installing Sirius XM

[bubbrubb21]

In another thread you mention wanting to make relatively long cross country trips.

I agree with the poster above with regard to a Garmin portable.

A 396 can be had pretty cheap these days. You will have the music you want and XM weather which you will need on longer trips.

Sure there are ADSB solutions to weather but XM weather has some extras not provided by ADSB. For example winds aloft is nice to have and can be worth 5 to 10 knots on occasion.

There are innumerable RAM mounting solutions as well.

can I install these on an older KitFox that has an old panel layout? (Sorry, i'm somewhat naive to the inner workings of panel layouts) A used (cheaper) kitfox is an option until I have the time to build my own to the spec I want, I can live with an older/used one if I can get satelite radio. Sort of silly I know, but I'm a young guy that listens to a lot of music... just what I'm looking for. thanks for input N981MS/Geowtiz

[jiott]

I am pretty sure that ADS-B weather includes winds & temp aloft. I have not used XM weather but have been told that ADS-B weather is equivalent to the mid-range XM subscription and its free. You can equip yourself with ADS-B IN to get weather, traffic, and TFR's for less than a recent model Garmin with XM.

[aviator79]

ADS-B IN to get weather, traffic, and TFR's for less than a recent model Garmin with XM.

With the standard caveat that ADS-B IN information is not continuously available unless you have ADS-B OUT as well. However, time is short on this becoming mandatory if you fly anywhere that a mode c transponder is required today.

ADS-B equipage is something you should be thinking about anyway if you're looking to buy a used aircraft.

[N981MS]

I stand corrected on the winds aloft data. But there are some bits of data available through XM not ADS-B.

The debate between weather via XM vs ADS-B two can make my head spin and I still use both. Both are great. (but no winds on my ADS-B solution).

To the OP: work on your license and you will have the opportunity try different devices with your new pilot friends who will be happy to show you their gadgets.

Bottom line is on any experimental: Yes you can get Sirius XM radio by mounting in the panel if there is space. Or plug in a portable XM radio and fashion your own mount as needed. Or get a GPS with XM radio/weather.