GPS for G.A. pilots
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As I understand it, your worst case scenario would be that the unit would have to be returned to the USA for service - not the end of the world really, just a risk versus $ argument.
I understand that most of their units carry a 2 year warranty if sold through an Australian dealer.
I understand that most of their units carry a 2 year warranty if sold through an Australian dealer.
I've been looking for a new GPS as well, anyone checked out or used the Bendix King AV80R or Garmin aera 500 or can add comment on how it might compare to say the Garmin 196/296?
They are all around the 700-1000 AUD mark except the 296 which comes in at around $1300.
They are all around the 700-1000 AUD mark except the 296 which comes in at around $1300.
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WannaBeBiggles
I've got a 296 and an AV8OR (not the ACE).
I prefer the 296.
Tha AV8OR has a less detailed topo map (296 is pretty basic anyway), and no HSI/6-pack instrument page. It is a faster and more sensitive GPS receiver that the Garmin (ie picks up satellites in more difficult position in aircraft but Garmin seem to be quite adequate in this respect).
AV8OR doesn't have a partial compass rose with pointer to the next waypoint (296 does and I like this).
Advantage of AV8OR is it can display traffic if you have a Zaon XRX (296 can't but Garmin 495 can).
I've not seen an Aera 510 but it is a lot of bang for the buck. Aera 500 has had a few negative reports (from memory saw one on Piper pilot forum). As I understand it it has a poor battery time, and is harder to use to get to functions such as direct to, etc as have to go back from current screen to menu to access such functions (296/495 have buttons on surface immediately and constantly available, aera 500 has touch screen so must call up buttons).
I intend to sell my AV8OR as I like the Garmin (maybe you just like the one you started on, much like the Cessna/Piper debate).
Hope this helps. There is no right answer.
John
I've got a 296 and an AV8OR (not the ACE).
I prefer the 296.
Tha AV8OR has a less detailed topo map (296 is pretty basic anyway), and no HSI/6-pack instrument page. It is a faster and more sensitive GPS receiver that the Garmin (ie picks up satellites in more difficult position in aircraft but Garmin seem to be quite adequate in this respect).
AV8OR doesn't have a partial compass rose with pointer to the next waypoint (296 does and I like this).
Advantage of AV8OR is it can display traffic if you have a Zaon XRX (296 can't but Garmin 495 can).
I've not seen an Aera 510 but it is a lot of bang for the buck. Aera 500 has had a few negative reports (from memory saw one on Piper pilot forum). As I understand it it has a poor battery time, and is harder to use to get to functions such as direct to, etc as have to go back from current screen to menu to access such functions (296/495 have buttons on surface immediately and constantly available, aera 500 has touch screen so must call up buttons).
I intend to sell my AV8OR as I like the Garmin (maybe you just like the one you started on, much like the Cessna/Piper debate).
Hope this helps. There is no right answer.
John
Last edited by rjtjrt; 24th Apr 2010 at 23:04. Reason: Spelling/correction of aera 510 to 500
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The Garmin 196/296 are obsolete models now and I believe the Aera 510 hasn't been released in Australia. I'm not sure if it will be. Any Garmin GPS purchased overseas will not have their warranty recognised by Garmin Australia too. The same goes for any purchased off auction sites.
Thanks for the responses. I saw the Aera on ozpilot.com.au - Pilot Supplies from Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies. Does anyone know if they are a parallel importer?
Another unit that came up in searches was the Avmap Geo Pilot II Plus.
Another unit that came up in searches was the Avmap Geo Pilot II Plus.
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As I understand from other posters ozpilot.com.au - Pilot Supplies from Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies is a parallel importer for Garmin (but I know it is an agent for Lightspeed headset, and probably other stuff).
The cheapest Garmin seems to be
Handheld Systems (Melbourne) - Garmin Aviation GPS Units - Handheld Systems
Handheld Systems is not a parallel importer of Garmin. I think he has a very good reputation.
A seller in Brisbane (not same as "Handheld Systems" above) - GPS & Radio Wholesalers Australia - GPS and Aircraft Radios, Aviation Navigation Systems, Secondhand Used Aircraft Radios, Handheld GPS, Incar GPS, GPS for Motorbikes, Handheld Radios, Street GPS, Boat and Marine GPS and Radios, GARMIN, GME, ICOM, NAVMAN, Global Positioning System, Sal
I don't know if they are or are not parallel importer of Garmin, but they say they are a dealer in Garmin and are a subsidiary of an avionics company.
John
The cheapest Garmin seems to be
Handheld Systems (Melbourne) - Garmin Aviation GPS Units - Handheld Systems
Handheld Systems is not a parallel importer of Garmin. I think he has a very good reputation.
A seller in Brisbane (not same as "Handheld Systems" above) - GPS & Radio Wholesalers Australia - GPS and Aircraft Radios, Aviation Navigation Systems, Secondhand Used Aircraft Radios, Handheld GPS, Incar GPS, GPS for Motorbikes, Handheld Radios, Street GPS, Boat and Marine GPS and Radios, GARMIN, GME, ICOM, NAVMAN, Global Positioning System, Sal
I don't know if they are or are not parallel importer of Garmin, but they say they are a dealer in Garmin and are a subsidiary of an avionics company.
John
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Well I'll throw my 2c in, even though it's now technically obsolete (I understand), I love my 296 - absolutely best money I've ever spent on a bit of gear in aviation.
On the topic - I'm interested in people's opinions, can anyone here think of a single good reason for the terrain page on the 296 and similar models? To me, this doesn't increase situational awareness at all - if you're using it for terrain avoidance of any kind, you're a fool - and if you're NVFR then obviously your LSALT and other procedures are designed to keep you away from the terrain. If your 296 gets you out of jail - then you didn't really know what you were doing in the first place.
