The SteFly Canopy Flasher is a visual awareness light system designed to enhance the visibility of gliders and sailplanes, thereby improving safety by making them more noticeable to other aircraft. It achieves this by emitting high-intensity green light flashes from its integrated LEDs. The system comprises several key components: the Canopy Flasher unit itself, a Control Box, an on/off switch with an integrated fuse, and all necessary connecting cables.
Function Description:
The primary function of the SteFly Canopy Flasher is to provide visual awareness for gliders. The Canopy Flasher unit, installed inside the forward part of the canopy, emits green light flashes. Green light was chosen for its optimal perception by the human eye, contributing to a visible distance of over 3.5 km in the center of the light cone. The light beam is shaped by a reflector and a mirror-foil-coated housing to optimize its spread.
The Control Box is central to the system's operation. It evaluates FLARM signals from surrounding aircraft. For safety reasons (to prevent dazzling) and energy conservation, the canopy flasher is designed to emit light flashes only when the aircraft is in flight. This is achieved through its connection to FLARM via an RJ45 cable. The system automatically activates the flash mode shortly after takeoff and deactivates it after landing, provided the on/off switch in the instrument panel is in the "on" position.
When the glider is airborne, the canopy flasher flashes continuously at a frequency determined by the DIP-switch settings ("low," "medium," or "high" power modes, which impact the time between individual flashes). The flash intensity and frequency increase automatically when another aircraft is detected in the vicinity on a potential collision course, in conjunction with acoustic and visual FLARM warnings.
The Control Box also features a USB-A charging port (5V / 2A) for powering mobile devices during flight. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth® connectivity, allowing it to send FLARM® and position data to mobile devices running applications like XCSoar or SeeYou Navigator. WLAN functionality is also integrated for baud rate changes and system updates.
A quick separation connector is provided for emergency canopy jettison, ensuring the flasher detaches cleanly. An optional canopy contact is available for side-opening canopies.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Number of LEDs: 10
- Wavelength of LED light: Predominant 490 – 570 nm (green)
- Luminous flux: 3600 lm
- Input Voltage: 9-15 V DC
- Amperage total (Canopy Flasher & Control Box, w/o charging mobile devices):
- @ 13.5 V, flashing frequency "low": 110 mA
- @ 13.5 V, flashing frequency "medium": 150 mA
- Amperage additional (when transferring data via Bluetooth): 20 mA
- Internal fuse on-off switch: 4 A
- USB-A charging port output: 5 V / 2 A
- Operating temperature: -30 to +60 °C
- Operating relative humidity: 0-95 %
- Mass:
- Canopy Flasher: 53 g
- Control Box: 128 g
- On-off switch: 10 g
- Connection cables (included): 57 g
- Dimensions:
- Canopy Flasher: 95 x 33 x 30 mm (length x width x height)
- Control Box: 78 x 84 x 25 mm (length x width x height)
- On-off switch: 15 x 31 mm (width x height)
- Material:
- Control Box housing: Black anodized aluminium
- Canopy Flasher housing: SLS printed plastic, painted matt black; heat sink black anodized aluminium
Usage Features:
- Automatic Flash Activation: The system automatically starts flashing when the aircraft is airborne and stops after landing, based on FLARM signals.
- Collision Warning Integration: Flash intensity and frequency increase in response to FLARM collision warnings, providing enhanced visual alerts.
- User-Configurable Flash Patterns: DIP switches on the Control Box allow for individual settings, including low, medium, or high power modes, affecting the flashing pattern.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Enables sending FLARM and position data to mobile devices for navigation and situational awareness applications.
- USB Charging Port: Provides a convenient 5V / 2A power source for mobile devices during flight.
- WLAN for Updates: Facilitates baud rate changes and firmware updates for the Control Box.
- Safety Features: Designed to prevent dazzling on the ground and includes a quick separation connector for emergency canopy jettison.
- Function Test: Upon switching on the ground, the canopy flasher performs a self-test, flashing twice with reduced intensity to confirm activation.
Maintenance Features:
- No Serviceable Parts: The entire system, including the Canopy Flasher, Control Box, on-off switch, and cables, is designed without serviceable parts, simplifying maintenance.
- Warranty Service: For warranty claims, users are directed to contact their local dealer or SteFly directly.
- Removal Instructions: If removal of the Canopy Flasher from the canopy is necessary, it should be done carefully by pulling at the end of the flasher housing to slowly tear the 3M VHB Tape. Replacement 3M VHB tape is available as a spare part.
- Overheating Protection: The system incorporates a thermal protection mechanism that slows down the flash mode if the flasher housing temperature exceeds 60°C, preventing component damage.
- Canopy Protection: Users are advised to always use a canopy cover when the glider is on the ground to protect components from heat and UV light, extending their lifespan.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common issues such as the flasher not flashing, incorrect baud rate, or FLARM malfunctions.
To Next Page
General