Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Wed, 28 Apr 2004 19:46:02 -0400
Message-ID: <redirect-3196225@logan.com>
From: Tom Hall <tkhall@highland.net>
Subject: WxWorx
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References: <list-3161423@logan.com>

I would submit the following as a continuing update and a suggestion to the
Lancair Builders and drivers regarding WxWorx.

As I have previously reported, I have been using WxWorx since it was
released last fall. I was quite helpful during the winter for metars and
TAFs, as well as winds. It seems very accurate in depicting precip and
reliably updates very five minutes with no input necessary. Looping of
images is available for the last 30 minutes and this is also quite helpful.

With CB season upon us, the value is multipled. On a recent flight from
Denver to TN, there was a line of active storms across our path in MO. After
launching from Denver, I got the radar and looped some of the images to
assess movement. With this info, I could estimate the needed deviation and
adjust my flight plan while  400 miles away. Only a small additional
deviation was required near Springfield to circumvent the line.

The Strike feature helps to evaluate the convective properties and, while
not as accurate as Stormscopes, it is sufficient with the radar data. The
WxWorx smoothing of precip data is excellent and is similar  to what we see
on TV. The images are not pixelated and gradients and shapes of storms are
easily assessed.

The newest release includes automatic TFR depiction. Precipation tops are
also helpful.

I have hundreds of hours flying with onboard radar and, IMHO, I would rather
have this data. I was one of the original users of EChoFlight and this is
head and shoulders above that technology.

Garmin is using WxWorx in their 1000 series and it is slated for adaptation
for 530. I have been told that EchoFlight is going to use this system and
abandon their current delivery system.

All in all, I am quite pleased with the program. I am sure that the WSI
system is good also.

My suggestion is for all interested builders and pilots of Lancairs to
express desire to Chelton that they work on necessary software to adapt
WxWorx to their system. They are currently indicating that they intend to do
this with WSI, but they have told me on more than one occasion, that if the
demand is there, that they will integrate virtually any device or system. I
spoke with WxWorx and they have not been approached, but are very willing to
cooperate.

As a group, Lancairs are one of the prime consumers of Chelton (Sierra)
products, so I beleive that if we show an interest, then it will happen.

Tom Hall
IVPT 20%