More Garmin Gripes

Viperdoc wrote:
I just installed a GDL69A data link with my 530, which works great. It gives
Nexrad radar as well as graphical METARs, and superimposes the information
on the basic map pages.

It is also supposed to provide text metars, but this will not be available
until "sometime in the future"

snip

What about the terrain system? It's also overdue by nearly two years!

Come to the east coast and get into the ADS-B demonstration program. I went to a
demo last weekend and took a demonstration flight. Very impressive traffic,
weather and terrain on an MX20 display. The FAA has a contract with WSI to
provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost to the A/C owner.

In NC, NCDOT is sponsoring the demonstration program and will provide the GDL49
(not sure whether that's the right number) for the 3-year program, then you have
to give it back. You have to have an installed MX20 to qualify.

This is the same technology used in the Capstone project in Alaska.

If you're on the east coast, check http://faasafety.gov for a demonstration
schedule.

Dave

The FAA has a contract with WSI to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost to the A/C owner.

Really?! How come WSI charges $599 for the weather subscription?
http://www.wsi.com/solutions/aviatio...ht/pricing.asp

I have the MX20 with WSI (and Jeppesen approach charts) in my airplane
and I am very satisfied with both.

Gerd

gwengler wrote:
The FAA has a contract with WSI to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost to the A/C owner.


Really?! How come WSI charges $599 for the weather subscription?
http://www.wsi.com/solutions/aviatio...ht/pricing.asp

Yes, really. Are you thinking that your experience conflicts with what I said?
You snipped the part where I said we were talking about ADS-B. Is that what
you're using?

I don't know why WSI charges $599 for the weather subscription. Because they
can, I guess.

Dave

This is the original quote from you: "The FAA has a contract with WSI
to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost to the A/C
owner." That's why I thought you meant that the FAA has a contract
with WSI to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost
to the A/C owner.

Anyhow, is there anyway you can back this up?

Thanks and regards,
Gerd

gwengler wrote:
This is the original quote from you:

I guess the "you" is me. I wish you'd include some context so we could see what
you are replying to. There's another posting from you time-stamped 11:05 AM - I
have no idea what -that- posting refers to.

"The FAA has a contract with WSI
to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost to the A/C
owner." That's why I thought you meant that the FAA has a contract
with WSI to provide the weather data, so there's no subscription cost
to the A/C owner.

I meant that the FAA has a contract with WSI to provide the weather data, so
there's no subscription cost to the A/C owner. That's why I said it.


Anyhow, is there anyway you can back this up?

Yeah, took me at least 2 mouse clicks to find it:
http://www.wsi.com/corporate/newsroo...ses/041904.asp

Dave

Dave, now that makes sense. You are talking about the UAT Flight
Information System (FIS). That indeed may be free of charge; however
it is very limited (2 pages in the MX20 manual). WSI is selling (i.e.
you have to subscribe to) their own WSI InFlight FSI (8 pages) which
has many more functions. Garmin's own GDL69/69A FIS is supposed to
have many, many more functions - but buyer bewa on many it says in
the manual "when enabled" or "this product is not available at this
time" - don't hold your breath.

Gerd