Garmin 295

[Kenny]

Hi can anybody tell me anything about the Garmin 295 .

 

There is a couple on Ebay in the US, can they be loaded with Ausie data and are they worthwhile or should I be looking at the 296 or 196 or the 96 here in Aus

 

Ken

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Ken

 

I have a 295 in my J230. Its functional and probably tells all that most people will need. That said if I had neither at the moment, unless the 295 was available for almost zero Id be inclined to look at the 296, or a small Tablet PC with either built in GPS or bluetooth GPS and something like Oziexplorer and the appropriate WAC and VNC maps from maptraks.com.au . That said, Im ok with Vista relaibility, many of the other forum members have said they wouldnt trust GPS to a PC based solution....

 

Andy

 

 

[Kenny]

Thanks Andy

 

also on Ebay there is a little 7" PC which would be a good size for the cockpit it has no hard drive but has 4 gig solid state storage it runs LINEX also there is a 9" version that I think can run windows they are priced around 300 to 400 dollars do you think one of these would be suitable?

 

Ken

 

 

[eastmeg2]

Ken,

 

I'd be wary of trusting navigation information to one of these very basic netbooks which are just coming onto the market. My own observation of an eee PC901 I saw in Singapore airport last month was that it was really built down to a price as the keyboard did not seem well built - I pressed one key and other keys moved too.:confused:

 

Processing power and memory - would not count on it not to hang at a critical moment running real time GPS software.

 

However someone here might get one of these babies and prove me wrong:helmet: and I hope they do 'cause I've had my eye on them for other purposes.

 

But for now I already have a 296 to play with.:thumb_up:

 

Of the Netbooks (as the baby laptops are now being called) the Acer Aspire One personally impresses me most in terms of build quality and a certain office supplies store is currently selling them pretty cheap although a bit low-spec for SSD space, RAM and Battery (all upgradeable).;)

 

Cheers,

 

Glen

 

 

[Kenny]

Thanks Glen

 

We have one of those Office supply stores here in Caboolture so I will go and check out the Acer There.

 

Cheers

 

Ken

 

 

[Guest basscheffers]

can they be loaded with Ausie data and are they worthwhile or should I be looking at the 296 or 196 or the 96 here in Aus

Technically you can load them, but you would have to buy the APAC data set, probably both from Garmin to get the basic maps and then the Jeppesen on top of that.

You should investigate this thoroughly before taking the plunge as a second hand US + buying aussie maps could well be more expansive than a brand new one here!

 

 

[Guest airsick]

I use a 295 and find it more than ample (bearing in mind I use maps at the same time anyway). Would I buy one if I didn't already ahve it? Probably not, I would no doubt go for the 296 or even consider something else.

 

The Jeppesen database should cost around $50 - $60 depending on the exchange rate at the time. It is a very straight forward process and simple to do.

 

 

[Guest basscheffers]

The Jeppesen database should cost around $50 - $60 depending on the exchange rate at the time. It is a very straight forward process and simple to do.

That's just the Jeppesen database, though, not the actual maps that show you roads, rivers, terrain, etc.

From the Garmin site:

 

GARMIN mapping units come with built-in, permanent basemaps that cannot be altered. These basemaps come in a variety of global designations (ie., Atlantic basemap). Please see your local dealer when purchasing a GARMIN mapping unit to ensure that you are purchasing one with a basemap that's appropriate for your location and needs. Factory-installed basemaps cannot be altered.

So I guess that really rules out buying a second hand US model.

 

 

[Guest airsick]

Sorry I should have been clearer. I realised that this was just the Jeppesen database and not the underlying maps.

 

What I didn't realise though was that the underlying maps can't be altered! Good trap for young players there...

 

 

[JayKay]

I have an Asus EEEPC 901 which runs Windows XP. I've loaded Sentient's AirNav VFR flight planning software on it. I also have a HSDPA USB Modem which gives me access to the wireless mobile phone network. With this kit I can do my flight plans, and upload the waypoints and route to my Garmin 296. I can also print out my flight plans and maps before flying and check the weather and ERSA online anywhere there is mobile phone coverage. It's a fantastic solution.

 

I've considered using the AirNav's moving map option on the EEEPC 901 as a substitute to the Garmin 296, but decided against it for the following reasons (btw, I fly a Jabiru 230):

 

1. The EEEPC 901 does not fit in the dash, so would have to be sitting on the seat next to me.

 

2. Can't easily use a mouse in the cockpit whilst flying so would have to use the touchpad. This is not easy to do as you can easily jump out of AirNav software and open other WinXP windows. It all goes down hill from there.

