Can I connect my FLARM device to a Garmin/Avidyne/etc?

FLARM devices connect to a wide range of FLARM displays, display interfaces, PDAs, on-board flight computers, moving map applications and MFDs. As a primary means of collision avoidance, a FLARM device without an integrated displays must be connected to a certified FLARM Compatible display. In addition, it's also possible to connect a secondary display for integrated traffic information.

A FLARM device must be connected to a certified FLARM Compatible display for full safety functionality and diagnostics capabilities.

Displays which have been certified as FLARM Compatible can be either standalone or integrated in other avionics, e.g. MFDs. Certified displays carry the FLARM Compatible logo (see depiction on the right). Certification ensures that all required systemic functions have been implemented and that pilot presentation complies with aircraft certification requirements. This includes collision warnings, status information, error conditions, obstacle warnings, documentation, etc.

A list of certified FLARM Compatible displays can be found in the Product Selector under the Category 'Primary Displays'.

For connecting to a secondary display, some FLARM devices have the option to transmit traffic data also using the Garmin TIS protocol. This requires the FLARM data port, to which the external display is connected, to be configured for Garmin TIS. This can be done by using the online configuration tool.

Note that it's not sufficient to only connect FLARM to a display using Garmin TIS. The FLARM data port protocol contains much more information, including collision warnings and status/error conditions, which are required for a FLARM installation. This is one of the reasons a FLARM device must be connected to a certified FLARM Compatible display using the FLARM protocol. In addition, it's possible to also connect FLARM to a secondary display for integrated traffic information, using either the FLARM protocol or Garmin TIS. Note, however, that Garmin TIS offers only limited functionality. E.g. non-directional traffic (SSR Mode-S) may not be shown.

Several EFIS/MFD manufacturers are currently working to implement the FLARM data port protocol and to certify their displays and systems as FLARM Compatible. We recommend inquiring about the status of implementation from the system manufacturer.

More information about the requirement to use a certified FLARM Compatible display, as well as alternative means of compliance, can be found under this FAQ entry.