Garmin GPSMAP 196 on usb
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Garmin GPSMAP 196 on usb
Hi all,
After a break from flying I'm getting started again. I'll be using Skydemon for planning (naturally) but I'd like to use my Garmin GPSMAP196 as my airborne device rather than a tablet. (I could use my Asus Vivotab ME400 windows 8 tablet but would not want to rely on it).
I've been unable to get my PC to recognise the GPSMAP196 using its Garmin supplied U232-P9 serial to ubs connector, and I suspect this is because the PC is 64 bit and the Garmin usb software only works with Windows 8 32 bit.
I've contacted Garmin customer support but just wondered whether anyone had had any success in connecting a Garmin GPSMAP 196 (which I notice is still a current product in the Gamin range) to a Windows 8 PC via usb?
Or has the time come for me to get an Apple iPad or a modern Garmin or Skydemon GPS? I'm loathe to junk the 196 which is a robust and reliable gadget.
After a break from flying I'm getting started again. I'll be using Skydemon for planning (naturally) but I'd like to use my Garmin GPSMAP196 as my airborne device rather than a tablet. (I could use my Asus Vivotab ME400 windows 8 tablet but would not want to rely on it).
I've been unable to get my PC to recognise the GPSMAP196 using its Garmin supplied U232-P9 serial to ubs connector, and I suspect this is because the PC is 64 bit and the Garmin usb software only works with Windows 8 32 bit.
I've contacted Garmin customer support but just wondered whether anyone had had any success in connecting a Garmin GPSMAP 196 (which I notice is still a current product in the Gamin range) to a Windows 8 PC via usb?
Or has the time come for me to get an Apple iPad or a modern Garmin or Skydemon GPS? I'm loathe to junk the 196 which is a robust and reliable gadget.
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Connecting an old serial device through an adaptor is always a challenge. First, did you get the correct driver for the serial2USB installed at the Windows system and started that in 32 bit compatible mode (I recall there are no working 64 bit nativer drivers)? I did not recognize that there even is a working one. The last prolific version I tried on my Win7Pro machine did not work either and I never got my G196 updated. If you have the driver installed - and checked that it runs without correct signing, have your ever got anything through the data line, viewed by Terminal? If the driver is installed, and works, and you assigned a working COM to it (not all work with Garmins Plugin), does it say anything on the G196 confirming contact?
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I used to be a committed Garmin user but I'm afraid this sort of problem made me change. The hardware dependant GPS systems have had their day so I'd say check the 196 in the bin and use Skydemon on your tablet.
Let's face it, most of us use a tablet of some sort for e-mail, internet etc when away from home so why not use that for airborne navigation too? Especially when you are already using SD for flight planning! The interface between planning and operational use in SD is so effortless and you get live NOTAM warnings, all the cool weather info and also aerodrome charts (if you pay the extra) and chart updates included. What's not to like?"?
Happy landings either way!
3 Point
Let's face it, most of us use a tablet of some sort for e-mail, internet etc when away from home so why not use that for airborne navigation too? Especially when you are already using SD for flight planning! The interface between planning and operational use in SD is so effortless and you get live NOTAM warnings, all the cool weather info and also aerodrome charts (if you pay the extra) and chart updates included. What's not to like?"?
Happy landings either way!
3 Point
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@3point: I don't buy that one. Yes, a modern tablet is very convenient in cockpit, for planning and I do love it for situational awareness, BUT, I would never hang my life during flight on such a device. These little machines are amazing, but their reliability is limited. If I look at the flight recordings of my SkyDemon, I see lots of GPS drop outs, wrong MSL, wrong HDG, wrong LAT/LON data. I have never seen this with the venerable G196, which does have an external G54. I would treat a fix mounted GPS nowadays almost a must.
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I also wouldn't hang my life on a tablet computer or on a Garmin 196 device; I would however use either of them (tablet for preference) as an aid to VFR navigation!
If I were to use a GPS device in circumstances where my life depended on it, it would be an IFR certificated device, properly installed at build or via an STC or approved Mod and it would have an up to date database and appropriate operating procedures and crew training. Different equipment for an entirely different situation!
3 Point
If I were to use a GPS device in circumstances where my life depended on it, it would be an IFR certificated device, properly installed at build or via an STC or approved Mod and it would have an up to date database and appropriate operating procedures and crew training. Different equipment for an entirely different situation!
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I don't buy that one. Yes, a modern tablet is very convenient in cockpit, for planning and I do love it for situational awareness, BUT, I would never hang my life during flight on such a device.
Edit: But just to prove I'm not a purist, I always do a plog using Skydemon. Well, nearly always. I think I shelved the whizz wheel the day I passed my skills test.
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Thanks for all your thoughts and help. The key point which is driving my decision at the moment is just how good Skydemon is. Up to the point where I get into the cockpit I wouldn't want to use anything else - all my planning done accurately and correctly calculated and my Plog with frequencies, etc., all beautifully laid out.
I'm going to try my Windows 8 tablet in the air but the problem, 3Point, is that I know it's not robust enough to use for a business presentation so I'm not going to use it as a backup for VFR navigation.
