Little tip for the Cheapskates

[Hector]

I think my question is, do they not seem to know or care that they are hooking a marine plan to an aviation receiver.

I would not think so. A 496 works just fine as a marine GPS and you can purchase the marine maps for it. I have used mine for both applications. A 796 might be a little different but as I recall they only asked me for what unit I had only to verify that it can display weather. As I recall they asked for the serial number of the antenna, not the GPS unit so they probably don't care that you have an aviation unit.

[StinkBug]

The 496 is not technically an aviation GPS, nor is it a marine GPS. It has 3 modes you can select in the setup menu, auto, marine, and aviation. You tell XM what plan you want, they don't know which mode you select in your menu.

[Seth]

After purchasing a Stratus 2 from one of the members of this forum (THANK YOU!) I decided I was not yet ready to give up my XM service entirely.   However, at $54.99 per month, I decided to drop my XM Pilot subscription for this lower priced option.  I'm also flying less as new father (won't hit 100 hours for the second year in a row, though I'll be in the 70s or 80s.  Last year I had just over 90.  I think you actually get more for the lowest level Marine subscription "Skywatch" (lightning) than you do for Aviator Lite (no lightning), but as noted, Skywatch, the lowest marine cost, is $9.95 per month vs $34.99 per month.  So, I went with Skywatch for full radar coverage, lightning, and as noted METARS and more.  I'll test it out this weekend but it seems I've lowered the annual cost to $120 vs $660 and I have two sources of radar now should either unit have an issue.  That's worth $120 per year in my opinion.

I personally also like the display slightly better on the Aera 560 than I do on the Stratus ipad (more pixels in the data on XM?).

It cost nothing to lower my service, and if not happy, I can always up my service again in the future at no cost.

Thanks for the CBC tip!  (Cheap Bas---d Club).

 

-Seth

 

 

[aviatoreb]

After purchasing a Stratus 2 from one of the members of this forum (THANK YOU!) I decided I was not yet ready to give up my XM service entirely.   However, at $54.99 per month, I decided to drop my XM Pilot subscription for this lower priced option.  I'm also flying less as new father (won't hit 100 hours for the second year in a row, though I'll be in the 70s or 80s.  Last year I had just over 90.  I think you actually get more for the lowest level Marine subscription "Skywatch" (lightning) than you do for Aviator Lite (no lightning), but as noted, Skywatch, the lowest marine cost, is $9.95 per month vs $34.99 per month.  So, I went with Skywatch for full radar coverage, lightning, and as noted METARS and more.  I'll test it out this weekend but it seems I've lowered the annual cost to $120 vs $660 and I have two sources of radar now should either unit have an issue.  That's worth $120 per year in my opinion.

I personally also like the display slightly better on the Aera 560 than I do on the Stratus ipad (more pixels in the data on XM?).

It cost nothing to lower my service, and if not happy, I can always up my service again in the future at no cost.

Thanks for the CBC tip!  (Cheap Bas---d Club).

 

-Seth

 

 

If it works for you - on your 560 - I will follow you to put marine on my 510.  I was wondering if it only works for a 396/496 or if it would also work for a 510/60.  I too also have adsb now but downgraded my xm from pilot to aviator instead of canceling.

Edited November 6, 2015 by aviatoreb

[aviatoreb]

On November 5, 2015 at 10:24:56 PM, aviatoreb said:

If it works for you - on your 560 - I will follow you to put marine on my 510.  I was wondering if it only works for a 396/496 or if it would also work for a 510/60.  I too also have adsb now but downgraded my xm from pilot to aviator instead of canceling.

Ok, count me in the cheapskate club.

I just made the marine switch today, on my aera 510.  It was funny on the phone - she asked me if I was near my "boat" so she could send the update signal.  So I went out the airport to turn on my "boat" GPS to switch from aviator to marine.  I used to have aviator pro for $55 but downgraded to aviator lite for $35 when I got adsb.  Now I am on xm marine for $9.95.  As far as I can tell, it is an identical radar image.  I still get all the same taf and metar information associated with airports in IACO format, and translated to standard english.  Now, I also seem to get XM music!  Since my aera is wired to my panel for audio (I like that "500 ft" warning) I think I can start listening to that Frank Sanatra Channel.  "FLY ME TO THE MOON....."

[Danb]

Erik when you cancelled your plane xm, how long did you wait to get the marine version. I'm going to try it but thought if I did it all at once they may realize it's the same unit or aren't they that smart?

[bradp]

Does this work for a GDL 69/69A as well?   If so I'd be willing to try to drop it.  Worst case I decide I'm not ready to cut the cord and put it back on.  

 

If if anyone asks I can say I'm installing the 69 on the spinnaker of my yagit.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YrbY4hsNh64

 

 

[aviatoreb]

2 minutes ago, bradp said:

Does this work for a GDL 69/69A as well?   If so I'd be willing to try to drop it.  Worst case I decide I'm not ready to cut the cord and put it back on.  

 

If if anyone asks I can say I'm installing the 69 on the spinnaker of my yagit.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YrbY4hsNh64

 

 

I don't know.  Just tell them you installed your GDL69 in your boat?

