Frequently Asked Questions
Order questions

Most products we have in stock, but depending on the order timing it may happen that we need a few days to prepare your order, especially when ordering multiple systems in a group or aeroclub order.

If we are not yet familiar with the canopy shape of your specific glider, we may require some information to design a suitable CanopyFlasher. We’ll contact you in that case.

We accept the following payment methods:

  • Bank transfer (free).
  • iDEAL – for our Dutch customers (free).
  • Sofort Banking – for our German customers (+1% transaction fee).
  • Bancontact/MisterCash – for our Belgian customers (+1,75% transaction fee).

Unfortunately we cannot accept PayPal payments anymore.

We generally ship throughout Europe with DPD. Shipping times within Europe are generally between 2 and 4 days. If you wish to use a different shipping company, please contact us for a quote.

All AeroFlash products are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. Within this period, AeroFlash will, at its sole discretion, repair or replace any components that fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts and labour, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident, or unauthorised alterations or repairs.

Warning: in case the CanopyConnector is not fitted properly/securely on the canopy frame and is allowed to come loose during opening or closing of the canopy, a short-circuit may cause permanent damage to the CanopyFlasher or Nexus. Damage from improper mounting of the CanopyConnector is not covered by warranty. It’s imperative that the CanopyConnector is fitted securely.

To receive warranty or repair service, please contact us or your dealer directly.

If you are not happy about your order, please contact us ASAP so we can make it right.

If you wish to return your order, you must announce this by email within 30 days after delivery. We’ll then send you the details for the return address (may differ from the business registration address). Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer, unless we have made a mistake.

If you have a European registered business with a valid VAT-number, we can sell at a 0% VAT rate. Please contact us by email to place your order, as our website currently does not support this yet.

General questions

AeroFlash CanopyFlasher has been specially designed and tested for suitability for the following gliders:

Schempp Hirth:

Standard Cirrus, Discus CS, Discus 2B/C, Ventus B/C, Ventus 2B/C, Ventus 3 Sport, Ventus 3M (Performance),
Janus, Duo Discus, Arcus, Quintus,
Mini Nimbus, Nimbus 2, Nimbus 3, Nimbus 3D, Nimbus 4, Nimbus 4D.

Alexander Schleicher:

AS34, AS33, ASH31, ASG29, ASW28, ASW27, ASH26, ASH25, ASW24, ASK23, ASK21, ASW 20, ASW19.

LS Rolladen-Schneider:

LS1D, LS1F, LS3, LS4, LS6, LS7, LS8, LS9, LS10.

DG Flugzeugbau:

DG101, DG200, DG300, DG 400, DG500, DG600, DG800, DG1000.

Jonkers Sailplanes:

JS1, JS3, JS4.

Lange Flugzeugbau:

Antares.

Grob:

Astir CS, G102 (Club), G103 Twin.

Binder:

EB29.

LAK:

LAK 17, LAK 19.

SZD:

SZD 55.
More coming soon. Contact us if you wish to contribute!

Pipistrel:

Taurus.

Pilatus:

B4.

HPH:

Coming soon. Contact us if you wish to contribute!

If your glider is not listed, please contact us. Most likely we have a suitable model available, however we’ll need to measure similar canopies to confirm accuracy or design a special shape for you. This may take a few days, up to a few weeks. You could also help us: we need to know the roundness of the front 5-10cm of the canopy. This can be measured with a special tool. Contact us for more information.

Let’s explain the pros and cons:

Red:

+ Better visibility of a white glider against a grey/white background. This is the most dangerous situation. Red clearly stands out.

+ Red means danger.

– Slightly less brightness than white LEDs.

White:

+ Slightly better brightness compared to red LEDs.

+ Better visibility against a brown/green background.

– Reduced visibility of a white glider against a grey/white background (in clouds, haziness, snowy terrain, etc).

Conclusion:

We recommend RED. This gives the best result in the most dangerous situations, where it would be very difficult to be seen otherwise.

