Fred-
I have the Air Gizmos receptacle and 396 in my plane. I have seen all sorts of
396 / 496 Garmins for sale through Sportys and other pilot shops. In fact, they
appear to be real steals now. I paid over $ 2,000 for mine and I think I have
seen them for 5-600.
Jim Puglise
----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred Klein" <fklein@orcasonline.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2011 5:53:53 PM
Subject: Europa-List: GPS...
Some time ago I bought a "Gizmo" receptacle for a Garmin 396/496 which
I'd confidently installed on my central sub panel...alas, it appears
that Garmin no longer is making those models.
I'd been attracted to its size, versatility, functionality, relatively
low cost, and its seemingly wide spread use and satisfaction by Europa
buddies.
So in today's market, I'm wondering if anyone would venture an opinion
on currently manufactured GPS units as to whether or not they offer
significant additional functionality...(?).
My anticipated set up should serve for day/night VFR flight only, and
will be based around a Dynon Skyview EFIS (7" screen) w/ 2.25" dia.
back up ALT & ASI gauges. Panel will have a separate EMS from RWS
which integrates with the RWS ECU which manages my MPEFI'ed
aftermarket Sube-based powerplant.
Skyview allows for split screen PFD/moving map...though Dynon promises
future software updates for a fully functioning moving map sectional
chart display, currently the moving map only shows terrain and heading.
Although I like the idea of an always-on, separate screen, my hunch is
that a stand-alone GPS will just be serving as back up once I have the
Skyview moving map update. If that's so, I'm tempted to find a used
396/496.
Comments or advice most welcome,
Fred
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