Garmin 96C roadmap?

[huv]

Just bought the small Garmin 96C and I am happy with it. Have used the Garmin III Pilot for years, this is the perfect successor. Although my mind was set for a 196/296, I stuck with the small size as I found it is worth more than large screen and a panel page. Batteries are only 2 AA's and my first set has lasted 15 hours of heavy use so far. I have stopped using rechargable batteries. The small size makes sure the GPS is carried on every flight, and so the logbook function is useful, although for some reason it does not record time of dep and arr, only airborne time total (and place of dep and dest). I just turn it on, toss it on the back seat and forget about it. No wire hassle, no installation.

Having got there and found the rental car for the business trip, the land mode of the 96C is useful and clever for such a small GPS. The basemap has all the major land facilities including major roads, and the logic and user interface of directing you on the roads are clearly working, but it needs a proper roadmap.

The 96C is obviously made for this, having 113Mb of storage space and good functionality, but I have not been able to find a European roadmap for this GPS. Can anyone help?

[byteworks]

Problem is 96C doesn't accept latest NT map format, used now for most maps. Also the memory is so small and would require frequent reloads. Is a pity it hasn't an upgrade like the marine 76 has in 76CX.
Garmin still has Europe in non-NT format:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=8462

[bigfoot01]

This is a bit off thread, but can you get the aviation charts and then put them on the 76 then?

[huv]

Thank you byteworks. I believe you have helped me solve my problem. I have web-ordered from GPS Warehouse in the UK. I expect to limit data geographically for the 96C.

[flybymike]

Why do you "turn it on, toss it on the back seat, and forget about it." Why not use it?

[huv]

Good question. It's because most of my flying is as an instructor - and then I only use the GPS for documentation - and occasionally for locating private strips or other user waypoints. I know the local area well and donot need GPS for navigation - and also do not wish to confuse the student with it. However, on private or business trips I mostly fly IFR and I always have the active route in the handheld, which I then keep up front.

My point was, that had I chosen a Garmin 296 or a NAV8OR, the size, battery issue and wires required would have stopped me from bringing it on every flight.

[byteworks]

This is a bit off thread, but can you get the aviation charts and then put them on the 76 then?

Don't think, the unit itself must know how to interpret, show and use Jeppesen/Garmin aviation database. The database download on Garmin site doesn't display other units than aviation dedicated:
Garmin: Aviation Databases (http://shop.garmin.com/aviation/databases/)

[toolowterrainpullup]

Sorry, but I have the same GPS and so far it is not possible. Still looking for any third party software but no joy.