The heart of the CanopyFlasher is the array of 6 extremely bright CREE LEDs emitting approximately 4000-4500 (red/white) Lumens, with powerful, oval lenses; 2 beams orientated vertically, and 4 beams orientated horizontally. This makes the Flasher well visible at distances of even up to 3500m, ±30 degrees above and below- and up to ±45 degrees left and right of the nose.

On request, the system can also be fitted with spot-beam lenses.

No, we use special black 3M double sided adhesive foam tape (1mm thick) to block reflecting light, and to securely mount the CanopyFlasher.
Care must be taken not to mount the CanopyFlasher beyond the approximately 10mm wide painted edge of certain canopies (like Schempp-Hirth), to ensure all the light goes outside.

Nexus / CanopyFlasher (LITE) questions

Auto/ON switch – in flight

ON-mode vs AUTO-mode logic – in flight

In ON-mode, both the CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher are always flashing in a 3-flash per 1,5 second sequence. If a Flarm warning occurs, the system automatically adapts to a flashing timing more rapidly and more aggressively, generating more light.

In AUTO-mode, Nexus calculates when to activate automatically. This is a power saving mode. If traffic behind you causes a Flarm warning, it may not be useful to activate the forward CanopyFlasher. FuselageFlasher is always active when traffic nears to within 3km horizontally and 300m vertically or when a Flarm warning occurs, regardless of the traffic direction. Depending on the vertical- and horizontal distance and the warning level the flashing increases in intensity:

Nexus logic ON-

mode

ON/AUTO – Traffic <3km ON/AUTO – Level 1 warning ON/AUTO – Level 2 warning ON/AUTO – Level 3 warning
Flash timing 3 flashes / 

1,5 sec

3 flashes /

1 sec

4 flashes /

1 sec

5 flashes /

1 sec

6 flashes /

1 sec

CanopyFlasher “AUTO” logic – in flight

If traffic is received in the forward 90 degree horizontal and +/- 30 degree vertical sector of the aircraft, within 3km distance horizontal and 300m vertical the CanopyFlasher will already activate in a 3-flash per second sequence.

When an actual traffic warning (low, medium or high, as triggered by Flarm) is activated due to a target in the forward 90 degree sector of the aircraft, the CanopyFlasher will start flashing more rapidly: 4 to 6 times per second, depending on the warning level (see above).

FuselageFlasher “AUTO” logic – in flight

If traffic is received anywhere within 360 degrees around the aircraft, within 3km distance horizontal and 300m vertical, the FuselageFlasher will activate in a 3-flash per second sequence.

When an actual traffic warning (low, medium or high, as triggered by Flarm) is activated, the FuselageFlasher will start flashing more rapidly: 4 to 6 times per second, depending on the warning level (see above).

Example:

(CF = CanopyFlasher, FF = Fuselage Flasher)

Glider A is flying in forward sector 4 (starts at <3km):
Both CF and FF activate – 3 flashes per second.
(Flarm traffic advisory – usually no audio warning)

Glider B is flying in sector 3:
Only FF flashes – 4 flashes per second.
(low level Flarm warning)

Glider C is flying in forward sector 2:
Both CF and FF flash –  5 flashes per second.
(medium level Flarm warning)

Glider D is flying in sector 1:
Only FF flashes – 6 flashes per second
(high level Flarm warning)

aeroflash-logic
aeroflash-logic-side-081821-crop

Example:

Glider A is flying in the CanopyFlasher Sector (90º x +/- 45º): both CF and FF are active.

Glider B and C cannot see the CanopyFlasher: only the FuselageFlasher is active.

Glider D is more than 3km away: CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher are not yet activated.

Glider E is flying within 3km and within the 30 degree CF-sector, but more than 300m higher: CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher are not yet activated.

Please always manually select ON-mode when visibility is degraded or potentially dangerous situations may exist. Examples of these are, but are not limited to: flying close to cloud base, running under cloud streets, flying along mountain ridges, white snowy mountainous areas, lot’s of VFR traffic, competitions, circuit and landing, low standing sun, close to sunset, etc. The extremely bright red LEDs really stand out well in greyed out conditions. Never fully rely on “AUTO-mode”: your Flarm reception may be poor, or someone else’s Flarm signal may be weak! It may also protect you from General Aviation traffic without Flarm!