[aviatoreb]

24 minutes ago, Danb said:

Erik when you cancelled your plane xm, how long did you wait to get the marine version. I'm going to try it but thought if I did it all at once they may realize it's the same unit or aren't they that smart?

Its not that they aren't that smart - I don't think "they" care.  The lady on the phone is just a person at the call center.  She doesn't care what you are doing with your "boat".  I suppose they could perhaps be getting GPS signals back to the XM-central-command and think it suspicious that your "boat" is always at the airport.  I doubt they are doing that.  Could THEY be reading mooneyspace?  If so - hello XM, remember XM - I did transfer it over to my "boat" for "boat" use.  Also, mr XM corporate intelligence guy, please say hi to my friends at the NSA.

I procrastinated for a couple of months for the same reason you did.  I wish I hadn't - since I first thought I would do it, until now, was 2 months - that's $50 extra I paid to XM, and I missed out on the Frank Sanatra channel all that time.  I think it is too funny that XM music comes with the $9.95 marine version but not the $34.95 aviation version.

I called on the phone this morning and said I wanted to switch.  She handled the bill too, which ended up crediting me $74 back to my account unused from the extra cost of aviation, and I opted for month-month on the marine since it just seemed to good to be true and I didn't want to be locked in.  So they gave me the marine and sent $74 back to my credit card.  Then they sent the update signal to my airplane...I mean "boat".... and I drove the 4 min to the airport, dragged "it" out of the hangar ("boat hangar").  Turned on the handheld GPS on its own battery - not the whole panel - and within ten minutes it had the new XM setup, and I was downloading a radar map.

[Marauder]

24 minutes ago, Danb said: Erik when you cancelled your plane xm, how long did you wait to get the marine version. I'm going to try it but thought if I did it all at once they may realize it's the same unit or aren't they that smart?

Its not that they aren't that smart - I don't think "they" care.  The lady on the phone is just a person at the call center.  She doesn't care what you are doing with your "boat".  I suppose they could perhaps be getting GPS signals back to the XM-central-command and think it suspicious that your "boat" is always at the airport.  I doubt they are doing that.  Could THEY be reading mooneyspace?  If so - hello XM, remember XM - I did transfer it over to my "boat" for "boat" use.  Also, mr XM corporate intelligence guy, please say hi to my friends at the NSA.

I procrastinated for a couple of months for the same reason you did.  I wish I hadn't - since I first thought I would do it, until now, was 2 months - that's $50 extra I paid to XM, and I missed out on the Frank Sanatra channel all that time.  I think it is too funny that XM music comes with the $9.95 marine version but not the $34.95 aviation version.

I called on the phone this morning and said I wanted to switch.  She handled the bill too, which ended up crediting me $74 back to my account unused from the extra cost of aviation, and I opted for month-month on the marine since it just seemed to good to be true and I didn't want to be locked in.  So they gave me the marine and sent $74 back to my credit card.  Then they sent the update signal to my airplane...I mean "boat".... and I drove the 4 min to the airport, dragged "it" out of the hangar ("boat hangar").  Turned on the handheld GPS on its own battery - not the whole panel - and within ten minutes it had the new XM setup, and I was downloading a radar map.

The music might be a trial activation. The XM in my truck came alive over the holidays and I'm sure it is another (keeping with the theme) fishing attempt to get customers. They leave it on for a week or so.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[aviatoreb]

1 hour ago, Marauder said:

The music might be a trial activation. The XM in my truck came alive over the holidays and I'm sure it is another (keeping with the theme) fishing attempt to get customers. They leave it on for a week or so.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Darn.

[LANCECASPER]

Yeah XM Music is turned on this weekend trying to get people to come back.

On my Garmin 796 I have the Mariner plan also, but no radar - it keeps says that it is loading but never happens. I already called & switched XM antennas with XM and that didn't do the trick. All I get are local forecasts, METARS and cloud tops I think.

Anyone else with a Garmin 796 on the Mariner plan?

[DonMuncy]

2 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

Yeah XM Music is turned on this weekend trying to get people to come back.

On my Garmin 796 I have the Mariner plan also, but no radar - it keeps says that it is loading but never happens. I already called & switched XM antennas with XM and that didn't do the trick. All I get are local forecasts, METARS and cloud tops I think.

Please let us know what you work out. I have a 696 and would be interested if I can get the radar. If not; not.

[Bob_Belville]

When I got ADS-B which puts NexRad etc. on the 750 I reduced the XM subscription on the 696 to just radio. I just checked out Sirius site and chatted with their help folks. I'll have to call to add Marine (inland) to what I have. The site has it @ $13 but there are discounts for muli receivers (I have XM radio in a car) so $10 may be what I'll get when I call. 

I had NexRad on the 696 3 years ago so I would think Don should get in on a 796.

 

[carusoam]

Franks's people called....

He wants you guys to update how his name is spelled.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sinatra

Franky and I used to live in Hoboken...

How does a company sell the same product to different people for a different price?

There are some basic business rules that need to be followed to keep from charging different people a different amount for the same thing.

If anyone asks, I'm piloting an M20sea plane... 

