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I was one of the original users and subscribers to
the EchoFlight system. It was the only real product for sometime. I used the
system until I got the WXWorx unit in September.
The EchoFlight was SLOW as mentioned and frequently
unreliable. I have had downloads that failed for over an hour. This is not a
option when dealing with storms. The images were very pixelated. They did
improve this some, but it was possible to fly directly thru a red box and not
even find precip.
The available bandwidth of the EchoFlight sats are
too low for much improvement. The wx reports are limited to metars. Looping of
radar images is painfully slow.
A friend of mine and I used the systems for about
three years and we have both gone to WxWorx. We discussed problems with
EchoFlight on numerous occasions. They promised better performance, but it never
really happened.
We went to OSH last year to evaluate the options. I
went with the preconceived notion that the WSI was the system I would like best.
It was a good system, but I personally found the WxWorx more to my liking and it
was considerably more economical. I reviewed every system represented and looked
at all the hardware.
If you want to combine radar with moving Map or if
you want certified, in-panel system, I think that the WSI and a MX20 is a quite
good system. This is a fairly expensive alternative, but it is nice and can also
run JeppView FlightDeck.
Wxworx can be run on PDA and can be entirely
self-contained with GPS module on PDA.
I know that last Fall, Garmin was buying back and
replacing all of the GDL 49 units and a local Avionics shop indicated that
rarely had there been sucessful installation. I had the understanding that
Garmin was planning to use WxWorx in the new 1000 avionics. I ask Garmin if it
would be retro to 430/530 and they said that memory capabilities in those units
was not sufficient, but might be upgraded and that they likely would move to
WxWorx when possible.
At any rate, based on my experience, I would
suggest WxWorx or WSI. Your mileage may very.
Tom
I
agree that with a Garmin in the Panel that the cost of the GDL 49 isn't the
issue. The issue is the performance of the SERVICE provider for the
weather information. EchoFlight's system, and the whole request / reply
method, is pretty pathetic compared to other alternatives. The GDL 69
box should be out within a year, and the cost of the WxWorx receiver is cheap
enough, that I'll wait for the GDL 69 to display on the Garmin before I spend
lotsa $$$ on the GDL 49.
I agree with Ron, Someone needs to come
out with an all in one system just like a handheld GPS. I have enough
trouble keeping charts and plates handy. Having to deal with wires and
laptops ectra just does not cut it. The Lancair has a small cockpit so
the extras for weather need to be small. With a Garmin in the panel
the GDL 49 makes sense even at the high
cost.
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