Hand Held GPS???
06-17-2010, 01:48 PM
#1
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Joined APC: Apr 2009
Position: CFI - SEL
Posts: 179
Hand Held GPS???
Can someone recommend a good handheld GPS for under $200 please. I just got my PPL and am building XC hrs so I surely like to have one to use... I presently borrow one thats presently old but it does the job... I like to get my own. It neednt all the bells and whistles..
On amazon, I saw the GARMIN etrex vista handheld but Im not sure if its an aviation type...
Also, the Teletype 1970 SIFR III bluetooth one..
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On amazon, I saw the GARMIN etrex vista handheld but Im not sure if its an aviation type...
Also, the Teletype 1970 SIFR III bluetooth one..
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06-17-2010, 04:27 PM
#2
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Joined APC: Mar 2007
Position: Capt
Posts: 3,215
Hi!
Spend $300 and get a Garmin 196.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...usedgarmin.php
We use the 296, which is a 196 in color, with some more memory. The Maximus Air Cargo C-130s use the -196, and they say it works great! I LUV our 296!
cliff
LFW
Spend $300 and get a Garmin 196.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo...usedgarmin.php
We use the 296, which is a 196 in color, with some more memory. The Maximus Air Cargo C-130s use the -196, and they say it works great! I LUV our 296!
cliff
LFW
06-17-2010, 04:39 PM
#3
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Joined APC: Nov 2008
Posts: 826
I'm going to agree with cliff. Even more - go the step further, save your pennies and get a 296.
Despite the pseudo-monopoly, Garmin's aviation units are really the best overall in terms of getting something used that will be reliable until the available databases no longer fit it. And, the "logic" behind the user interface of the handhelds is very similar to what you will eventually encounter in later generation panel mounts - the 400, 500 and even G1000 series (at least in the navigation piece).
Also, back to 196 v 296 - you don't think so until you use both. I worked with B&W monitors in the stone ages and with B&W handheld GPS. Each time I hesitated going to color - what's the big deal.
It's a big deal.
Despite the pseudo-monopoly, Garmin's aviation units are really the best overall in terms of getting something used that will be reliable until the available databases no longer fit it. And, the "logic" behind the user interface of the handhelds is very similar to what you will eventually encounter in later generation panel mounts - the 400, 500 and even G1000 series (at least in the navigation piece).
Also, back to 196 v 296 - you don't think so until you use both. I worked with B&W monitors in the stone ages and with B&W handheld GPS. Each time I hesitated going to color - what's the big deal.
It's a big deal.
06-18-2010, 07:06 AM
#4
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Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: Private Pilot
Posts: 53
I did all my training the old fashioned way, but GPS is really nice to have when skirting around and below Bravo. I have a Garmin 295 which is older and fewer colors (only 16 vs. 256) than the 296 but it can be had for $300--atleast that's what I paid for mine. 
I greatly prefer the color screen to the black & white. I found it for sale on an airport bulletin board.
I greatly prefer the color screen to the black & white. I found it for sale on an airport bulletin board.
06-18-2010, 09:24 AM
#5
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Joined APC: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,464
Originally Posted by NoseUpAttitude
I did all my training the old fashioned way, but GPS is really nice to have when skirting around and below Bravo. I have a Garmin 295 which is older and fewer colors (only 16 vs. 256) than the 296 but it can be had for $300--atleast that's what I paid for mine. I greatly prefer the color screen to the black & white. I found it for sale on an airport bulletin board.
I greatly prefer the color screen to the black & white. I found it for sale on an airport bulletin board.Bravo airspace is the main reason I want a GPS! I don't need it to navigate, I need it to stay outside of Bravo when I'm just VFR underneath a shelf
06-18-2010, 10:06 AM
#6
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Posts: 826
Originally Posted by elmetal
Bravo airspace is the main reason I want a GPS! I don't need it to navigate, I need it to stay outside of Bravo when I'm just VFR underneath a shelf
06-18-2010, 10:21 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by NoyGonnaDoIt
Don't you consider staying outside Bravo "navigation?"
But I guess you're right it is navigation
06-18-2010, 12:53 PM
#8
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Joined APC: Aug 2009
Position: Private Pilot
Posts: 53
Originally Posted by elmetal
Bravo airspace is the main reason I want a GPS! I don't need it to navigate, I need it to stay outside of Bravo when I'm just VFR underneath a shelf
06-18-2010, 01:05 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by NoseUpAttitude
I'd save for a 295 or 296, you'll love it! Before I had the GPS I would always give the Bravo-SFC ring a very wide birth, like 5-10 miles now I can skirt right up to the SFC ring with confidence because I know exactly where I am. The 296 is a little nicer, but not worth twice the price... if they are still selling for $600 or so. I figure my $300 Garmin 295 has paid for itself in reduced flight time and it also makes finding grass strips much easier.
now: as far as grass strips go, I've heard the 496 has a much better database for private airports/strips/parks.
Is there a way to get that on the 296? like an addon, or a download through an expansion card?
I would hate to use the nearest function and find that a strip 3 miles away isn't showing up for an emergency because of a database function.
(I guess at that point I could use my sectional but you get the idea)
06-18-2010, 01:21 PM
#10
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Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: DHC-8 SIC
Posts: 634
I also strongly considered purchasing a 196 or a 296 as I am too working on my cross countries. Finally decided not to do it and rent a plane with a GPS if I were to go through class B, if not just use VORs, dead recking, and good old pilotage. BUT if renting a plane with a GPS isn't an option, I would go with a 196 because it's cheaper, and it works great. I have never used a 296, so I can't speak for that.
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