killbilly
Vocals, Lyrics, Triangle, Washboard, Kittens
Trying to compare some apples and oranges, and I'd be interested in the thoughts of the more experienced. The mission is for recreational and later business flying. Piston singles mainly with some multi down the road.
I've got ForeFlight on my iPad. I like it. I'd like to have some kind of datalink weather on it for SA.
One option is to go with getting something like the Stratus ADS-B receiver. It's about $700, no monthly fee, connects with ForeFlight and gets the ADS-B weather and METARS and all the other stuff that ADS-B offers.
Now, I also happen to have an older WxWorks receiver from when I was using the AnywhereMap ATC back in 2007. That can be retrofitted with a receiver ($200) plus a USB module ($81) and then an XM subscription ($50 a month) which will perform the same function. This would be the way to go, definitely, since a new kit would be about $1200.
People have been telling me that the ADS-B weather is better because it's more frequently updated, doesn't require subscription, and is going to be required anyway at some point.
XM/Nexrad folks are saying that the ADS-B coverage isn't nearly as good, and that the way XM shows storms is considerably more detailed and more accurate than ADS-B. They stress that they show you a "complete" picture of a storm.
I don't know enough about the weather data to make a decision. Perhaps I should.
Looking at it from a cost standpoint, they even out at roughly 6 months of use, and then the recurring XM/Nexrad cost is an ongoing $50 a month.
The question I'm trying answer, I guess, is whether or not the $50 is worth it in terms of information and increased SA/safety. I'm not sure it is for me.
I am presently a VFR-only pilot, however, I will begin the IFR training around October, I think. Once complete, I believe I'll get a lot more utility out of these devices.
So. What do you guys think?
I've got ForeFlight on my iPad. I like it. I'd like to have some kind of datalink weather on it for SA.
One option is to go with getting something like the Stratus ADS-B receiver. It's about $700, no monthly fee, connects with ForeFlight and gets the ADS-B weather and METARS and all the other stuff that ADS-B offers.
Now, I also happen to have an older WxWorks receiver from when I was using the AnywhereMap ATC back in 2007. That can be retrofitted with a receiver ($200) plus a USB module ($81) and then an XM subscription ($50 a month) which will perform the same function. This would be the way to go, definitely, since a new kit would be about $1200.
People have been telling me that the ADS-B weather is better because it's more frequently updated, doesn't require subscription, and is going to be required anyway at some point.
XM/Nexrad folks are saying that the ADS-B coverage isn't nearly as good, and that the way XM shows storms is considerably more detailed and more accurate than ADS-B. They stress that they show you a "complete" picture of a storm.
I don't know enough about the weather data to make a decision. Perhaps I should.
Looking at it from a cost standpoint, they even out at roughly 6 months of use, and then the recurring XM/Nexrad cost is an ongoing $50 a month.
The question I'm trying answer, I guess, is whether or not the $50 is worth it in terms of information and increased SA/safety. I'm not sure it is for me.
I am presently a VFR-only pilot, however, I will begin the IFR training around October, I think. Once complete, I believe I'll get a lot more utility out of these devices.
So. What do you guys think?