That's the attraction of a reliable interface with the 196 - I'd like to know that the Skyplan flightplan on it is exactly the same as the one I planned and printed out. From that perspective (and thanks, ChickenHouse) will see if I can get this usb link to work (it's dead so far) by running it in 32 compatibility mode. Also see what Garmin comes up with - they are still selling new 196's and virtually every recent customer must hit the same problem.
The bottom line is that the 196 works for me but if I can't integrate it with Skydemon it starts to become an impediment.
The subsidiary point is this: if I junk the 196 do I replace it with another aviation GPS or with an iPad? A decent iPad setup (£600 or £700 for it plus £50+ for a Bluetooth GPS) is not cheap. But is its screen definition under high glare conditions, and its reliability, good enough to replace my 196? Or should I punt £1,450 on a brand new Garmin 795 and really get to know that? Or for a lot less money I could get a Garmin D2 which is obviously a limited display but a lot cheaper and I will certainly back up my traditional navigation.
I like to navigate by a combination of eyeball, map, watch and plog, with the GPS sitting beside me for reassurance if I think I'm going wrong.
I'm going to try my Windows 8 tablet in the air but the problem, 3Point, is that I know it's not robust enough to use for a business presentation so I'm not going to use it as a backup for VFR navigation.
That's the attraction of a reliable interface with the 196 - I'd like to know that the Skyplan flightplan on it is exactly the same as the one I planned and printed out. From that perspective (and thanks, ChickenHouse) will see if I can get this usb link to work (it's dead so far) by running it in 32 compatibility mode. Also see what Garmin comes up with - they are still selling new 196's and virtually every recent customer must hit the same problem.
The bottom line is that the 196 works for me but if I can't integrate it with Skydemon it starts to become an impediment.
The subsidiary point is this: if I junk the 196 do I replace it with another aviation GPS or with an iPad? A decent iPad setup (£600 or £700 for it plus £50+ for a Bluetooth GPS) is not cheap. But is its screen definition under high glare conditions, and its reliability, good enough to replace my 196? Or should I punt £1,450 on a brand new Garmin 795 and really get to know that? Or for a lot less money I could get a Garmin D2 which is obviously a limited display but a lot cheaper and I will certainly back up my traditional navigation.
I like to navigate by a combination of eyeball, map, watch and plog, with the GPS sitting beside me for reassurance if I think I'm going wrong.
Last edited by Footless Halls; 24th Mar 2014 at 20:43. Reason: grammar
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I think the better option personally is the iPad mini rather than the full fat one. Get yourself a GNS2000 and the cheapest iPad mini I would say. Probably cost you in the high 300's. TBH if I bother with it I use my Skydemon on my iPhone most of the time. I just tuck the flap of the cover underneath my kneepad and it sits there quite nicely. You already have your printed plog so all you need really is the aeroplane and magenta line bit.
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Ah well, Windows 8, there's the problem!
"... my Windows 8 tablet ..., is that I know it's not robust enough to use for a business presentation."
I certainly wouldn't have an iPad either; I am forced to use one at work and I'm not impressed. I'd recommend an Android tablet for both business presentations and VFR Navigation back up. I've been using mine for three years and never had an issue (other than flat battery but that's hardly the device's fault).
Happy landings
3 Point
"... my Windows 8 tablet ..., is that I know it's not robust enough to use for a business presentation."
I certainly wouldn't have an iPad either; I am forced to use one at work and I'm not impressed. I'd recommend an Android tablet for both business presentations and VFR Navigation back up. I've been using mine for three years and never had an issue (other than flat battery but that's hardly the device's fault).
Happy landings
3 Point
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Happy ending
Just to update you all - we have a happy ending. I'm posting this in case anyone else wants to interface a Garmin GPSMAP196 with a Windows 8.1 64 bit PC via USB.
Some time ago (5 years?) I bought a serial to usb converter to connect my Garmin GPSMAP196 to a USB port rather than a serial connector. It precise part number is U232-P9(2.4). Its serial number is 10035P002326.
Needless to say this is what I COULDN'T get to work when I tried to update the GPS and connect it to Skydemon. After vast amounts of trawling of the 'driver' websites and corporate websites of Taiwanese PC component manufacturers, I have established that this cable was manufactured by the Magic Control Technology Corp whose website is at Magic Control Technology Corp.. I downloaded the driver from them and it worked first time!
So thanks to everyone who helped me out and I just mention this in case anyone else has the same cable and problem. My conclusion is that I am going to use a combination of Skydemon and a GPSMAP196, and that the GPSMAP196 is fully compatible with Windows 8.1 64 bit.
Some time ago (5 years?) I bought a serial to usb converter to connect my Garmin GPSMAP196 to a USB port rather than a serial connector. It precise part number is U232-P9(2.4). Its serial number is 10035P002326.
Needless to say this is what I COULDN'T get to work when I tried to update the GPS and connect it to Skydemon. After vast amounts of trawling of the 'driver' websites and corporate websites of Taiwanese PC component manufacturers, I have established that this cable was manufactured by the Magic Control Technology Corp whose website is at Magic Control Technology Corp.. I downloaded the driver from them and it worked first time!
So thanks to everyone who helped me out and I just mention this in case anyone else has the same cable and problem. My conclusion is that I am going to use a combination of Skydemon and a GPSMAP196, and that the GPSMAP196 is fully compatible with Windows 8.1 64 bit.
