Garmin has unveiled its new GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM datalink receivers, which offer access to new weather service packages with lower activation fees from SiriusXM and its latest G4 satellite network.
The GDL 69A SXM receiver provides both pilots and passengers with SiriusXM Satellite Radio audio in addition to new weather service packages, Garmin officials said.
The GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM receiver adds to Garmin’s lineup of datalink weather receivers that offer pilots access to SiriusXM aviation weather information both on the ground and in the air. When paired with a compatible display and/or the Flight Stream 110/Flight Stream 210 and a compatible mobile device using the Garmin Pilot application, SiriusXM aviation weather information delivers coverage throughout the continental United States and portions of Canada and Puerto Rico, while providing pilots access to additional weather products.
The base service now includes weather products such as lightning, (including cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground activity), graphical winds aloft, temperatures aloft, AIRMETs and SIGMETs.
The audio-enabled GDL 69A SXM receiver also provides SiriusXM Satellite Radio entertainment in the cockpit.
The new GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM receivers use the same antenna, offers pin-for-pin compatibility and slides into an existing GDL 69 rack, according to Garmin officials. With similarities in weight and electrical load, the GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM receivers are designed as a direct replacement for existing installations.
Currently, the GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM receivers are compatible with the following displays:
- GTN 750/650 Series
- GNS 400W/500W Series
- GNS 400/500 Series
- G500/G600/G500H
- G1000
- G950
- G900X
- GMX 200
- MX 20
The GDL 69 and GDL 69A SXM receivers are expected to be available in April 2015 for a list price starting at $3,875, while the helicopter versions are expected to become available later in the second quarter of 2015.
Looks like just another over priced unit and the same with the service packages.