 

3. Would have to connect an external GPS to the EEEPC. This can be done via bluetooth (wireless - but needs batteries in the GPS) or via USB (you end up with a wire running from the dash to the EEEPC on the seat) - messy and introducing more things that can go wrong.

 

4. The EEEPC preferably should be connected to the cigarette lighter power supply on the dash - more wires - more mess.

 

5. I don't believe WinXP is as stable as Garmin 296 firmware. I don't want to deal with the possibility of lockups or reboots during flight.

 

6. The Garmin 296, when programmed via the EEPC901 replicates the routes I have printed, is compact, fits in the dash, no wires hanging everywhere, and is easy to use. No possiblity of finger trouble re waypoint entry and compared with the EEEPC and AirNav VFR moving map solution it's easy to use. Why complicate matters?

 

The main advantage of the EEEPC 901 setup is I can do a flight plan just before I fly and check on weather conditions and NOTAMS at the same time (checking my emails at the airfield is also good). It is a compact and light solution with no moving parts.

 

The AirNav VFT licence allows installation on two computers, so my second copy is installed on my desktop computer at home where I have a big LCD screen. There I can do my serious trip planning because it has a fast processor, the screen resolution is high, I can see much more of each map and can scroll across the maps quickly.

 

I hope this helps you with your decisions.

 

Just a quick comment on the Garmin 295 and 296:

 

Since it's release the Garmin 296 firmware has been updated 25 times which includes 256 individual functional enhancements, additions and fixes. The Garmin 295 since its release has had NO firmware updates! So either the 295 has had no bugs since its first release and the 296 was released with bugs, or the 296 is a strategic product for Garmin and is being maintained and supported whilst the 295 is not. Which would you choose as your navigation aid?

 

 

[JayKay]

basscheffers wrote:

 

" Factory-installed basemaps cannot be altered. So I guess that really rules out buying a second hand US model."

 

It may not be quite as bad as all that. If you own a memory expansion card for the 295 or 296 you should be able to load an alternative (non Garmin) base map for Australia. "Shonky Maps" and "Maps4Australia" come to mind. These maps are based on the Geoscience Australia (GA) Natmap Raster Maps. GA is the Federal Australian Mapping Agency so it is possible that these maps are comparable to the Garmin basemaps.

 

These maps are free for download and cover Australia with the following data:

 

- Roads from national highways to 4WD tracks

 

- Railway lines

 

- Cities & towns

 

- Major rivers & creeks

 

So here's an idea for any Garmin mapping GPS unit (I've done this on my Garmin eTtrex Vista):

 

1. Buy a cheap Garmin mapping GPS with memory card (could be from US).

 

2. Downloade (for free) Maps4Australia (or Shonky Maps) and upload it as the basemap to the GPS

 

3. Subscribe to "FlightAce Country Airstrip Guide online http://www.flightace.com/airstripsonline.htm for $59.95. This allows you to download all the Australian Country Airstrips (of which there are more than 2500) and upload them as waypoints to you GPS. (This data includes the ERSA airfields).

 

4. If your GPS is capable of uploading the Jeppeson database then you update that too (from Garmin).

 

5. Don't forget to update your GPS firmware to get the latest features and best performance (free from Garmin).

 

Any now you should have an excellent solution for relatively small outlay.

 

I did all the above with my Garmin eTrex Vista Cx GPS and I use it as my backup GPS for flying. An excellent solution with colour moving map which runs off batteries so is independent of aircraft electrics. Programmed by AirNav VFR (same as the Garmin 296) so no finger trouble.

 

Please note that there are some technical hurdles to overcome:

 

1. I found that Maps4Australia was less detailed but some search functions worked better than Shonky Maps on my eTrex Vista.

 

2. The Country Airstrips airfields data had to be converted to Waypoint data which could then be uploaded to my GPS. I managed to convert Airfield Name, Airfield type, Latitude, Longitude, Runway directions, Runway lengths, and airfield elevation AMSL. My Garmin 296 shows all that data now. This was no easy task and will need to be automated if done on a regular basis.

 

3. Whatever solution you come up with will need to tested thoroughly as it will be a unique configuration set up by you. That is why I did this on my backup GPS (eTrex Vista) but chose to buy a Garmin 296 (Pacific version) as my primary navigation aid. The Garmin 296 just works well.

