GPS XM weather

[GeorgePerry]

I've decided that having XM weather is a necessity for the type of flying I do.  I've been limping along with good preflight planning, an iPhone with foreflight and a strike finder to keep me clear to the nasty stuff, but as the summer nears, spotty T-storms will need to be avoided.

My question to the group is - What gps system would folks out there recommend?  Since my bird is still "steam" powered (GX 50 IFR GPS) with no a wx enabled 430, 530 or MFD it seems like a pretty small field to chose from: the 396, 496 or Anywhere Map system...am I forgetting any contenders?

Apart for the obvious cost differences (Reconditioned 396 = $1200, Reconditioned 496 = $1800 or XM capable Anywhere Map = $1200) what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each?  OBTW I don't need the SafeTaxi feature...I'll ask for a progressive

Looking forward to what folks have to say

 

 

[KSMooniac]

George, I agree with XM being a requirement for XC work... it offers such amazing peace of mind and big-picture situational awareness while on a trip.  By having the picture in front of you, it allows you to make better decisions on how to divert/circumnavigate the nasty stuff and complete a trip that otherwise might make you land short for a weather update.

I opted for a brand-new 496 a couple months after I bought my 201 (Feb. 2007) as soon as my IFR proficiency was back and I was ready to use it.  I liked the faster refresh rate vs. the 396, and the Safe Taxi is also very, very handy...you should try it.    Additionally, the 496 comes pre-loaded with the entire US road map, so you can use it at your destination without having to pre-load something.  This feature may or may not matter...in fact my newest smartphone (from last November) has built-in GPS and works extremely well with GoogleMaps.  I'm sure your iPhone would do just as well.

Before my purchase I looked at a friend's Anywhere Map, and I demo'd a tablet PC with the XM add-on, and I just decided I didn't want to fool with all the extra crap.  They offer some nice features over the 396/496, but the cable management and connectivity becomes an issue that I don't care to fuss with in a cockpit.  The Garmins are extremely well integrated, compact, and utterly reliable...and that is why I went that route and I don't regret my choice.

If you have an MFD itch to scratch, some folks are panel-mounting the 696, and integrating it to the on-board GPS so that flight plans are pushed downstream to the unit.  My 496 lives on a glareshield RAM mount, but has airplane power and the data connection to my 530W/430W combo.  I couldn't panel-mount mine without a lot of panel surgery, and the RAM solution is great for me.

[The-sky-captain]

I agree with Scott on this. The 496 is a must for summertime flying, especially buzzing around in the clouds. The situational awereness to the storms is a lifesaver as well as a time saver being that you are not guessing as to wheather or not there is convective activity in your path. I have mine yoke mounted. It has other benefits as well that are nice. I upgraded from an older 296 (w/o wx) that I now use as a backup. You can't go wrong here.

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: KSMooniac

I opted for a brand-new 496 a couple months after I bought my 201 (Feb. 2007) as soon as my IFR proficiency was back and I was ready to use it.  I liked the faster refresh rate vs. the 396, and the Safe Taxi is also very, very handy...you should try it.    Additionally, the 496 comes pre-loaded with the entire US road map, so you can use it at your destination without having to pre-load something. 

[eaglebkh]

Flying XC in the summer here in the South is something I typically only do before 1-2pm or after dark because of afternoon T-storms.  Being able to see the storms overlayed on the GPS would be very nice.  But I just don't see it being worth $30+/mo - especially when the info is free from an FSS in flight (granted, nowhere near the same detail).  Of course, you could just pay for the service in the summer months only.

[KSMooniac]

George, the 496 has a faster processor and more memory, so you get a 5Hz update on the screen vs. a 1 Hz on the 396.  I presume panning and zooming is much better too as a result.  The primary changes were processor, memory/storage (ie hold the entire US roads map), SafeTaxi, and perhaps the AOPA database...not sure if the 396 had the AOPA info.  I've used all of those features extensively so I'm happy I spent the extra bucks.

One other difference, at least 2 years ago the 496 came with more "kit" vs. the 396, so if you wanted the auto kit (I think) you had to pay extra.  Again, it might not be critical with an iPhone today. 

[GeorgePerry]

Scott

That's good info...I found the 5 htz update rate thing after I dug alittle deeper.  I think your right and it's probably worth the extra coin. 

[Chris White ex-N205KD]

Man, I tell you, I LOVE my PDA AnywhereMap.  I used a 296 before, and although the x96s are very nice, they have nowhere near the capability of an AnywhereMap, and cost more to boot.  If I was buying today, I'd get one of their new Pro systems with the solid state hard drive.  XM, TAWS, geo-referenced plates with weather AND terrain overlain, lifetime subscriptions for data available, BT connectivity (very little wiring visible).  Too much stuff to mention.

http://www.controlvision.com/ultramobile.aspx

I have never had any issues with connectivity or integration, and my system is coming up on 4 years old.  It just works.

[Cruiser]

FliteSoft from RMStek has a wxworx connection. Of course you must have the wxworx receiver for it to work. Display it on their moving map.

[Seth]

George – I concur with your decision to get WX in the cockpit.  It truly aids situational awareness. 

 

I was in a similar situation about eight months ago just before the AV8OR came to the market, but I am still glad I made the choice I did, and purchased a Garmin 496.  I was also originally deciding between the anywhere Map, 396, or 496. 