Best regards,

-a-

 

[Hank]

At least you live on the coast, Anthony. It may be suspicious if our friends in Iowa buy a Marine subscription.

As for the different price structure, people are willing to pay it, so why not? Me, I've always been allergic to the $1000+ entry price before the subscription can start.

[Andy95W]

I am so glad to be done with XM I almost can't find the words.  Tried to get those idiots to turn it off when I sold my last plane.  The only way I got them to stop charging my credit card was for my card to expire.

ADS-B means I actually get something useful back for all the taxes I pay.  Not having to deal with XM/Sirius is a nice bonus.

[DonMuncy]

Is there an "installation" or "activation" charge when you sign up for the marine weather program .

[aviatoreb]

53 minutes ago, carusoam said:

Franks's people called....

He wants you guys to update how his name is spelled.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sinatra

Franky and I used to live in Hoboken...

How does a company sell the same product to different people for a different price?

There are some basic business rules that need to be followed to keep from charging different people a different amount for the same thing.

If anyone asks, I'm piloting an M20sea plane... 

Best regards,

-a-

 

Tell Frank sorry.  And I won't call him Franc - take it from a guy named Erik who so many people spell Eric, misspelling names is annoying.

As for pricing structure - you know when you are on a commercial airline, practically every seat is sold at a different price depending on all sorts of factors.  I remember once going to some airport in the middle of PA, where the lady whipped out a big chart of landing fees, and it had on it every airplane model I ever heard of.  M20 was like $10.  I saw on there like gulf stream for $1k.  Piper Meridian and Piper Marage had different landing fee prices.  They had L39, piper cub, bonanza, lancer, citation, p51, everything that I ever heard of.  Everything for dramatically different prices.

[Hank]

13 minutes ago, aviatoreb said:

Tell Frank sorry.  And I won't call him Franc - take it from a guy named Erik who so many people spell Eric, misspelling names is annoying.

As for pricing structure - you know when you are on a commercial airline, practically every seat is sold at a different price depending on all sorts of factors.  I remember once going to some airport in the middle of PA, where the lady whipped out a big chart of landing fees, and it had on it every airplane model I ever heard of.  M20 was like $10.  I saw on there like gulf stream for $1k.  Piper Meridian and Piper Marage had different landing fee prices.  They had L39, piper cub, bonanza, lancer, citation, p51, everything that I ever heard of.  Everything for dramatically different prices.

Mr. Sinatra will be even happier if you spell "Sanatra" right, too . . .

For other interesting pricing structures, ask around on your next aluminum tube flight. The variation in seat price will amaze you . . .

P.S.--my wife has a cousin who shares your name, but he spells it "Erick." Different strokes and all that. 

[aviatoreb]

Just now, Hank said:

Mr. Sinatra will be even happier if you spell "Sanatra" right, too . . .

For other interesting pricing structures, ask around on your next aluminum tube flight. The variation in seat price will amaze you . . .

I knew that was what I spelled wrong - but I thought it would be fun to play with his first name in my response.

Sanatra looks almost like Santa.  But it was a proper mistake.

It would be fun in the middle of a long flight - with ...cramped leg room ... to stand up in the front and say, "everyone who paid over $1000 raise your hands and keep them up, everyone who paid more than $900, raise your hands and keep them up, everyone who...." until the air marshal tackles me.

[Hank]

11 minutes ago, aviatoreb said:

 

It would be fun in the middle of a long flight - with ...cramped leg room ... to stand up in the front and say, "everyone who paid over $1000 raise your hands and keep them up, everyone who paid more than $900, raise your hands and keep them up, everyone who...." until the air marshal tackles me.

I have discovered the secret to additional legroom in my Mooney. (Read it here enough times that it finally sunk in!) When leveling off, slide the seat back! Easy peasy, makes the cabin seem huge. But this is what all was crammed into my C . . . Along with myself and the wife.

[aviatoreb]

1 hour ago, Hank said:

I have discovered the secret to additional legroom in my Mooney. (Read it here enough times that it finally sunk in!) When leveling off, slide the seat back! Easy peasy, makes the cabin seem huge. But this is what all was crammed into my C . . . Along with myself and the wife.

Potato Chips

[Hank]

29 minutes ago, aviatoreb said:

Potato Chips

That was the wife's idea. Seven of us together for several days over Thanksgiving. The little bags made it easy to have choices, and not need to reseal the bags all the time.

[MyNameIsNobody]

I was all excited, (being a true CB), when I read the title to the thread.  Imagine my chagrin when it was about XM.  That's Xtra Money) spent to those unfamilar.  Any Company that has your credit card and charges you every month should be avoided like the plague.  (THAT is CB-101)

Money well spent is getting "FREE" Weather and installing a line in for your music player.  You get YOUR music all the time that way with ability to "skip" a song when you want to.  A GDL-39 IS free weather as it has value and can be paid for in a short amount of time.  Bonus is that you can take advantage of Pilot on your I-Pad and get charting and weather at airports with a couple of pushes on the i-pad screen.

I spit on any and all monthy bills...except my enclosed hanger that is $88 bucks a month.  A bargain for this CB.

You all enjoy your "value" on XM...

NOPE.