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  #1  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:12 PM
patterson patterson is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Queen Creek AZ
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Default XM Weather Alternatives?
I searched the forums but didn't see anything on this topic. I'm planning a new panel now and wondering what
other methods/services are out there for getting surface conditions, winds, fronts and the rest without this subscription?
I have long depended on XM Weather showing up on my Garmin 496. But, it's expensive! I have tried flying without using it a few times, but I don't like that much. I hear there are free services now available, but are they as good?

What are you using to get real time weather and why do you like it?
Ron
RV-4
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  #2  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:21 PM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
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Well, in a few years you will have to have ADSB..........

But only "Out" is mandated.

ADSB "In" will give you traffic and weather--------and you only pay for the equipment.
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  #3  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:34 PM
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N941WR N941WR is offline
 
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I flew with both ADS-B in and XM weather for about six months before canceling XM. Mostly to save $50/month.

XM weather is MUCH better than ADS-B weather and you can get XM weather while on the ground, before you takeoff.
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  #4  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:40 PM
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Carl Froehlich Carl Froehlich is offline
 
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Location: Dogwood Airpark (VA42)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N941WR View Post
I flew with both ADS-B in and XM weather for about six months before canceling XM. Mostly to save $50/month.

XM weather is MUCH better than ADS-B weather and you can get XM weather while on the ground, before you takeoff.
First long trip in the RV-10 to Key West I had both ADS-B in/out (SkyView) and XM Weather via a 396. I had both as I was not yet familiar with ADS-B weather. I constantly compared the two weather displays and found them to be exactly the same. When I got home the 396 got removed and the XM subscription cancelled.

Four years now with a boatload of cross country time and happy with just ADS-B weather. As pointed out, you will not get ADS-B weather on the ground other than at some towered airports. I got it just fine on the ground at Macon GA.

Carl
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  #5  
Old 03-29-2016, 12:45 PM
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Raymo Raymo is offline
 
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Location: Richmond Hill, GA (KLHW)
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Search the forum for Stratux and you will like what you find. ADS-B weather and traffic for around $120 plus a few hours of assembly.
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  #6  
Old 03-29-2016, 02:01 PM
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Weasel Weasel is offline
 
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My biggest complaint about ADS-B vs XM is the loss of lightning strike data.

The radar good enough for me but not quite as detailed
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