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GPS recommendations

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mdnanwelch7(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:07 pm Post subject: GPS recommendations

Kolb guys,



   Has anyone ever lost GPS coverage?  YES!!  ME!  As I stated a few months back, while flying my Cessna over the Cascades and in heavy turbulence, I briefly (6-10 minutes...twice) lost coverage.  The screen went blank, then said "Poor GPS Coverage"  When the bumbs went away, we were back in business.



  Now, as I also previously stated, this was an antiquated Garmin 95XL.  If I got 4 satelites, I was doing good.  The newer GPSes would most likely NOT go out on you, if faced with the same shaking.  



  My present handheld is a Garmin 296.  I can't believe how fantastic this model is, compared to the older 95XL.  When I flew my Cessna last winter to Utah, from Sacramento, it was a pleasure to have the modern functions of this GPS.  One feature that I had never used before was the "waypoint" function.  I programmed a waypoint to fly around a MOA.  I was amazed how the GPS directed me to a "spot", and after I arrived, it then altered the path to a new direction.  So cool!!  (In the past I guess all I had to do is put in my destination, none of that ...first go here, then go there...)



  One thing that surprised me, though, is I also used my Garmin GNS300XL in my plane (built-in panel GPS/com).  I set it to fly the course, but I really didn't think I'd look at it.  I did not think that I would have any "need" of it, since I had the handheld fastened to the yoke.  I actually did use both!!



  Along with the two GPSes, I also used complete and thorough sectional charts, and flight data sheets.  I knew where I was on the map, at all times.



  Back to my recommendation.  While I would choose the Garmin over the other brands (mostly 'cause I haven't owned the other ones), I really would suggest the 296, because of the improvements and added features over the 196.    Basically....the 196 is nice, but the 296 is nicer.



                                                  Just my opinion,   Mike Welch



_________________________________________________________________

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John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 9:33 pm Post subject: GPS recommendations

|  Back to my recommendation.  While I would choose the Garmin over 

the other brands (mostly 'cause I haven't owned the other ones), I 

really would suggest the 296, because of the improvements and added 

features over the 196.    Basically....the 196 is nice, but the 296 is 

nicer.

|

|                                                  Just my opinion, 

Mike Welch

Hi Mike:



Not all of us can afford a 296, even though it is much "nicer" than my 

196.



However, I have been able to fly all over the lower 48, much of Canada 

and Alaska, and get back home with the 196.



Fact is, I use the 196 more in the truck than I do in the airplane. 

Don't leave home without it.



Made the first flight around CONUS and up to Alaska with a Garmin 

55AVD.  Never lost coverage in 17,400 miles and 232 flight hours.



Next flight to Alaska was with a 95XL.  It also worked great.  Took me 

north of Point Barrow and the North American Continent and back home.



To me the most important aspect of GPS is the ability to have the 

Jeppesen Data Base of airport info so I can punch in destinations and 

waypoints, radio frequencies, fuel availability, runways, etc., 

without going through the hassle of pulling them off a sectional or 

other means.



Occasionally lose GPS coverage for no explained reason, but does not 

usually last long.



I think the 196 is the best bang for the buck.  I paid 825.00 for mine 

in 1993.  Now you can get one for half that price.  It has more than 

enough capability for me to fly anytime/anywhere.



john h

mkIII

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

jim

Joined: 03 Nov 2006
Posts: 107
Location: N. Idaho

Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: GPS recommendations

I have been flying with my Garmin GPSmap 196 for about 3 years.  I love it and it has been great.  However, a few months ago I flew up to Alaska at the end of May.  Weather was  terrible.  We flew hundreds of miles at 500 feet because we couldn't get to 550 feet.  When we couldn't maintain VFR flying into Anchorage we climbed.  I didn't have IFR charts with me and my "copilot" was having trouble determining how high the terrain was that we needed to avoid.  It was then that I decided that I wanted terrain in my GPS.  However, on that same trip I saw a 3-mile long island with a 2180' high peak on it that was not in the 196 database.  When I get my 296 I think I'll check to see if it's in that db.