 

I plan to at some point install a 430W or 530W into the panel and the crosslink the two, but for now, I have a moving map, WX, information about nearly every airport/airstrip/grass field anything I would consider landing at.  It was well worth the price tag and though I can navigate and fly without it, I am utterly amazed at the situational awareness it adds (especially if you really learn out to use all the features).  It has terrain avoidance, and even a mini-instruments page that actually could work if forced to use it should you experience multiple failures.  I have mine hooked up to internal power and I mounted an extra permanent GPS antenna to the airplane (which I would recommend for everyone who uses the 496 on every flight – the satellite reception is much better than the portable antenna – I’m talking 8,10,12 tall green bars across the entire screen).  I have mounted mine on the control column so that when I install the 430w or 530w my eyes will nicely flow from one to the other.

 

If you had another moving map in the cockpit, I would suggest going a less expensive route, such as the anywhere map, 396, or AV8OR.  But since you have only steam gauges like I did at the time (and there is nothing wrong with that), I see the 496 as not only your best value but best bang for the buck choice.   You will not only have WX, but also a quickly refreshing fluid GPS moving map in your cockpit with loads of other features.  You’ll see what I mean after flying with one for a bit.

 

Good luck with your decision.

 

-Seth

 

[Amelia]

I just spent about a half hour bragging on my old iPAQ 4700-based AnywhereMap XM, and the reply seems to have disappeared.

Short version: I like it very much, much more out-of-the-box intuitive than Garmin, very well-supported, and far cheaper both in short haul and long run.

Long version:  In the five or six years I've owned this gizmo with its weather, and used it for a host of non-aviation functions as well, my brother has been through several brand-G units that are STILL less capable than my AnywhereMap. After upgrading his Garmin handheld GPS three times, at considerable expense, he finally now has weather and a color display, same as I've had since forever. But mine still has more pixels. And I can check my email when it's within wireless internet range, look up a phone number, or even play solitaire on the thing.

The XM-WX display has saved my bacon on a number of occasions, including both going and coming on my most recent trip, threading me through several holes in otherwise completely unflyable continent-spanning systems. Did I say I like my Anywhere Map? But wait: there's more. Recent upgrades to the associated PocketPlates software now show not only your position on the approach plates, but display nexrad weather right onto the plate as well.

What I like about the AWM is that my annual subscription includes all the software upgrades. It's like waiting for Christmas, I'll admit- promised new-and-improved versions are sometimes slower than promised, but well worth the wait. The newest version- which did not require running out and dropping another couple grand on a whole new system like Brand G is wont to do, is gorgeous -very fine detail, wonderful graphics, excellent readability and fast refreshes.

The associated Pocket Plates- available at the touch of a button, now show weather overlays on the approach plate.

The tech support staff at ControlVision is outstanding and very reachable both online and by phone. I've had troubles with memory allocation in this antique handheld, and they've always been there (except on weekends) and both courteous and helpful.

Drawbacks? Readability in direct sunlight can be challenging. Not usually a problem in the Mooney, but if I had a glass canopy, it might be. Not sure how that compares with Garmin's screen. Wiring used to be in the way, but now that it's threaded behind the panel and zipstripped out of the way, it's not a factor.

I'd love to upgrade to the big-screen tablet version, but reality intrudes: there's just no room between my tummy and the yoke for a bigger unit. Short legs barely reach the pedals as it is.

[GeorgePerry]

OK, I'm sold...the 496 with XM and the "faster" update rate is a great piece of gear.  I borrowed a buddies for a trip to Louisville KY last weekend.  With a line of T-storms to fly through both coming and going there would be no way I could have made the trip safely without the Garmin.  The price of the unit seems high but I guess in the grand scheme of things it's a small price to pay for much increased aircraft utility and more importantly safety.

WX avoidance isn't something I've given much thought too...For many years now I've had the ability to go over the weather.  GA is a different story...no such luxury.  I've included a picture of the trip out...40+ knot headwinds and bad wx on either side of my route.  It sure was nice having the information real time in the cockpit.

 

[Chris White ex-N205KD]

George,

Now imagine having all that (switch to Billy Mays voice) and MORE!

If you can, borrow an AnywhereMap to compare.  You'll get the same WX, but have access to every single approach plate in the US with your position geo-referenced, fuel prices, fewer wires, etc, etc, etc...  You will spend way less on the AnywhereMap to boot.

http://www.anywheremap.com/pdfs/ATC-Comparison-Report.pdf

No finacial interest here, just a satisfied AnywhereMap customer who's used both.

Quote: GeorgePerry

OK, I'm sold...the 496 with XM and the "faster" update rate is a great piece of gear.  I borrowed a buddies for a trip to Louisville KY last weekend.  With a line of T-storms to fly through both coming and going there would be no way I could have made the trip safely without the Garmin.  The price of the unit seems high but I guess in the grand scheme of things it's a small price to pay for much increased aircraft utility and more importantly safety.

WX avoidance isn't something I've given much thought too...For many years now I've had the ability to go over the weather.  GA is a different story...no such luxury.  I've included a picture of the trip out...40+ knot headwinds and bad wx on either side of my route.  It sure was nice having the information real time in the cockpit.

 

[GeorgePerry]

Ordered a 496 last night from gulf coast aero.  I got a deal on it as I purchased a reconditioned unit.  It comes with 1 year free updates and a few other extras.  Price was about that of a new Anywhere map.  Both units look good, but I'm familiar with Garmin products and not so with the competition.  I wish I had the chance to fly with both side by side, but oh-well.

[fantom]

ditto...great prices can be found on reconditioned G-396/496. Superb backup GPS and you'll love almost real time WX.

[231Pilot]

I already had a 430 in my  plane when I bought a used MX20 and WSI unit for my 201.If I had no moving maps in the panel, the 396/496 would seem to be the best deal out there releative to what you get for your money.