Avidyne has selected XM WX Satellite Weather to provide broadcast datalink weather for the avionics maker’s FlightMax EX500 multifunction displays and FlightMax Entegra cockpit. Information about hardware pricing and availability will be announced at EAA’s AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., later this month, an Avidyne spokesman said.

The XM link, which will operate through an interface to the XMD-076 XM receiver manufactured by Heads Up Technologies, can also provide XM Radio channels if an additional receiver is installed. The XM weather capability will be available as a software update for all Avidyne FlightMax EX500 and EX5000 multi-function displays, according to an Avidyne spokesman. Hardware required for the service includes the Heads Up Technologies receiver and a small antenna.

Besides Nexrad images and forecasts, the addition of XM Satellite Weather will let pilots flying in the U.S. access lightning data from the National Lightning Detection Network, a new capability for FlightMax systems. The spokesman said FlightMax products would continue to be offered with optional Orbcomm weather hardware, which operates outside the U.S.