Hand Held GPS???
06-17-2010 | 01:48 PM
#1
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From: CFI - SEL
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
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From: Capt
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
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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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From: Private Pilot
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
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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
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06-18-2010 | 10:21 AM
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I guess you could. I just mean I don't need it to get from x to y (xc), I need it more for when I am just f-ing around in Broward county/dade county to not get near MIA Bravo (and supposedly FLLs soon to be Bravo).
But I guess you're right it is navigation
But I guess you're right it is navigation
06-18-2010 | 12:53 PM
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From: Private Pilot
06-18-2010 | 01:05 PM
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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
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From: DHC-8 SIC
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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