The app is available at: https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/99cfcc6b-5569-4e2d-9c4a-d0d946358a76
Improvements over the built-in METAR widget (on D2™ Bravo):
- displays overview of four nearest METARs on a single screen
- displays calculated density altitude and freezing level
- can be used when BLE connection is not enabled/working (data will not be updated)
- handles situation when nearest/chosen station doesn't have a published METAR
- handles variable winds
- handles special METAR (SPECI) which can be missing some info
- displays METAR remarks field
- displays METAR observed at time
- configurable color set for flight categories (VFR, MVFR, IFR, LIFR)
- displays nearest TAF when selected station doesn't have a published TAF
Limitations versus built-in METAR widget:
- cannot be used during an activity (this is a watch limitation)
- validation of station entered cannot be done immediately (since the aviation database on the watch is not accessible)
Usage / Notes:
- Configure all the settings for the widget using Garmin Express or the Connect Mobile app on your phone.
- The last position retrieved by the widget is displayed on the bottom of the multi-METAR page. This position is never updated unless you request an update from the menu (see below for how to access the menu) or you configure the watch to retrieve your position every time you access the widget (usually not required).
- You will see a grey arc moving around the edge of the screen when the watch is waiting for a position fix or downloading METAR information. The time to get a position fix depends on your location and the number of satellites. The time to retrieve new/updated METAR information is normally 5-10 seconds.
- When a METAR is more than 60 minutes old, you will see an asterisk (*) character beside the station identifier.
- The calculated density altitude uses the true (wet) formula that takes dew point into account. Read my blog post on density altitude for more information.
- Use the Start button from the initial screen to enter the widget, then use the Start button again to bring up the menu. From the menu you can update your position, manually enter a station to view the METAR for, view the METAR for the nearest station (based on the current position) or view the METAR for your home aerodrome.
