Satellite Down-Link Weather Systems??

[msw]

The outfit I fly for is doing a major avionics upgrade to our Cessna T210, and my boss wants a satellite down-link weather info system to go into it also. (No great objection from me!) From what I have learned so far, my choices are either the WSI System (AVA200, I think); or... Garmin's GDL69 receiver for the XM Radio satellite system weather products. (If anyone knows of another down-linked satellite system, please let me know.)

I originally intended to have the weather info displayed on a newly installed GNS530, but my avionics shop is pushing for me to get a Garmin MX20 display, then use a GNS430 instead of a 530. They say the display quality will be much, much, better with the MX20 vs. the 530. So, if any of you have any experience with any of these systems, and would care to weigh in on the following issues, I'd appreciate the input.........

> Accuracy of the weather pictures, WSI system vs. Garmin GDL69 & XM Radio
> "Refresh" rates?
> MX20 display issues, using either system (picure quality, etc)
> availability of weather products (METARS, TAFS, Winds Aloft, NexRad, etc)

....... and anything else you'd like to tell me about these systems! Or other options I might be missing.

Thanks, in advance, for any info.

 

[Crizz]

Forget the 400 and 500 series garmins... they are outdated.. go wtih the CNX80 and MX20 combo...

The 430 and MX20 combo is good advice too, however.

 

[moving2vegas]

You already have the 530 installed and want to rip it out for the mx20 upgrade? I've used the 530 with the weather link extensively, and the mx20 a few times (3-4). Yea the big screen with IFR overlay is nice, but if you already have the 530 just add on the weather and be done with it. I don't see the added cost outweighing the better equipment, especially in a 210. Don't get me wrong I'm sure it's a nice 210, but unless your doing hard IFR everyday into different airports where you need the added situational awareness, the mx20 is a bit of an overkill. The wx on the 530 (although not as accurate as onboard radar) works well and provides you with a real good picture of where not to be. My 2c...save the $, keep the 530, get a new leather interior.

 

[imacdog]

One of the planes I fly has the 530 downlink. Very handy tool to have, especially downloading weather at your destination and alternate(s) when you are still several hundred miles out. The radar download is helpful, though not as accurate as I would like sometimes. Downloads are usually several minutes old by the time you get them, and you can set the refresh rate to a fairly short interval. The biggest problem is it seems the worse the weather and the more you want the weather, the slower the download is.

 

[Crizz]

Good point.. if the 530 is already installed - then why mess with it? Its pleanty capable. I just figured given the choice of a 430/MX20 and a 530, I would choose the 430/mx20.

Given the choice of a 430/MX20 and CNX80/MX20 - the choice is clear.

If you're gonna spend 15k, why not spend 20?

 

[msw]

I never said it already had a 530. All it has is some older King navcoms; basically, everything old is coming out, and we are starting anew with a clean sheet panel.

 

[moving2vegas]

"I originally intended to have the weather info displayed on a newly installed GNS530"

newly installed= already in the A/C, atleast that's what it sounds like to me. The mx20 is pretty slick. Like I said, I don't have enough time with it, but does the mx20 also come with terrain overlays? The one I used (got to play with) didn't. The garmin can have terrain added for some more $$$. It's a very crude terrain depection, but anything helps when you're going into a deep dark hole.