Fred,
I agree with Jim. There are plenty of used (and a few new) 396 & 496 out there
and they can be excellent bargains. For a real good price, I picked up a used
496 last year expecting just a 496, wall charger and carrying case. What came
was a 496, spare rod antenna, little square antenna with window mount, XM
weather
antenna, bean bag mount, wall charger, auto charger with speaker, carrying
case and a couple other pieces I can't remember off the top of my head right
now. I had to put a new battery in it, but still, WHAT A BARGAIN!
I bought Air Gizmo panel mount & XM antenna mount that allows the antenna to be
moved from plane to plane (the XM Antenna is what you register with XM to get
weather) so I can use the unit in my Europa or my Toot (should it ever be
finished)
and have weather in both without extra costs.
Do some searching and see what you can come up with.
Blue skies & tailwinds,
Bob Borger
http://www.europaowners.org/N914XL
Europa XS, Short Wing, Intercooled Rotax 914
rlborger@mac.com
Cel: 817-992-1117
On Dec 3, 2011, at 4:53 PM, Fred Klein wrote:
>
> 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
|