Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 12:09:28 -0400
Message-ID: <redirect-2548892@logan.com>
From: "HALL THOMAS" <tomhall@starband.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Subject: WxWorx
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I noticed some postings after OSH regarding 
weather data services. I explored the 
alternatives extensively while at OSH. My 
initial idea was that I would go with WSI, 
since they are currently working with SFS 
(Chelton) as a provider. They have a good 
product, but after comparing data provided and 
presentation, as well as pricing, I (and three 
others in my group) decided to go with the 
WxWorx (i.e Baron Services) product.

I have received and temporarily installed their 
system in my aircraft (V-35TC)and plan to use 
until I complete my IV-PT. I have used EchoMap, 
the EchoFlight product, for 2 years previously.

I am quite pleased with the data and 
presentation of the WxWorx system and would 
recommend it highly. I am using it on a Fujitsu 
pentablet that I have had for several years and 
have used as platform for EchoMap and JeppView 
FliteDeck. There are better, day-light readable 
pentablets and PDAs available. 

WxWorx can be configured on pentablet, lap top 
or PDA of your choice. WSI does interface with 
the Upsat MX-20 and is cerified. The Wxworx 
system uses a puck antenna which does not need 
external mount and will receive GPS from any 
unit or puck GPS if desired. This is not 
necessary but is a nice feature to center your 
AC.

System is simple. Just turn it on. No request 
necessary and radar updates every 5 minutes 
automatically. Precip tops, metars, tafs, 
lightning data, winds,  sigmets, airmets, 
forecasts, airways, vors, airports, cell 
movement, etc. are all provided. 

Cost is ~$900 for all without computer. Monthly 
is $49.95.

As an fromer user of Echomap, I would tell you 
that this is a quantum leap ahead for weather. 
Do not even consider EchoFlight for radar data. 
It is very slow, labor intensive, unreliable, 
and very poor reslution. This is true of units 
that interface with Garmin 430 and 530 also. 
Garmin has choosen Wxworx for its G1000 series 
and may integrate into future 530 and 430.

The Echomap software and moving map GPS are 
quite nice, but , again, their weather delivery 
leaves much to be desired.

JUst my opinions and observations so far.
Tom Hall