PilotAware FX is a great step forward in Electronic Conspicuity( EC). When connected to your existing FLARM unit via a single cable, Pilotaware FX provides full interoperability between gliders and other FLARM users and also access to the PilotAware infrastructure, (ATOM GRID, SKY GRID and iGRID). This connection then shows you the positions of all other EC transmissions within 60 km of your position.
However, FX has also been designed so that it can also be used without being directly connected to a FLARM device. In this case, you will benefit from all of the new functionality of FX apart from transmitting a FLARM-out signal. Like all PilotAware products it will, however, pick up FLARM transmissions via the PilotAware infrastructure along with all other EC transmissions including; ADSB, CAP1391, Mode-S/3D, FANET+ and of course PilotAware.
That is why Rosetta FX is proving popular with new and existing PilotAware users alike.
If you are new to PilotAware and want to know how we can boldly state that we see more EC types than any other single system, please Click Here
Having been re-designed FX from the bottom up, Rosetta FX has significant improvements over previous PilotAware products. FX is smaller, lighter, easier to use, consumes considerably less power and is suited for the vast majority of applications that power pilots use.
This document has been written to explain in detail how FX differs from PilotAware Rosetta so you can then judge whether FX will improve your current Electronic Conspicuity and Situational Awareness.
If you don’t want to read the whole document, here is the summary.
If your installation does not require a complex installation, such as using the PilotAware device to drive multiple 3rd party devices using individual baud rates and protocols, then the Rosetta FX should admirably meet your needs. It just won't transmit native FLARM signals without a connection to an existing FLARM device.
It will, however, receive FLARM transmissions from ATOM GRID, SkyGRID and iGRID as usual.
The two existing Rosetta functions that are not supported are;
(i) bearing less targets. (Mode-S will however be converted to Mode-S/3D when in network range)
(ii) PAW voice alerts. (These will still be generated as usual by EFBs, such as Sky Demon).
Installing a PilotAware FX will;
(a) provide you with the best industry-available ADSB receiver. √
(b) use less power and provide multiple input voltage options from 5-30V.√
(c) include an improved GPS receiver, via the Galileo, GPS, and GNSS constellations.√
(d) provide improved software and HMI interfaces for easier operation.√
(e) connect to 3rd party device via the FLARM protocol. (No RS232 converter cable required).√
(f) plug and play with existing remote antennas for easy upgrade.√
(g) be capable of stand-alone installation using a smaller battery and suction cup mount.√
(h) provide over-the-air (OTA) features including software and license updates.√
(i) provide full access to the PilotAware infrastructure.√
(j) be EASA SRD860 and CS STAN issue 4 compliant.√
The FX user software interface is faster and smarter than that used on the existing Rosetta with a better RADAR screen, simplified configuration and clear status page. Over-the-air (OTA) notifications of new software updates and license status are a standard feature of FX.
Here are the details on which the above summary is produced.
Rosetta has three separate power input options, making it more flexible than its predecessors.
Power can be input;
(i) directly from a FLARM device,
(ii) from a 5V USB source using an efficient USB-C connector.
(iii) directly from your aircraft bus (12-24V) using a latching vibration-free Molex SL connector.
The power consumed by FX (1.5W) is 80% less than that used by Rosetta (8W). Therefore, smaller, lighter USB power sources can be used, or it allows existing power supplies to operate for eight times longer. This is a bonus for ultra-light and foot-launched aircraft or those without an onboard power supply.
USB-C and 12-24V Power cables are supplied with each FX unit. Multiple power options also enable greater installation innovation.
The FX (135 grams) is 20% lighter and 57% smaller in volume than the existing Rosetta. Weight and size reduction are always positive considerations in aircraft design, especially for ultra-light and foot-launched aircraft.
The improved Rosetta FX electronics are mounted in a bespoke machined aluminium case, improving EMC and ESD immunity. It has greater mechanical integrity, runs cooler and includes an improved HMI interface using four external LEDs to provide clear indications for diagnostics and operations.
For a 3-dimensional view of PilotAware Rosetta FX, please Click here
An all-new GPS is built into the Rosetta FX. This provides a faster lock time than that used by Rosetta and also captures satellites in the Galileo constellation as well as the original GPS and GLONASS signals. An optional external, SMA-connected GPS antenna can be added if the FX is located behind the dashboard or any other location obscuring the GPS signals.
An all-new, low-noise, integrated circuit ADSB-in receiver has also been incorporated into the Rosetta FX. This best-in-class receiver improves the detection of ADSB and CAP1391 devices and also reduces power consumption.