Auto/ON switch – on ground

In AUTO-mode the CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher will not activate on ground. They both will start flashing when the Flarm detects that the flight has started, and if conflicting traffic is received. This logic will continue until shortly after coming to a full stop upon landing.

ON-mode, before take-off

In ON-mode with Flarm connected, when on the ground before take-off, the CanopyFlasher and FuselageFlasher will only flash for a short period of 30 seconds and is then waiting in Standby-mode: ready for takeoff. This is a protection to avoid an accidental overheating of the FuselageFlasher without sufficient air cooling. This allows ample time to test the system and show it off to your friends. 

Now when you take-off, flashing will start immediately once the Flarm detects that the aircraft is in flight.

ON-mode, after landing

After landing in ON-mode with Flarm connected, the Nexus system will automatically turn off the flashing logic approximately 30 seconds after the flight has ended.

Status LED annunciation

Status LEDs alternating green and red indicate that the system is in Standby-mode, on ground, when the switch is set to ON. This only happens on ground, after the 30 second initial testing mode. The system is then selected in Standby-mode, and will start the continuous ON-mode flashing once the Flarm detects that the aircraft is in flight. This is to prevent overheating of the system during activation on ground without airflow cooling.

When extremely hazardous conditions exist where (temporarily) maximum visibility is demanded, Nexus can quickly be entered in a continuous rapid-flashing operation. This generates the maximum available light output and increases the chances of being seen. It basically simulates a continuous Flarm level 3 (highest) warning, for a period of 5 minutes.

To enter Nexus in hazard mode, select the switch from AUTO to ON to AUTO to ON to AUTO and once again to ON within 3 seconds (cycle the mode switch 3 times to ON). 

After 5 minutes Nexus will automatically revert into ON-mode and normal flashing operation will return (steady green and red LED). If required, the procedure can be repeated.

The CanopyFlasher status LEDs will confirm that the Nexus entered hazard mode with the following blinking indication: GREENGREENREDRED.

When in hazard mode, temperature protection is of course active.
When entering hazard mode on ground with Flarm connected, standby mode protects your canopy and the flashers from overheating. No other Flarm warning inputs will be used for flashing logic during this hazard mode operation.

Plug-and-fly

Nexus is connected to your Flarm via the RJ12 IGC-port. Two standard RJ12-RJ12 and RJ12-RJ45 1:1 cables and a Y-Splitter are included in the delivery. This makes the system plug-and-fly.

Automatic baud-rate detection

Nexus is smart: It automatically detects your Flarm’s baud rate. Supported baud rates are 9600, 19200, 38400 and 56700bps (those are the most used; 4800 is too slow unfortunately, and 115200 too fast). Please make sure that your Flarm is set to any of those supported baud rates, and Nexus will do the rest.

Mini-USB

In case we develop more features in the future, or enhance the flashing logic, there is no need to send the Nexus back to us for service and updates: you can update the Nexus yourself using the Mini- or Micro-USB port and a configuration / update tool on your PC.

Yes and no: Nexus 12V input is not forwarded to the RJ12 ports. You can however connect a 12V power input to the RJ12 ports, which feeds through to all connected devices on the RJ12 ports.

Your Flarm should be powered separately, through it’s own circuit breaker and switch (optional).

Yes! We now offer a simple CanopyFlasher LITE system, just like you asked for:

A simple, cost-effective CanopyFlasher system. No Flarm interface.
One CanopyFlasher. One PowerBox.

Stand alone. Simple, but advanced. We call it LITE.

Also available as an AeroFlash BASIC kit:

An all-in-one, cost-effective and simple AeroFlash kit. One CanopyFlasher. One FuselageFlasher. One PowerBox PRO.

Stand alone. Nothing complicated. We call it BASIC.

No, PowerBox/CanopyFlasher LITE cannot be configured or updated by yourself. There are no user changeable settings. Simply turn it on and fly safely.

Fusion / FuselageFlasher questions

Yes, Fusion can be connected to Nexus with an extension data cable. This data cable is available in lengths up to 4 meters. This enables you to mount Fusion close to the FuselageFlasher, to reduce losses due to long power cables.

