Is XM Weather Worth It VS Adsb in?

[patrolpilot]

Since last week, I've been pondering the same; XM vs. ADS-B.

I did some flying out in the Gulf behind the last hurricane, inspecting platform damage. Normally, there is good radar and ADS-B coverage in the populated lease blocks, along with ZHU communication. There was none in the wake of the storm. The StrikeFinder paid for itself, along with the money spent to sync it to aircraft heading a bit earlier this year.

The patrols were five hours and it would have been nice to get a satellite picture at set intervals. I'm too far out for coastal radar coverage so that does not play into the consideration.

Can anyone comment on the XM satellite image products, do they have IR satellite images as well? I'm prepping before sunrise.

I'm also thinking about an HF radio.

[mshac]

https://ipadpilotnews.com/2020/07/ad...g-the-options/

[patrolpilot]

Thanks mshac, I've read the article and a few others (most through Sporty's iPad News), but I would like to see if XM has Gulf of Mexico specific satellite products like FF has. Of course, once out in the Gulf XM would provide the radar images along the coast, what I'm facing on the way back onshore.

I'm lucky with the ADS-B. There is an antenna overlooking my hangar ramp. I have everything on the ground before departure.

[patrolpilot]

Attached is an image of Sirius's service and plan prices. I have Sirius for my vehicles, no breaks for the additional services.

They do broadcast satellite images, saw one of the Gulf.

As far as Radar (times do not include actual transmission times; antenna to processor, processor to repeater, repeater to aircraft)

• ADS-B:
  • Within 250 nm of aircraft
    • Transmits every 2½ minutes
    • Updated every 5 minutes
  • Over 250 nm
    • Low resolution
    • Updated every 15 minutes
  • Lighting
    • Cloud - Ground
• XM:
  • Transmits and updates every 2½ minutes
  • Lighting
    • Cloud - Cloud (developing activity)
    • Cloud - Ground (dissipating activity)