Stratux gives you free weather — no subscription needed. Here’s how it works.
FIS-B (Flight Information Service - Broadcast) is weather and aeronautical data the FAA broadcasts from its 978 MHz ground network. It’s completely free.
| Product | Description | Update Rate |
|---|---|---|
| NEXRAD | Composite radar imagery | ~5 minutes |
| METARs | Current airport conditions | When issued |
| TAFs | Terminal forecasts | When issued |
| TFRs | Temporary Flight Restrictions | When issued |
| NOTAMs | Notices to Airmen | When issued |
| Winds Aloft | Wind forecasts by altitude | 6 hours |
| PIREPs | Pilot reports | When filed |
The FAA broadcasts this data as part of the ADS-B ground infrastructure. They’re already sending traffic info, so they include weather too. No subscription, no activation, no account needed.
This is the same data you’d pay $50-100/month for from other services.
The 978 MHz ground towers are line-of-sight. On the ground, terrain, buildings, and hangars block the signal.
Typical experience: - Ground: No weather (or spotty) - 500 feet AGL: Starting to see data - 1,000+ feet AGL: Full weather coverage
This is normal. The system was designed for aircraft in flight, not on the ramp.
FIS-B weather has some delay built in:
| Product | Age When Received |
|---|---|
| NEXRAD | 5-15 minutes old |
| METARs | Usually current |
| TAFs | Usually current |
Important: Never use ADS-B weather for tactical maneuvering around thunderstorms. The radar image is several minutes old. Use it for strategic planning and situational awareness.
Stratux itself has no display — it’s a receiver. Weather data flows to your EFB app (ForeFlight, Avare, FlyQ, etc.).
To see weather: 1. Ensure your EFB is connected to Stratux WiFi 2. Enable weather layers in your app 3. Be at altitude for FIS-B reception
Visit http://192.168.10.1 while connected to Stratux. The status page shows: - FIS-B messages received - 978 MHz signal activity - Weather products decoded
If you see 978 MHz activity but no weather in your app, check your app’s weather layer settings.
FIS-B coverage isn’t 100% everywhere: - Rural areas may have weaker coverage - Valleys and terrain can block signals - Very low altitudes are more affected
Weather not showing? See Troubleshooting Weather.