Handheld GPS

[propelled]

Hi guys,

I'm wanting to purchase a GPS in the near future.. I like the look of the Garmin 296, anyone got some feedback on this model for me? Seems to be quite popular in g.a..

Also, am looking on ebay, what is the process if buying from the US as far as updating maps, aus airports etc, or are these included? Any issues if buying from overseas I should be aware of?

If you have purchased one from USA, would love to hear from ya! The Aussie dollar is buying great USD at present!

Cheers...

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

I have purchased Garmin 296, 495 and 496 direct from the US - what would you like to know?

The G296 is a great bit of kit! The 495 is better, but not remarkably so - mostly just refreshes faster. Forget the 496 - I bought that before the 495 became available - I think Garmin got the idea from me. :E

Dr :8

[Jabawocky]

I think the 296 is no longer available, the 495 is the replacement. You need a PACIFIC version.

FTDK has converted them but its just as easy to buy one locally at a good price or buy a new one from Aircraft Spruce or someone.

Remeber......If it aint Garmin..I aint Goin!:ok:

[rjtjrt]

By my calculation you will save A$35-$40 buying from US cf local.
Not sure it is worth it as local gets you better support.
I have no vested interest in any local supplier. I am just pleasantly surprised at how competitive local suppliers are for this stuff.
John

[feuvolant]

Depending on your budget, consider the Garmin aera 500 or this series. It's easy to use and doubles as a car GPS with the aviation side of it being about as easy to use as well. I've been pretty happy with mine so far.

[VH-XXX]

With the dollar the way it is you should consider buying one from the US, there are significant savings to be made.

Some places like Gulf Coast Avioncs often have factory refurbed 296's on their website with warranty if your budget is tight.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

By my calculation you will save A$35-$40 buying from US cf local.


Not by mine!

At the time I bought my units, there were VERY significant savings to be made by purchasing direct from the US. I bought mine from Marv Golden.

The only drawback is with after sales support. You won't get much joy locally if you bought the unit from the US .......... but I have never had a problem with any of the units I have bought.

Dr :8

[Peter Fanelli]

GPS is the tool of the devil!

:E

[blueloo]

GPS is the tool of the devil!

I reckon someone said that 70 years ago with NDBs. :E

[VH-XXX]

I had a scary experience on the weekend. I had to transit just OCTA but withOUT my GPS. Scary stuff!

[GPS Guru]

The 296 is now obsolete. As a previous poster alluded to, the Aera 500 is an excellent choice. If your budget can't stretch that far, go for a 96C. Forget about importing one from the States. If you have issues with it you have to send it back and it won't come with the Pacific database. For the sake of a few dollars, buy from Australia and save yourself any hassles.

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

and it won't come with the Pacific database


Not so!

Dr :8

[VH-XXX]

The Dr is right. There is too much misinformation being dished out. Of course you can buy a GPS in the US with the pacific database, they are listed separately, bit still there. Privately purchasing say off Ebay you may have an issue though. Have a look at Gulf Coast Avionics, Aircraft Spruce or maybe Sportys.

[Jabawocky]

OK...........here ya go with some Current as of today only facts.

Garmin 495 Pacific database

Gulf Coast Avionics, landed in AUD including the freight and GST (yes over $1000 you will pay GST) = AUD$1580.60

The local mob Mehndelsons Pilot supplies in Melboure have them on sale for AUD$1589.

Some times it is worth it........others not. :)

[rjtjrt]

Fork
"By my calculation you will save A$35-$40 buying from US cf local. "
I did the calculation comparing CURRENT prices and assumed a US$50-00 shipping.
When you bought it isn't recent.
John
FRACS

[Jamair]

I have just acquired an Aera 500 and it is a fabulous bit of kit. Aviation & automotive modes, full-featured (all the usual navigation bits plus traffic & terrain) on a touch-screen the same size as a Garmin 530; bluetooth phone connection, audiobooks, music, photo / video viewer......

Includes both car & yoke mounts and power connections, as well as free database updates for both car & aviation modes.

Brilliant!:ok:

[ForkTailedDrKiller]

(yes over $1000 you will pay GST)



Not necessarily so!

When you bought it isn't recent.

True! It was a couple of months ago.

You tell me the local suppliers have stopped trying to rip off the punter?

Dr :8

PS:
GARMIN GPSMAP 495 (http://www.marvgolden.com/garmin-gpsmap-495.html)
List Price: $1,399.00Marv's Price:$1,299.00US

GARMIN 495 $1,895 Australian
cash/direct debit/cheque/COD or
GARMIN 495 $1,929 Australian
Credit Card/Pay Pal

[GPS Guru]

Sorry, I stand to be corrected about the Pacific database. All local retailers have to purchase in US dollars. Have a look at this thread, lots of info on it http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/316490-gps-g-pilots.html.

[relax737]

Check out

Handheld Systems - Handheld Systems (http://www.handheldsystems.com.au).

He knows aviation and was very helpful when I bought my GPS (Garmin Aera 500 - top unit)."

[rjtjrt]

I also bought from Handheld Systems and am very satisfied. Current price is A$35-00 more than Marv Golden landed in Aust (add US$50 for shipping, convert at 0.96, multiply by 1.1 for GST)
I have no association with Handheld other than a satisfied customer.
John

[Pharcarnell]

Bought one of these at Oshkosh from Sporty's for a tad under $US800.
Great bit of gear in either mode.
Only bug is its $100 to update either database and no, you can't do them together in a bulk load. You can purchase a yearly cycle for the aviation DB at considerable saving over the single uploads if you need to keep it current.
AND
the battery life is phenomenal!

[Clearedtoreenter]

There are two issues with used US units. The Pacific database can be changed easily by downloading from the Garmin website for $49.95 but the basemap is a different issue and not so easy to resolve but it can be done with a datacard that fits in the back of a 296/396/495/6, if you know someone in the know who can load a map onto it for you.... If you want the terrian database that also can be downloaded but is more expensive - its all on the Garmin website. I've seen 'as new' used 296's with all of the bits, forsale in the US for as little as $300. (They all seem to be getting rid in favour of the 696). Might be a cheap way to get into a 296, which is an obsolete unit now of course.

Many folks will tell you there's only one choice if buying new of course, but actually these Garmins are not state of the art, rather overpriced and have had the market to themselves for rather too long. There are quite a few alternatives appearing now. This thing looks great, 7 inch screen for under $500! No idea if it comes set up for the Pacific though.

iFly 700? Home Page (http://www.ifly.adventurepilot.com/)

Have a look at the Bendix King AV8R and Avmap products too.

[AVIATOR1982]

@ ForkTailedDrKiller you are clearly looking in the wrong places ;)

Garmin GPS 495 $1595.00 - Flightstore.com.au, - Aviation Products & Pilot Supplies (http://www.flightstore.com.au)

using your Marv Golden Price

US$ 1299.00
+ Shipping - US$75
Total - USD$1374.00 converted to AUD $1442.00
+ GST 10% AUD $144.97
+ DUTY 5% AUD $72.10
+ UPS/FEDEX/DHL Fees $30ish
+ Bank charges for the conversion $30 ish

Total Landed - $1719.07

I think you need to check your maths before flinging the muck around about local stores taking the piss with prices !