they are happy with your chosen location and mounting solution. Also be aware that if you are NOT mounting the unit 'right way up' you should replace the internal GPS with a (remotely located) GPS 'mouse' with a good clear view of the sky.

In addition to the 1/4" 'tripod' mount, FX also has 2 x 5mm threaded holes to allow additional mounting options. Just make sure that in both cases the screws you choose aren't too long - they should provide a solid mount without 'bottoming out' in the mounting hole(s).

In all cases, I would advise using PilotAware's external antenna kits as these significantly improve range and reliability of signal - even in flexwings and other fibreglass or fabric-covered aircraft. These antennas should be mounted on the underside of the aircraft (on a metal ground plane unless the aircraft is metal skinned) and kept away from transponder antennas to avoid potential interference.

If you need any further advice please don't hesitate to ask.

Best Regards

Peter

78

Technical Support / Re: Pilotaware FX claims licence expired after firmware update

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 03, 2025, 04:50:25 pm »

Hi All,

As Ash has stated above, an Automatic or Manual software update, followed by an Auto or Hard restart (switch the unit off, then on again AFTER the update has completed downloading) should fix this issue, provided the unit gets a full GPS fix (so might not work immediately if the unit is indoors or in a metal hangar).

I have updated the Thread Title accordingly.

Best Regards
Peter
(Moderator)

79

General Discussion / Re: SD Shows ICAO code rather than Aircraft Reg - See Technical Support Forum

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 03, 2025, 03:18:39 pm »

To avoid confusing duplication with the thread of the same title posted by the same OP in 'Technical Support', I have now locked this thread.

Peter Robertson
Moderator

80

General Discussion / MOVED: New FX user questions

« Last Post by exfirepro on June 03, 2025, 03:09:05 pm »

This topic has been moved to Technical Support.

http://forum.pilotaware.com/index.php?topic=2401.0