Fusion LITE is designed to be a cost effective, easy “turn-on-and-forget” solution to offer simple strobe-flashing and power supply for a FuselageFlasher, without having to connect it to Nexus or Flarm. It flashes continuously at a 3-flash per 1,5 second timing until switched off.

Fusion LITE is fully stand-alone. Mount it anywhere you like.

Fusion DUO is a bigger version of the standard Fusion, which is able to supply power and control to two FuselageFlashers for a lower price. It makes it simpler and more (cost) effective to install two FuselageFlashers, one on the top- and one on the bottom of the fuselage. Fusion DUO can be connected to a Nexus (+ Flarm) and CanopyFlasher system.

Fusion DUO LITE is designed to be a cost effective, easy “turn-on-and-forget” solution to offer very simple strobe-flashing and power supply for two FuselageFlasher, without being able to connect it to Nexus or Flarm. It flashes continuously at 3-flash per 1 to 2,5 seconds (all configurable) timing until switched off.

A second “Single” Fusion and FuselageFlasher can be installed later at anytime however, without needing to upgrade to Fusion DUO: Fusions can simply be linked (“daisy-chained”) together through the 4-pin Molex data connector.

Fusion (DUO) FLARM can be connected to any Flarm via a single IGC-RJ12 port. Connected to Flarm, it features an enhanced AUTO- and Always-ON flashing logic, just like Nexus. ON-mode flashes permanently at a 3 flash per 1 to 2,5 second timing (configurable via the PC tool). In AUTO-mode it only flashes when traffic is within 3km distance, and automatically starts flashing faster when a traffic warning occurs.
The DUO version is able to supply power for up to two FuselageFlashers.

AUTO-mode should be considered as a power-saving mode.

Canopy BASIC / PowerBox PRO questions

AeroFlash BASIC is an all-in-one, cost-effective and simple AeroFlash kit. One CanopyFlasher. One FuselageFlasher. One PowerBox PRO. Stand alone. No Flarm interface. No Bluetooth. Nothing complicated. We call it BASIC.

Ideal for those who do not need all the “luxury features”.

PowerBox PRO is fully stand-alone. It powers the CanopyFlasher, one FuselageFlasher and provides synchronised flashing sequencing logic. This PowerBox PRO is not connectable to Flarm and does not have Bluetooth features. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution for those who do not need all the “luxury” features.

Temperature protection

PowerBox PRO continuously monitors the temperature of the CanopyFlasher system. If an overheat situation is present, it automatically shuts down the system to prevent damage to the system and to your expensive canopy. After a short cooling the system will restart automatically if conditions permit. Don’t worry, the system generally doesn’t get very warm in flight, but in summer conditions on ground without air flow your glider is well protected.

Easy Connection

A neat removable screw-terminal system allows a quick connection of the power wires, and easy removal when needed. No need for soldering; everything is plug-and-fly.

Compact

PowerBox PRO is compact and lightweight: it measures 100 x 63 x 31mm (including mounting flanges) and weighs only 190 grams.

Power Consumption

Due to PowerBox PRO’s synchronised flashing logic, power consumption is very reasonable and should not be an obstacle to installing AeroFlash.

No, PowerBox PRO cannot be configured or updated by yourself. There are no user changeable settings. Simply turn it on and fly safely.

Installation questions

Yes, the installation of an AeroFlash system is completely legal in EASA gliders:

The installation of an AeroFLASH system must comply with EASA regulations as per Standard Change CS-SC036a “INSTALLATION OF VISUAL AWARENESS LIGHTS”: click here for the link to the EASA document. Our installation manual complies with this.

Nexus and CanopyFlasher / CanopyFlasher LITE

A Nexus and CanopyFlasher system can generally be installed in about 60-120 minutes. This is mostly dependant on the type of canopy. Vertically-opening canopies are generally the easiest and these installations can actually be done in less than an hour. Side-opening canopies (specifically their CanopyConnector-location and mounting) need some more attention and require a bit more time. A detailed user and installation manual is available from our downloads section.