If you already have ADSB-out the FX is the perfect light, low-powered, reliable ADSB receiver, that has the advantage of transmitting PilotAware EC and detecting all other EC devices through the unique PilotAware infrastructure.
Rosetta FX has 2 WiFi channels. The first FX WiFi channel acts as a hotspot server (not connected to the internet), allowing multiple smart devices to connect to the PilotAware FX. This is the same as Rosetta, enabling you and your passengers to simultaneously use multiple individual EFBs and the PilotAware RADAR screen.
The second FX WiFi channel, (client) connects the FX to the PilotAware IGRID servers via your smartphone hotspot. This replaces the separate IGRID module on the Rosetta.
The UHF wireless antennas used are common across both Rosetta FX and Rosetta. The PilotAware transceiver and the ADSB receiver both use SMA connectors, allowing all existing internal external and end feed antennas to be used. If you already have remote internal or external antennas, the FX will be a plug-and-play replacement for your existing PilotAware Rosetta installation. An optional external, SMA-connected GPS antenna can be added if the FX is located behind the dashboard or any other location obscuring the GPS signals. Note This is not compatible with the USB Mouse GPS used by Rosetta.
Rosetta FX does not support bearingless targets such as directly detected Mode-C and Mode-S targets. However, it does support Mode-S/3D, which, with the increased availability of ATOM GRID, SkyGRID, and iGRID infrastructure, makes the loss of bearingless target detection less critical than previously. This feature will still be available from PilotAware Rosetta.
FX does not have a direct audio output; this means that;
(i) audio traffic alerts will not be available directly from FX.
(ii) traffic alerts integrated with airspace and terrain alerts will be available from Sky Demon and other EFBs that provide this service.
(iii) direct voice alerts will continue to be supported by PilotAware Rosetta
Like Rosetta, FX provides access to iGrid-enhanced flight information services. Enhanced traffic RADAR, selectable Points of Interest and Airfields are available now and the Weather RADAR will be available by automatic OTA software upgrade by the end of March 2024.
FX has built-in IGRID WiFi hardware and 2 RS232 ports (RJ45 or RJ12). These are currently configured to pass RS232 NMEA messages using the FLARM protocol at a configurable baud rate.
The FX RS232 output port will be suitable for driving Glass cockpit screens such as the Dynon SkyView that accept the Flarm Protocol.
Please check with support@pilotaware.com to ensure compatibility with your intended glass cockpit.
The Rosetta FX can be used as a window-mounted stand-alone unit. It is lighter than the Rosetta and consumes less power so it only needs a small 5000mAH power bank connected via a standard USB-C cable to last 8 hours. It can be supplied with end-feed antennas or internal centre-feed antennas. The internal GPS should be suitable for normal operation, but a remote one is also available. The FX aluminium case is fitted with a ¼ inch thread camera mount on the rear that can be used with a suction cup mount of your choice.
The redesigned software boasts faster screen refresh rates, better HMI and an upgraded user interface. Seamless interaction with touchscreen technology ensures a smoother experience, providing greater clarity of our new screen icons.
The FX user software interface is not only faster but smarter than its predecessor, featuring an improved RADAR screen, simplified configuration, and a clear status page. You will be able to stay ahead with over-the-air (OTA) notifications, keeping you informed about the latest software updates and license status as standard features of FX.
This is tabulated below if you want to compare the features and functionality between the new PilotAware FX and its predecessors.
If your installation does not require a complex installation such as using the PilotAware device to drive multiple 3rd party devices using multiple baud rates and protocols, then the Rosetta FX should meet your needs admirably.
It will, however, receive FLARM transmissions from ATOM GRID, SkyGRID and iGRID as usual.
The two existing Rosetta functions not supported are;
(i) the display of bearingless targets.
(ii) PAW voice alerts. (These will be generated as usual by the EFB, such as Sky Demon).
(a) provide you with the best industry-available ADSB receiver. √
(b) use less power and provide multiple input voltage options from 5-30V.√
(c) include an improved GPS receiver, including the Galileo Constellation.√
(d) provide improved software and HMI interfaces for easier operation.√
(e) connect to a 3rd party device via the FLARM protocol. (No RS232 converter cable required).√
(f) plug and play with existing remote antennas for easy upgrade.√
(g) be capable of stand-alone installation using a smaller battery and suction cup mount.√
(h) provide over-the-air (OTA) features, software and license updates.√
(i) provide full access to the PilotAware infrastructure.√
(j) be EASA SRD860 and CS STAN issue 4 compliant.√
The FX user software interface is faster and smarter than that used on the existing Rosetta, with a better RADAR screen, simplified configuration and clear status page. Over-the-air (OTA) notifications of new software updates and license status are a standard feature of FX.