The growing popularity of F5L
F5L is gaining importance worldwide and is rapidly becoming a favourite among glider enthusiasts. As the community expands, pilots seek reliable tools — and the GliderKeeper Pico answers that demand. It's an ideal altimeter for these planes: lightweight, slim, and with a full display to monitor flight results.
The emergency-motor debate
We received many comments about our initial F5L firmware, some asking for an emergency-throttle option. There's an ongoing debate about whether the F5L formula should allow an emergency motor.
Two firmware choices
You now have two firmware choices for F5L:
- GKP_Fw_F5L_73.30.bin — no emergency motor, for the Pico.
- GK_Fw_F5L_71.30.bin — for the GliderKeeper v2 and standard models.
The previously published versions (GKP_Fw_F5L_53.30.bin and GK_Fw_F5L_51.30.bin) still allow emergency-motor use. Consult your Competition Director about the choice that suits your league or region. Find the firmware on our Downloads page.
Monitoring flight duration
The Pico (or GliderKeeper) measures the total duration of the flight, so pilots no longer need a dedicated timekeeper. You can read it on the Pico's pull-out display or over a wireless connection.
Emergency-motor indication
Checking whether an emergency motor was used is simple: look for the typical ---.- in the altitude area of the display, or watch the blue LED — if it blinks erratically, an emergency was activated. No need to plug in the display.
Choose the firmware that fits your flying style, and consider your local regulations before deciding. We wish you the happiest landings!