New Garmin 695/Aera 550

[ozaggie]

Dunno if this has been done. No time to search.
Lost my G296 (couch cushions, behind the fridge) and need a new navigator.
Anyone got any experience with the G695 or Aera 550 they could impart to a shagged out old aggie?

[VH-XXX]

I'm hearing mixed reviews on the Aera versus the typical non-touch screen of the 495/6's etc. I used an Aera on a trip and didn't enjoy the touch screen, don't like the idea of having to press where you are looking, plus fingerprint issues and screen scratching. Seemed to have similar features though. I feel as though the 495/6 is more of a "real" GPS versus a Tom Tom like device.

[T28D]

The touch screen thingies are really bl**dy difficult in moderate turbulence, why they have gone this way is a mystery.

[Jamair]

I've got an Aera (pronounced 'era') 500 (same as 550 but no XM Wx). I decided to get one after a complete power failure at F270 in cloud at night and in CTA :ooh:.

I have found it to be an excellent unit, suitable for both regular use as a primary VFR navaid, mounted to either the yoke or the windscreen, and equally a very good backup for the navbag.

Recently had an FMS / GPS failure airborne; whipped out the Aera and bunged it onto the side window via the suction cup. Almost instant hook-in to the satellites despite no external aerial and a perfect supplement to the good old radio aid raw data. It also has GPWS and a terrain view which is very accurate - certainly as good as the TSO EGPWS fitted to the aircraft. It can be connected via plug-in cable to the S-Mode txpdr for TIS, with no additional software.

On top of that, it converts with one command to automotive mode, and has all the features of a top-end car navigator, as well as bluetooth handsfree phone hookup and play mode for audiobooks and video / jpeg files.

On battery power it is good for about 4 hours, or can be connected to car or aircraft accessory power via a standard plug. Also has a USB cable for either database updates or charging via a PC or a USB charger.

I have no problems with the touchscreen; in fact found it quite good to use regardless of turbulence. No evidence of fingermarks thus far. The logic is pure Garmin, as easy or as complex as you want it to be. Very intuitive for infrequent users.

I don't often feel comfortable recommending stuff but in this case I will :ok: For a grand, it is a great bit of kit.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/Aera.jpghttp://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p271/jamair_photos/IMG_0055.jpg

[Avgas172]

Just bought the new 695 from m,sons, was 2450Aud, still learning how to drive it (in my car first) have had a 196 for about 8-10 years now & decided it was time to up grade while the A$ is still flogging the Greenback, all up so far I am very happy with it and will take a few weeks getting to be comfortable with ops b4 using it in anger
cheers
A172

[ConfigFull]

The 695 is brilliant, like a mini-G1000 - the maps (terrain, airspace and ERC) are incredibly sharp and easily readable. Here's a few shots from my iPhone:

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff442/767489/IMG_0331.jpg

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff442/767489/IMG_0339.jpg

Like all the new Garmin stuff it takes a little to learn the 'logic' but after that you can use it without even looking at it. The best price I've seen is on Pilot Supplies - Marv Golden Pilot Supplies (http://www.marvgolden.com) - their shipping to Aus is very very quick, bought heaps of stuff off them in the past.

[rjtjrt]

I've got an Aera 500 and a 495.
I prefer the 495 but the area isn't bad.
Interestingly the effective screen size is identical as the aera has a black strip along side that has the + and - and menu bits.
For me I like tha 495 for flight planning as you can flight plan using the map to random points (ie not a pre-defined user or other waypoint) - handy for going around control zone.
John

[shpilot]

Whats wrong with an old Garmin 96 or the like? Seems to do the trick.