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