GPS

[IFLYHI]

I know a lot has been said about this

I have narrowed my decision to 4 models:

Garmin 196, 296, Lowrance 1000 or 2000

The R4k for the color screen seems excessive from 196 to 296, unless there are other very important features that has not been told to me

How prepared are the Lowrance products for SA, Garmin has Garmap for SA, is any thing similar available for the Lowrance products.

I would like to use the gps also in my car I know Garmin has software for this. How about Lowrance

The techno boffs are always talking about this or that software, what works with the above units eg. Easy plan are there any more

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Looked at the 3600A? If you looking for the terrain awareness it is similar to 296, but the cradle mount may be a slight prob in trike? Also think easycockpit will work with the 3600A?

Agents for Lowrance are Composite Tech (www.composite.co.za). Give Peter How a call.

I have a 196. Could not justify the extra cash for 296 with colour and terrain awareness. There is also now 396 with WX, but think that limited to USA.

The 96C is also a nice unit.

[Sonex711]

Hi Ian,

Have a serious look at the 96C. I've only flown with it a couple of times, but it's great. I've also installed a RAM mount in my bakkie, loaded Garmap, and it works like a dream for auto-routing. It's very fast - zooming in and out happens quickly.

The screen is quite small, so it needs to be mounted fairly close to you for you to be able to read everything on the screen. I'm moving mine from above my panel, to the throttle tube on my t-bird. Only other downside I see is the form-factor. Since it has to be mounted in a vertical, this could be a problem in some applications.

I had a good look at the Lowrance, but it's way BIG. Also no road mode (auto-routing).

[scalci]

My 2c worth…

I fly with a Garmin 296, and my reason for this is simple. The color display makes the terrain awareness no much easier. It is a small but rugged GPS, and lets face it, Garmin is the most popular aviation GPS. There support with updates to the software is also great. I looked at the other options when I wanted to replace my Garmin Pilot, but I was not convinced about the support in South Africa.

The other thing is if you use EasyPlan (www.easyplan.co.za ) this works 100% with the 296. There are a couple of other small things that you might not use as a MPL, but I fly both (PPL & MPL’s) and do use some of the other features like VOR, nearest airport etc… The color also shows you easier of airspaces and you see it more clear than on the other. (Nothing wrong with black & white)

The 296 also comes complete with brackets, external aerial if you want to use it, etc…

But, yes the issue here is COST, the 296 is not a cheap GPS, and I am sure other pilots will have their own preferences. I went to Peter and looked at his range, but was not happy about the quality.
My 2c worth…

There is nothing wrong with the 96C, I am not sure if it will work with Easyplan, but check with Stephen from EasyPlan.

Cheers

Scalci

[skybound®]

From what I have seen, would choose:

96C
196
296

In that order from affordable to ridiculously expensive for a micro. I bought the 196 - used it on the trike, tin can and the car.

[scalci]

If I had to buy again, I will buy a 296 again. The 196 is also a good buy, and the way the 196 / 296 & 396 is layout makes it easy to read and navigate. Go to http://www.gpscity.com/ and http://www.sportys.com/ and read the reviews and see what your budget allows.

Scalci

[IFLYHI]

Just came back from Lanseria bought the 196. The colour display is nice but not R5700 worth nicer

I'm sure once the 396 hit our shores the 296 will drop in price like the 196 did

By the way couldn't wait so had it on automotive all the way back from FALA (Boys and their "cheap" toys) I can just imagine the conversation tonight at home "This old GPS, haven't I showed you yet, no it was cheap, essential for flight safety"

[scalci]

well done :D , yes the explaining tonight!!!

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Show the backup instrument page.
Old one does not have this "added safety feature". All these instruments would cost huge bucks on their own and it waws thus a huge bargain.

PS
Good luck.

Only reason would look at the 296 is terrain avoidance, but if you look out (which you do in any case) it same thing. If you fly low it would become a pain in @SS warning you about hill in front of you you been looking at for last 5 mins.....

Congrats..

PS
What is retail price now on the 196.

[IFLYHI]

R6270 incl

That's not all

If you buy now

For a meager R2154 you also get Garmap and 64M memory