FuselageFlasher and Fusion / AeroFlash BASIC

A FuselageFlasher and Fusion installation requires another hour or so, depending on how easy you are able to access the cable routing. FuselageFlasher can simply be mounted with the supplied 3M super strong adhesive foam tape, and some silicone sealant to make it fully water-proof. Only one 4mm hole is required for the three power cables.

Plug-and-fly

Everything is plug-and-fly, and some basic RJ12 and RJ45 cables to connect it to your Flarm are included. There is no soldering required, apart from any connections to the power supply of the glider. Some simple tools are required, as well as some basic items like cable ties.

Due to the smart technology and complex synchronised flash-computing we incorporated in all AeroFlash products, power consumption is very reasonable and should not be an obstacle to installing AeroFlash.

Typical power consumption in AUTO-mode after a 6-hour flight with moderate traffic (multiple activations of a few minutes per hour) will result in an average power consumption of only 300-2000mAh, (higher with various options). Of course an exact figure cannot be given. The following table is theoretical.

System situation &

setup

Standby current

(not flashing)

AUTO-mode, average consumption per hour with moderate traffic*. ON-mode,

per hour.

Nexus only 30mA ± 60 – 100mAh 130mAh
Nexus + Fusion 30mA ± 100 – 300mAh 405mAh
Nexus + Fusion DUO 30mA ± 150 – 450mAh 680mAh
Fusion FLARM 20mA ± 100 – 250mAh 285mAh
Fusion DUO FLARM 20mA ± 200 – 400mAh 560mAh
Fusion LITE N/A, OFF N/A – no AUTO mode for LITE 285mAh
Fusion DUO LITE N/A, OFF N/A – no AUTO mode for LITE 560mAh

*These are theoretical values only and strongly depend on actual traffic conditions; quantity and height/direction of traffic (when the FuselageFlasher does not need to be activated it drains no power). Moderate traffic implies flashing activations lasting several minutes, multiple (5 – 10) times per hour, with various Flarm warnings.

“Nexus” implies: one Nexus device and one CanopyFlasher.

“Fusion” implies: one Fusion device and one FuselageFlasher.

“DUO” implies: one Fusion DUO device and Two FuselageFlashers.

PowerBox (PRO) systems:

Due to the efficient technology and smart synchronised flash-sequencing we incorporated in PowerBox (PRO) and all AeroFlash products, power consumption is very reasonable and should not be an obstacle to installing AeroFLASH systems. Typical power consumption will result in an average power consumption of only 210-720mAh (milliamps per hour).

System situation & setup Power usage per hour
CanopyFlasher LITE

(PowerBox + CanopyFlasher.

3-Flashes per 1250 milliseconds).

±210mAh
AeroFlash BASIC

(PowerBox PRO + CanopyFlasher + FuselageFlasher.

2 x 3-Synchronised flashes per 1250 milliseconds).

±720mAh
Plug-and-fly

Nexus is connected to your Flarm via one of our 3 RJ12 IGC-ports. Some standard RJ12-RJ12 and RJ12-RJ45 1:1 cables are included in the delivery. This makes the system plug-and-fly. There is no need for any other Y-splitters, because you have 2 more ports to connect a Flarm Display and/or Oudie/PNA device.

Automatic baud-rate detection

Nexus is smart: It automatically detects your Flarm’s baud rate. Supported baud rates are 9600, 19200, 38400 and 57600bps (those are the most used; 4800 is too slow unfortunately, and 115200 too fast). Please make sure that your Flarm is set to any of those supported baud rates (higher recommended), and Nexus will do the rest.

Yes and no: Nexus 12V input is not forwarded to the RJ12 ports. You can however connect a 12V power input to the RJ12 ports, which feeds through to all connected devices on the RJ12 ports.

Your Flarm should be powered separately, through it’s own circuit breaker and switch (optional).

For the Standard Cirrus we recommend to choose a “vertical-opening” cable harness. The Cirrus has an instrument panel cover which is attached to the canopy frame. For that reason the easiest and most effective installation in a Cirrus is similar to canopies that open vertically.