Weather reports on GPS?

[ST1300Rider]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the XM weather is more of a front forecast map like this:



Instead of a much more useful doppler radar image like this:

There are two XM services, Nav Weather is the one that is available for the Zumo and SP. The one that's available for the 376/378/478 Chartplotters is a different (and expensive) package. I got it on a 3 month trial to do a cross country trip or two and it rocks......

From my 376C

North America weather overview



The Weather specific screen



The weather overlay on the map page



The map legend



There is a ton more stuff that I didn't need/want and on the 376C you can turn the individual modules on or off. You can also set the zoom level that the weather data and overlays appear. You can check the local conditions and forecast for your location, the next waypoint on your route and your destination. Using the cursor on the map page you can check forecasts for any city that shows on the map. Severe weather warnings by county appear as pop-ups. It's a very complete package that was designed for pilots and mariners.

[DangerMoney]

There are two XM services, Nav Weather is the one that is available for the Zumo and SP. The one that's available for the 376/378/478 Chartplotters is a different (and expensive) package. I got it on a 3 month trial to do a cross country trip or two and it rocks......

If you subscribe to XM NavTraffic ( $4.95/month and compatible with the Zumo), weather comes with it.

[HipGnosis]

... a radio that has the NOAA frequencies is an excellent addition to a rider's gear.

Don't the NOAA alerts go by counties?  Which means I'd have to pull out a map to find out what county I'm in, where the storm is and where it's is headed.

[DangerMoney]

I fired up my Zumo 550 and got screen shots that show what weather info comes with the XM NavTraffic I mentioned in my earlier post. It includes severe weather warnings which are mapped. The "forecast" selection on the screens are greyed-out as  I didn't have the Zumo on long enough to capture the forecast data. To get all this you need a Zumo which supports the GXM30 receiver and must subscribe to XM NavTraffic. Don't know if you can subscribe to just NavTraffic and not the music.

[Slonishku]

Those 376 wx overlays look sweet! The Zumo ones... not so much. Bummer, because I'm really liking the idea of a 550 overall. For the Iron Butt Rally next year, I supposr the Zumo's wx reporting would be helpful for big-picture stuff, like deciding whether to brave the cold by seeking a bonus in Goose Bay vs. enduring the heat by seeking the bonus in Key West...

[ST1300Rider]

Those 376 wx overlays look sweet!

They are. The one feature that's most useful on really long routes is the ability to get real time conditions and forecasts for the progressive points along your route all the way to your destination. These are text summary pop ups available from the find menu.

[jwhite518]

Alex,

Choose wisely for your IBR GPS. I have a 550 but it has a few shortcomings as a rally unit. WX is one of them, the other Garmins do weather better. I think the 2xxx series are very popular with rally riders. I've gone down the Zumo path, and it's great for touring and general m/c use. I've also survived many a 24 hr rally with mine, shortcomings and all, but if I were buying one specifically as a rally GPS I'd probably look elsewhere. Too bad you won't be in Tulsa, Rob Nye's sure to drop tons of helpful info in his GPS seminars.

[Slonishku]

Too bad you won't be in Tulsa, Rob Nye's sure to drop tons of helpful info in his GPS seminars.

Believe me, I really wish I was going to be in Tulsa. Between my ultra-truncated prep time, missing Tulsa, and riding the RE5, I'm going to be needing some luck!

Are the weather features in the Garmin 2xxx seies much better? I've currently got a 2610, but need to spend the $$$ for map updates, so I was thinking of running it for data, another unit for routing or vice versa.

[jwhite518]

Are the weather features in the Garmin 2xxx seies much better? I've currently got a 2610, but need to spend the $$$ for map updates, so I was thinking of running it for data, another unit for routing or vice versa.

I think the 27/28xx supports the Nexrad WX overlays, better than what you get on the Zumo. For Spank and IBR I'm running a 550 and a 2610. Using 550 for routing, music, and cell phone, the 2610 for data, misc. functions, and backup. I sprung for the map update for the 2610 anyway. WTH, it's only money!  

[ST1300Rider]

Are the weather features in the Garmin 2xxx seies much better? I've currently got a 2610, but need to spend the $$$ for map updates, so I was thinking of running it for data, another unit for routing or vice versa.

The 2XXX series are the same package as the Zumo family. You have to go to the Chartplotters, 376C, 378, 478 to get the full meal deal weather. Garmin explanatory page Here.

[jwhite518]

The 2XXX series are the same package as the Zumo family. You have to go to the Chartplotters, 376C, 378, 478 to get the full meal deal weather. Garmin explanatory page Here.

Thanks for the link. Now it makes sense. And now I know why so many rallyists have the marine units.

[Ronin120]

I'd second what ST1300Rider says.

I have a Garmin 367c with XM weather (and tunes) with the "Sailor" weather option. I bought the weather package for use on my boats but it has proven to be pretty nice for the cars and motorcycle. That said, although the NEXRAD radar overlays are pretty sexy, especially with the animation feature, it really only lets me know just how wet I'm going to get. One has to keep in mind that what is being displayed on the unit has already happened. NEXRAD already has a bit of a delay which is exacerbated by the delay in sending to and receiving the signal from the satellite.

I had high hopes of being to ride around storm cells but that is pretty much did not happen in real-world use. Oh well, that's what rain-gear is for...

What is really helpfully are the synoptic chart overlays which will show frontal movement out for 2 days. With this and the ability to pull up local weather forecasts for pretty much anywhere in the US you can do some weather planning when on a long trip. Good for figuring out if it will be camping or hoteling at the end of the day.

@HipGnosis, yes the warnings go by counties but you'll be able to see which ones are affected. The software shades/crosshatches affected areas and putting the cursor on that area of the map/chart and hitting Enter will bring up the message.

Best.

[ST1300Rider]

I had high hopes of being to ride around storm cells but that is pretty much did not happen in real-world use. Oh well, that's what rain-gear is for...

True if you're on a timetable. It did come in handy on my last trip through CO/NM with all the thunder storm activity though. Twice I just waited at a gas stop until the "big red blob" that was shown over my route moved on. My wife (and the other three wives in the group) were impressed enough with my ability to forecast the lightning that at least one of my riding buddies got Spousal Approval to "get one of those things".  

[Ronin120]

....Spousal Approval to "get one of those things"

Hey, that's exactly how I was able to justify the XM Weather costs but in my case is was "Honey, we'll be able to see the storms coming and get to port before we sink!"  She wants no part of motorcycling.....

Seriously, the XM weather on the marine Garmin's is a pretty good deal.

Best.

[Walker]

My Garmin 2720 does not support weather reports, only FM traffic reports if you subscribe to the service.  The 2730 supports XM radio, but I haven't seen any refurbished units of these at the serious discount prices I bought both my 2720s for (one for me, one for my wife).

I've never felt the need to get the FM traffic receiver accessory for mine.  Anytime I've ridden where there may be traffic, there's usually a carpool lane too.

I've often admired the Garmin portable chartplotters like the 376C, but I've grown to really like touchscreens, which the 376C isn't.... nothing's perfect I guess.

[Slonishku]

So true... if only the Garmin site had a "design your own" option.