 

 

[Guest basscheffers]

1. Buy a cheap Garmin mapping GPS with memory card (could be from US).

2. Downloade (for free) Maps4Australia (or Shonky Maps) and upload it as the basemap to the GPS

That is a great tip! I found them at http://www.gpsoz.com.au/tracks4australia/. I have an old eTrex Legend (European version) that I didn't think it worth buying a good set of Oz maps for. I'll give these a go instead!

Though I'd never use it for navigating, I'll be sure to program in some 'get out of trouble' waypoints in there and slip it in the bottom of the bag when I come to doing navs.

 

 

[Kenny]

Hi Guys

 

Thanks for all the info, theres lots of possibilities to sift through and it seems that the Garmin 296 is the most popular of the portable GPSs . Does the 196 at about $500 less have any merit against the 296 and just to throw another hat into the ring does anyone have any experience with the Lawrence airmap 1000.

 

also the small netpad seems to have some merit except for fixing it in the cockpit.

 

I have an old garmin marine GPS that has no aviation features at all but I can still put way points into it and it can still get you to a pre entered latitude and longitude I was thinking of using this as a backup.any thoughts on this?

 

Cheers

 

Ken

 

 

[JayKay]

Why I bought the Garmin 296 for aviation and not the 196:

 

1. Colour: The 296 has a 256 colour screen. The 196 has a 12 Gray contrast screen. I find it much easier to quickly extract different layers of information from a colour screen than a monochrome screen.

 

2. Screen Resolution: The 296 has a 320 x 480 resolution, the 196 has 240 x 320. The 296 can show more detail on each screen giving better situational awareness.

 

3. Number of Waypoints: The 296 can store 3000 waypoints, the 196 can only store 1000. With the 296 I can load up all the country airstrips in Australia (2500+). I only need to do it once and have 500 waypoints spare for use in programming of custom routes. With the 196 you can only load up say 800 waypoints which leaves you with 200 waypoints for your routes.

 

4. Power: The 296 comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which recharges during flight (if you have the 296 connected to external power on the dash). So I find that my battery is always full ready to kick-in in case of external power failure. The 196 takes 4 x AA batteries which do not recharge from external power. Therefore, unless you are very diligent with frequent battery replacement you run a greater risk of the batteries failing prematurely if external power is lost and you really need to batteries.

 

5. USB interface: The 296 has a separate high speed (USB2) interface for data upload and download (maps, routes, waypoints, firmware, jeppeson data, etc) from and to a PC or notebook. The 196 does not have a USB interface and has to handle uploads and downloads via the serial interface which is MUCH MUCH slower. eg. a certain map file upload to the 196 via serial port took me 110 minutes. The same map file upload to the 296 via USB2 took me 4 minutes.

 

There are a number of other differences between the 196 and 296 but they aren't really relevant to recreational aviation, however they do become significant if you also want to use your GPS in automotive or marine modes.

 

The major advantage of the 196 over the 296 is its price.

 

I don't know much about the Lawrence airmap 1000 so I'll leave that comparison to others. Just check that whatever GPS you buy is compatable with you aviation software (if you plan to use such software). I know of a number of pilots who bought GPS units only to find out later that their flight planning software does not support their GPS units and they have to enter their flight routes manually! Also check that you can easily upload custom waypoints to whatever GPS you choose.

 

Re your old Garmin marine GPS. Be careful to check that it can still function when moving at the speed you fly at. Some older GPS units were never designed to process information at 120 knots and they may just 'freeze' or 'shut down' when trying to process data at that speed. Boats and hikers in their preferred environments tend not to move as fast as aeroplanes :big_grin:

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Ken

 

At the end of the day any of the current GPS's will be fine. Colour vs B/W for me that question is answered by knowing how much sunlight there will be in the cabin. lots of sunlight (possibly low wing Aircraft) =B/W better to view= less ability to show or use screen shading to show topography. Colour works best when the ambient light is less, possibly a high wing like a jabbie etc or some sort of hood etc

 

The backup GPS, will be fine when the airport to return to is always the same. When going cross country the ability to hit NRST (Nearest) and be told where the closest airport is is a useful feature to have. In an emergency I wouldnt want to be inputing lat/long figures into a basic GPS. Given that something like the Garmin Etrex range has good mapping and can be had quite cheaply That to me would be a better emergency backup solution

 

Andy

 

P.S another thought which may or may not be relevant.... USB vs Serial. Both work. USB is faster, however if you ever put an autopilot in that needs NMEA data from your GPS almost certainly that interface will be serial...... One reason I choose to continue with my 295. Ive seen plenty of USB to serial adapters (for PC's that dont have serial interfaces... or at least the 9pin D plug isnt fitted) Im not sure if the USB interface on the most modern GPS's can be slowed down to normal serial speeds if needed (I pressume its possible as when all is said and done USB = Universal SERIAL Bus) or if there is an appropriate cable to allow the interface to be made. That said it would be the minority that need a GPS to Autopilot interface....Very useful in a J230 though.

