Eric,

I started out using the XM weather "lite" package on my Garmin 396 in the
Mooney. The lite package costs $29 a month, but does not include lightning,
winds aloft, storm cells, cloud tops and more. After upgrading to the $50
full weather package for a trip (you can enable for a month and then cancel
again for no start-up fee), I was so impressed I just kept the full weather.

At first, I figured I'd continue to use the 196 in the glider, due to its
lower current drain and easy to see mono screen. But after getting used to
having the weather data, I started using the 396 in the glider. Love it.

Going cross country, you can see bands of lightning strikes and precip and
route accordingly. Winds aloft is great, and you can scroll to different
altitudes. TFR, METARS, TAFs, current altimeter from nearest weather source,
and lots more.

The 496, came out after I bought the 396, even has the complete AOPA
database with airport diagrams on board.

bumper


"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
news:WZrIh.44$Hb6.21@trndny03...
Is anyone using XM weather in a glider? If so, what system are you using
to get it, and how is it working out? What features are useful?

Or, is there anyone using it in an airplane, and thinks it would be great
to have in a glider?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly
* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org