To me, the terrain functions are nothing more than an annoying pop-up box that appears on final approach. Happy to be corrected though...
On the topic - I'm interested in people's opinions, can anyone here think of a single good reason for the terrain page on the 296 and similar models? To me, this doesn't increase situational awareness at all - if you're using it for terrain avoidance of any kind, you're a fool - and if you're NVFR then obviously your LSALT and other procedures are designed to keep you away from the terrain. If your 296 gets you out of jail - then you didn't really know what you were doing in the first place.
To me, the terrain functions are nothing more than an annoying pop-up box that appears on final approach. Happy to be corrected though...
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Another good unit that is very versatile is the Hema Navigator Hema Navigator - Handheld Systems Not only does it come with street navigation, but also off road maps in both Oziexplorer and Memory Map. It has all of Australia covered at 1:250,000 with the ability to add maps if they are in Ozi (or MM) format. It also has the facility for a reversing camera (great for helicopter mustering pilots! 
) plus it also has bluetooth.
) plus it also has bluetooth.
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GPS Guru
Hema Navigator - that is interesting.
You can get Australia wide VTC's, VNC's. High and Low ERC's, WAC's in Ozi format from Maptrax.
Thus the Hema Navigator would be worth a look.
Does it switch to next map that it selects from its topo map in memory, or one that I nominate
If I nominate can it select automatically from a list of maps I nominate or does it need me to manually tell it which one to go to (hope that makes sense).
Also how sunlight readable?
John
Hema Navigator - that is interesting.
You can get Australia wide VTC's, VNC's. High and Low ERC's, WAC's in Ozi format from Maptrax.
Thus the Hema Navigator would be worth a look.
Does it switch to next map that it selects from its topo map in memory, or one that I nominate
If I nominate can it select automatically from a list of maps I nominate or does it need me to manually tell it which one to go to (hope that makes sense).
Also how sunlight readable?
John
Last edited by rjtjrt; 25th Apr 2010 at 05:14.
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Maptrax are the only ones with a licence with Airservices that I know of that can reproduce the charts. As long as a path has been created (very easy to do), it will switch to the next map automatically. Ozi lets you select whatever map you want at the cursor. There is also a function to zoom in and out but with the raster maps (basically a copied paper map), the more you zoom in , the less clearer the detail. It has a five inch screen though so you get a good overview. You can also plot routes in it too (preflight) and Ozi will give you heading, groundspeed, etc. (but not wind velocity). There are video tutorials here Video Tutorials / Guides They are based on the old unit but Ozi is Ozi and it still works the same. If you have Oziexplorer on your PC (it's a seperate software package) Official OziExplorer Web Site - GPS Mapping Software for Tracking and Navigation. Supports Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance and GPS you can scan any map in and convert it into Ozi format. It's then basically a case of copying and pasting on to the SD card, creating a path and then your away. As for sunlight, it's about the same as any other GPS.
The Hema also works on up to a 16 Gig micro SD card. I'm going to test the 32 Gig when they become available.
The Hema also works on up to a 16 Gig micro SD card. I'm going to test the 32 Gig when they become available.
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Garmin warranties are two years for dash mounted units and one year for handhelds if purchased in Australia. If purchased overseas, you'll have to send them back to the country of purchase.
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I bought an Aera500 (Pacific) from Handheld Systems yesterday (Garmin Aviation GPS Units - Handheld Systems).
Very pleased with the deal and service.
The owner (Clayton) is very straightforward. He is a local Garmin dealer. It is not a grey import.
The price was the cheapest I could find and Clayton volunteered to reduce the price when I phoned him (rather than just order online).
I got it the same day.
The Aera 500 so far seems remarkably good (I am used to a 296).
John
PS I have no affiliation of any sort with Handheld other than a very satisfied customer.
Very pleased with the deal and service.
The owner (Clayton) is very straightforward. He is a local Garmin dealer. It is not a grey import.
The price was the cheapest I could find and Clayton volunteered to reduce the price when I phoned him (rather than just order online).
I got it the same day.
The Aera 500 so far seems remarkably good (I am used to a 296).
John
PS I have no affiliation of any sort with Handheld other than a very satisfied customer.
Last edited by rjtjrt; 9th May 2010 at 00:43. Reason: Grammar
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The first new Garmin LSA approved aviation GPS dealer opened their new site today. Cheaper than the quoted website by a few bucks. I won't quote who the site belongs to as I'm not sure if that's advertising on here. PM me if you want info.
AVMAP GeoPilot II Plus, bought recently from ClearProp for under $1k - good screen size, colour, big buttons easy to use in turbulence, lots of functionality, good split screen Nav Map-HSI feature, airspace etc all there, good goto and near options, same Jeppesen data as Garmins and more features per dollar than 496. So far I'm happy, no problems.
GPS :: GPS Units - Aviation Pilot Supplies Shop | Flight Gear | Aircraft Instruments
GPS :: GPS Units - Aviation Pilot Supplies Shop | Flight Gear | Aircraft Instruments
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BE CAREFUL, some of the quoted websites on here are NOT authorized Garmin dealers and they are simply buying discounted from other dealers. You don't want some clown being a middle man for no reason.
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"Has that thingy got a moving map display for taxyways in Oz? Or just a display?"
No taxiway info - I think Garmin call it Safetaxi and it is US only and only on 550/560.
Map info such as small towns seems more detailed than my 296.
John
No taxiway info - I think Garmin call it Safetaxi and it is US only and only on 550/560.
Map info such as small towns seems more detailed than my 296.
John
Last edited by rjtjrt; 9th May 2010 at 23:56. Reason: Typing error