XM Weather for iPad

[AggieMike88]

From a recent iPad Pilot News newsletter.

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SiriusXM SXAR1 weather receiver for iPad

The SXAR1 is a low profile wireless receiver that rests on your glareshield. The all-in-one device receives the SiriusXM datalink weather broadcast and sends it wirelessly to your iPad using Bluetooth. The receiver has an integrated 5-hour battery and relies on internal antennas, meaning it is completely wire-free. Like the previous satellite weather services, you’ll still need to pay a monthly subscription fee of $34.99/month, but this gets you a premium datalink weather service with features not available over ADS-B:

• high-resolution NEXRAD radar with storm cell attributes
• observed lightning strikes
• surface analysis imagery and high-resolution forecast winds
• works on the ground during startup and taxi, and across all areas of the U.S. at any altitude
• SiriusXM radio entertainment (additional subscription required)

Of course you’ll also get all the standard text weather products, AIRMETs, SIGMETs and TFRs as well. This base level subscription includes much more than the previous entry-level package from XM, so we really don’t see a need to upgrade to the higher tiers. You can check full details on the three subscription packages here.

The SXAR1 will initially be compatible with the WSI Pilotbrief app, but expect compatibility with additional apps soon.

The receiver can connect to one iPhone or iPad over Bluetooth, and can also additionally connect to one headset to listen to satellite radio. The SXAR1 also includes an internal GPS, so it’s an all-in-one solution. It will initially be compatible with the WSI Pilotbrief app, though expect to see additional apps added soon.

SiriusXM satellite downlink weather is not for everyone, especially when compared to the reliability and completeness of the subscription-free ADS-B weather broadcast. But for pilots operating in remote regions or for those who prefer the premium weather products available on satellite weather, the SXAR1 weather receiver for iPad is sure to be a hit.

The SXAR1 is available for $699 from Sporty’s, and you can get a $300 rebate when you sign up for at least 6 months of service. It’s available for pre-order now and will begin shipping at the end of August.

 

[bullwinkle]

$700 device AND a $35/mo subscription? No thanks.

$850-900 for a GDL-39 with no subscription sounds like a much better deal.

 

[jesse]

$700 device AND a $35/mo subscription? No thanks.

$850-900 for a GDL-39 with no subscription sounds like a much better deal.

Or $300-ish for a used Stratus 1.

 

[KSMooniac]

No kidding. Their weather product is superior, but with today's competition their prices need to come WAY down to remain viable. At $35/mo the hardware needs to be free for starters, and compatible with all of the apps. Or get the monthly cost down to the $10 level.

 

[AggieMike88]

No kidding. Their weather product is superior, but with today's competition their prices need to come WAY down to remain viable. At $35/mo the hardware needs to be free for starters, and compatible with all of the apps. Or get the monthly cost down to the $10 level.

They other parts of the article (what I didn't copy) discuss how where the price points were in the past and how this price point is a bit lower and a step in a positive direction.

But I agree that $700 for the hardware and a big subscription price is a bit much to swallow for "XM-in" only. Where it stands, that's a significant gouge. Or are we paying for their product liability policy? ("pilot sues XM for flying into a thunderstorm that was not displayed on his tablet")

A lower hardware price ($250?) plus a significant length of free subscription would get them more business.

 

[Art VanDelay]

Why ?

 

[frfly172]

Went to the stratus to avoid subscription cost.

 

[CTLSi]

$700 device AND a $35/mo subscription? No thanks.

$850-900 for a GDL-39 with no subscription sounds like a much better deal.

XM Weather is a nice tool, but way to expensive.

ADS-B weather is free.

 

[Unit74]

For that much, you might as well buy a new Garmin portable instead. At least you'd get a map so you could see where your going while they rape you.

 

[Irish_Armada]

For that much, you might as well buy a new Garmin portable instead. At least you'd get a map so you could see where your going while they rape you.

Eloquently put fine sir!

 

[txflyer]

For that much, you might as well buy a new Garmin portable instead. At least you'd get a map so you could see where your going while they rape you.

Gang rape you.

Over and over.

FIFY. :wink2: