AeroFlash CanopyFlasher + Nexus

CanopyFlasher – canopy mounted, forward-facing flasher

Six extremely bright red CREE™ LEDs built into an elegant, low profile Space Grey (Nextel like) enclosure, mounted in the front of the canopy. CanopyFlasher is made from a high strength, UV resistant ABS based polymer. Out of sight for you, but not for others:

The heart of the CanopyFlasher is the array of 6 extremely bright CREE LED’s emitting approximately 3000-3400 lumens, with powerful, oval lenses; two beams orientated vertically, and 4 beams orientated horizontally. This makes the Flasher well visible at distances of even up to 3km, ±20 degrees above and below- and up to ±40 degrees left and right of the nose.

The CanopyFlasher system incorporated many safety features, like heat sinks, a temperature sensor to prevent overheat conditions and two status LED’s for indication of the operating modes: AUTO or ON.

CanopyFlasher is suitable for almost every glider, with canopies opening vertically and sideways.

The AeroFlash system comes together with Nexus:

Nexus – connection box – the brain of AeroFLASH

Nexus has three IGC-standard RJ12 ports for plug-and-fly connection of a Flarm, an additional display and a wired PDA/PNA port. No need for any additional splitters. When Nexus receives Flarm data, in AUTO-mode it acts as a power-saving mode and constantly calculates if, when and how to flash; of course traffic behind you cannot see the forward CanopyFlasher. Nexus is also able to operate as a manually activated device: (always) ON-mode, with added logic to trigger more intensive flashing modes upon receiving Flarm traffic. You can easily change this AUTO/ON-mode with a switch on the instrument panel. Nexus can also be extended with an extra external FuselageFlasher.

A Bluetooth module is also installed as standard. This makes the system also very versatile for aeroclubs, as the pilot can wirelessly connect an Oudie or other PNA to receive Flarm data, and enhance situational awareness of surrounding traffic. Bluetooth may also be used to change some settings of Nexus using an app on your smartphone.

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-USB port and a configuration / update tool on your PC.

Red or white LEDs? Your choice…

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.

Scope of Delivery

1x Nexus device.
1x CanopyFlasher with 3M double sided adhesive foam tape pre-applied and cable set.
1x Complete cable set for CanopyFlasher***, prepared for Fusion, with Auto/ON switch (100cm standard, other lengths available on request).
1x RJ12 – RJ12 1:1 cable 50cm – for connection Nexus-Flarm.
1x RJ12 – RJ45 1:1 cable 50cm – for connection Nexus-Flarm.
1x Mini-USB to USB-A cable 100cm, for firmware updates.
1x 15cm 3M Dual Lock adhesive tape for mounting of Nexus.
1x Vinyl template for aligning the CanopyFlasher during installation.
1x On/Auto switch marking/label.
1x Installation and Operating manual printed in A5 booklet format.

*** The cable set version depends on the canopy opening direction, more info below;

Vertical opening – universal

Vertically opening canopies need an easy to attach, but most importantly, easy to DETACH connector. When jettisoning the canopy in case of an emergency, our connectors are designed to easily separate.

The AeroFLASH installation consists of commonly seen male and female DB9 (D SUB 9) type connectors for the data cables (status LEDs and temperature sensor), and for the power supply of the CanopyFlasher. It is sturdy, easy to attach, separate, and highly suited for the currents.

Side opening – universal

As mentioned earlier, we require a connector that is easily DETACHED in case of an emergency. We designed a special 7-pin spring loaded connector to be mounted on the interior side wall and the canopy edge, which requires absolutely no force to separate. The connectors have two alignment pins, to avoid mis-alignments causing short circuits. There is no need to solder any wiring, however you will need to install the connectors in a suitable location on the canopy frame and interior sidewall. Please refer to the installation manual for more details.

Side opening – Schempp-Hirth type

For Schempp-Hirth panels we designed a special 7-pin spring loaded connector to be mounted on the glareshield/instrument panel cover and the canopy edge, which requires absolutely no force to separate. The connectors have two alignment pins, to avoid mis-alignments causing short circuits. There is no need to solder any wiring, however you will need to install the connector in a suitable location and drill some holes in the instrument panel cover. We include a mounting position and drilling template to make this a little easier. Schempp-Hirth glider owners may also choose the general (universal) method if they prefer not to drill a hole in the instrument panel cover. Please refer to the installation manual for more details.