XM Weather

[STL FJR]

Anyone using XM Weather? If so, which XM package did you sign up for and how well is it working?

I just ordered a Garmin 376C and I'm hoping it will provide a margin of comfort in avoiding rainstorms, etc. on my next trip to the Blue Ridge mountains next week. I've seen the Aviation version in action and it works great. I'm hoping someone here has experience with it on a bike. Thx!

 

[mehaffydr]

https://www.angelridevideos.com/reviews/Garmin376C.html

Check this out

 

[STL FJR]

https://www.angelridevideos.com/reviews/Garmin376C.html
Check this out

Thanks! Great write-up. It turns out I'm getting a first on the market 378C instead of the 376. The only difference is, it includes the detail maps for the entire US and inland lakes and rivers as well. I'm a boater too, so that will be a nice value add!

Can't wait to get this thing so I can figure out how to mount it. :yahoo:

 

[Ignacio]

I've been looking it over myself and I think I see two different services.

#1 is called XM Instant Traffic and Weather and seems to provide a talk format like a conventional radio traffic report. Various metro cities are included. I can't seem to find a price of this service.

#2 is called XM WX Satellite Weather and actually downloads the graphic type weather information to your GPS. This service isn't cheap! $30 for a "fisherman/sailor", $50 for "professional mariner", or $99 a month for "ground". And there's an activation fee on top of this. Damn! They're proud of those pixels.

Or am I missing something? Are there other services?

 

[Rickster]

I stayed away from the 376, and opted for the 276C (just no XM satellite, I based it on the $99/month to get the dang radar!) Happy with my decision, and I don't believe there's a cheaper XM weather for ground (at least I couldn't find one)

Also -- I have a Garmin Quest 2 (very small -- pre-loaded with all the detailed maps unlike the original Quest) I like it too!

If you don't have a source, I use Dave's Marine Clicky and have had very good transactions with him.

 

[STL FJR]

I've been looking it over myself and I think I see two different services.
#1 is called XM Instant Traffic and Weather and seems to provide a talk format like a conventional radio traffic report. Various metro cities are included. I can't seem to find a price of this service.

#2 is called XM WX Satellite Weather and actually downloads the graphic type weather information to your GPS. This service isn't cheap! $30 for a "fisherman/sailor", $50 for "professional mariner", or $99 a month for "ground". And there's an activation fee on top of this. Damn! They're proud of those pixels.

Or am I missing something? Are there other services?

It was recommended to me to sign up for the Marine Sailor service, but I'm going to pop the extra $20/mo to get the Master Mariner package so I get the satellite view of the cloud cover as well. The "Ground" package is for Emergency responders, etc.

Ignacio, the Instant Traffic/Weather is an XM Radio service only. I actually get that on my XM in the Yukon now.

BTW, I bought from CycleGadgets.com, great service over the phone!

Here is what the typical storm screen looks like with the Master Mariner subscription;

It shows cloud cover, as well as rain, storm cells and cell direction. Good stuff to have at your finger tips on a long trip!

 

[devanator]

I also am waiting for my garmin to come in a day or so. Bought from Cyclegadgets also. They called me today with a question that I had. They seem to be great to work with. I also am anxious to get my gps. I will say this, there is just to many options out their. Quite confusing. I settled for the new gps map 478. I wanted a little bigger screen and I also think the xm integrated with the unit sold me too. I already have xm service. But I also am interested in this weather service. Give us some updates with how it works if you could. It would be well appreciated. I hope to get used to using it before the M1K.

devanator/Mike

 

[BugR]

First the graphics are screwed, that question mark should be replaced with an 'Oh F***'

Am I the only one to think that this is bordering on farkle overkill, what's wrong in looking up at the sky once in a while, or are you worried about getting your tires wet.

Chris

 

[Fred H.]

I have had the 376c for about 8 months or so now and though I mentioned in my review that I had to return one (dead XM antenna) I have not had any issues with the replacement. I have had several power connectors break on me, but Garmin has so far been good about sending me free replacements.

#2 is called XM WX Satellite Weather and actually downloads the graphic type weather information to your GPS. This service isn't cheap! $30 for a "fisherman/sailor", $50 for "professional mariner", or $99 a month for "ground". And there's an activation fee on top of this. Damn! They're proud of those pixels.

This seems to be a common misconception. The $99 Ground package is NOT available with the 376 or 378. It is a special package for weather chasers and only runs on a PC with special software. The ONLY packages that work with the 376/378 are the MARINE packages, and they run $30 or $50. The $30 package provides everything you really need. You also can deactivate the unit for up to 60 days when you don't need it so you don't have to pay the montly fees without having to pay another $50 activation fee (just don't leave it turned off for more than 60 days). If you have XM radio already, this unit will allow you to put your existing XM radio subscription on the "Family Plan" which will save you another $6 a month on that subscription. Both the 376 and 378 also have built in XM radios.

I can tell you this thing has saved me several times already from riding into a storm. For me, it is worth $30 a month to not ride headlong into a huge storm cell but instead be able to route around it. It has saved me twice already from riding into hail. When I look at the safety and convenience it provides me, the $30 a month fee seems like chicken feed. If you have ever ridden in a storm or heavy rain, you know what I am talking about. If all you do are short day rides and never get more than 100 miles from home, then this unit is probably overkill, but for anyone who rides long distances and crosses many states in unfamiliar territory, it can be a lifesaver, literally.

I believe I posted some photos on the review of the Master Mariner Package as well as the Sailor Package. You can switch from one package to another anytime you want, they just pro-rate your bill.

The 378 does NOT include the XM antenna like the 376 did. They make you pay another $200 or so to get it, and the weather won't work without it, but you don't have to buy the software separate like you did on the 376 so it probably is a wash.

I am taking a 17 day trip from Texas to Maine, and I can tell you I am not sure I would even go if I didn't have the 376 due to all the rain and bad weather they get up there.

I have lots of photos of the 376c posted here. I use it on both the Wing and the FJR.

https://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/garmin376c

Getting the antenna mounted can prove to be a bit of a challenge....