 

 

[Kenny]

Thanks JayKay and Andy

 

Its nice to get info from pilots who have used these GPSs and not have some young lad in a shop try to explain their various pros and cons now I can base my decision on hard facts. I like the idea of loading all of the Ausie airstrips at once which would mean getting the 296 , I have already got the download for the airstrips

 

Thanks again

 

Cheers Ken

 

 

[Guest Bubba]

From the Garmin site:

Quote:

 

GARMIN mapping units come with built-in, permanent basemaps that cannot be altered. These basemaps come in a variety of global designations (ie., Atlantic basemap). Please see your local dealer when purchasing a GARMIN mapping unit to ensure that you are purchasing one with a basemap that's appropriate for your location and needs. Factory-installed basemaps cannot be altered.

 

So I guess that really rules out buying a second hand US model.

Unfortunately the information above is NOT correct.

 

You can load the Pacific region maps onto the 296, 396, 496, 596 Garmin GPS's as follows:

 

1) You need to purchase a copy of Garmin World Map

 

2) You also need to purchase a datacard that will fit the datacard slot on the above GPS's.

 

3) You can then use a PC/laptop to load the required maps onto the datacard.

 

4) And then you need to insert the card in the unit, then go into the menu on the map page and select the datacard data.

 

5) Terrain data, and Aviation data can be updated directly from the Garmin website.

 

How do I know all this?

 

Cause I bought a Garmin 496 and converted it to Pacific databases ........ then Garmin obviously thought it was such a great idea that they brought out the 596 with the Pacific databases pre-loaded.

 

So you can buy a second-hand unit from the US and convert for use in Oz - but you need to allow about $300 extra to do so.

 

Bubba

 

 

[tvaner]

Garmin 296

 

This may be of interest Kenny.

 

From the latest RAA Mag for sale section.

 

1419 Parts for Sale. ROTAX 582 MOTOR.190 hrs TT 1998 Model $1,200 GARMIN GPS 296. Used twice - suit new buyer. $1000 Ph Peter 02 4388 4038 or 0410 652 909

 

 

[Kenny]

Thanks Keith

 

I have just rang him and left a massage I'll let you know how I get on

 

Regards

 

Ken

 

 

[Kenny]

Hi Keith

 

I had my phone call returned saying that the unit had been sold.

 

Thanks for the info anyway

 

Cheers

 

Ken

 

 

[Guest airsick]

I have just rang him and left a massage

Did he enjoy it?

 

 

[Guest Wingman98]

GPS 296

 

What sort of price does a new 296 pacific data base retail for here? I got mine at Oshkosh coz the guy from Garmin was giving a rundown on them and I got a good price. I didn't even look to see what they were worth here.

 

 

[Guest basscheffers]

Well, that's the problem - you can't buy the pacific database and update it on the unit. The only thing you can do is install the World Map (which you can buy for about $120 on the Garmin website) on the unit instead to give you aussie roads, lakes, etc. I am not impressed with the detail of the world map (compared to the European maps) but that said, Garmin doesn't seem to sell any detailed aussie maps so likely the APAC base maps are no more detailed anyway.

 

So as described above by someone else: buy the world map for $120 and a Jeppesen update for $60 and you are in business.

 

The other options are to find an "evaluation version" of the world maps ;) or even call Garmin in the US, explain what happened and they might be willing to swap you for an aussie unit!

 

 

[Guest Wingman98]

Sorry, I did not explain what I meant properly. Oops! I actually meant what does the 296 with pacific data base unit cost, not just the software. I got a good deal from Garmin on the whole unit, not just the update/software.

 

 

[JayKay]

Clear Prop (which supports this site) has the 296 with accessories listed at $1499. Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies are currently running a special on the same kit for $1450.

 

Wingman98, how good a deal did you get on the US kit (in AUS dollars) at Oshkosh?