For ultralights and other VFR flying I still think the 196 is great.  I only decided to upgrade to the 296 because I plan to do more IFR flying.  The 296 also has a rechargable LiOn battery.



The only problem I have had with the 196 was that it goes through batteries fast.  Also the spring tension against the batteries was inadequate and on my Quicksilver the vibration kept causing power outages.  I never had that problem in the Kolb and now always use external power.



As much as I like the Garmins, they're probably not really needed in most UltraLight flying where direct to is sufficient.  But if you can affort it ($400+ used) or if you do GA flying to, the Garmins are great.

_________________
Jim
N. Idaho

lucien

Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 721
Location: santa fe, NM

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 5:21 am Post subject: Re: GPS recommendations

I had a change to use my airmap 600c alongside the (then) co-owner's 296 when I ferried my titan from nebraska down here to new mexico.



The 296 sat in the RAM mount while I kept the 600c on my lap. The 296 lost the satellites on several occasions for reasons unknown, once somewhere over Kansas for quite a while. The 600c never lost coverage the entire trip, even occasionally falling between my legs on the seat.



I'm still mystified as to why the garmin lost coverage, since the airmap kept a firm lock during the same time. When I got back I compared them both in the office, the airmap was able to pick up a couple satellites and once even got a lock, but the 296 couldn't pick up any.



Personally, I think this particular 296 might have a problem, though what it is I'm not sure.



The airmap does use a 16 channel reciever where the 296 uses a 12 so they are different recievers.



The airmap, though, is one of the best bang/buck options you can get though. The software isn't as good as the garmin but once you get used to using it, it does most everything you need. Screen is a little small tho so if you're farsighted like I am be sure and pack the reading glasses.



LS

_________________
LS
Titan II SS

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:01 pm Post subject: Re: GPS recommendations

What about the PDA moving maps with full digital terrain, airport info etc.



I just put together a moving map system for $125.



Bought a Dell Axim x50v PDA  with GPS card on ebay for $125 and put the free XC-Soar software on it along with the airspace file, airports file, digital terrain etc.



Truely an great gps/moving map solution for minimal cost, plus I can take it on the road when Im not using it in the airplane....take notes, do work, browse the internet, play games etc.



A whole Lotta bang for your buck!

_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

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ElleryWeld(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:09 am Post subject: GPS recommendations

You got a link for that XC-Soar software and another link for the airspace file with terrain I have a PDA with the GPS gadgets but no software for it 

  

 I might sell my GPS if I like that better its lighter 

  

 Ellery

 do not archive





  [quote][b]

slyck(at)frontiernet.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 6:35 am Post subject: GPS recommendations

gadgets gadgets, gizmos........  



I bought a nice bicycle for $200.  excellent gas mileage and good for  

old withering legs  

BB

jb92563

Joined: 23 Mar 2007
Posts: 314
Location: Southern California

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 7:53 am Post subject: Re: GPS recommendations

Here is the link for the Free XC Soar moving map software for PDA.



http://www.xcsoar.org/mediawiki/index.php/Main_Page



Granted its designed for gliders but you can set a glide L/D ratio of 5/1

and it will show you how far you can go if your engine dies.



The other features more than makes up for any glider stuff, plus the screen is configurable so you can select what is shown on screen anyway.



The download site also has the terrain files and airport databases.



Download & Read the manual as most of your questions are answered there, and there is also a video that takes you through the setup if your rather watch than read.



I can help as well.

Gizmos and gadgets are part of  the fun and it gives you something to keep you out of trouble while the bad weather keeps you on the ground.



Show this thing off to your buddies and they will be truly amazed that you paid $1000 less for the same features, plus you can listen to tunes and get a last minute weather report via wireless internet while sitting on the ramp preparing for takeoff.

_________________
Ray

Kolb UltraStar (Cuyuna UL-202)
Moni MotorGlider
Schreder HP-11 Glider
Grob 109 Motorglider

Do Not Archive

ElleryWeld(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 10:03 am Post subject: GPS recommendations

Cool thanks Ray

  

 Ellery 

  

 do not archive





  [quote][b]

biglar

Joined: 14 Jan 2006
Posts: 457

Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:02 pm Post subject: GPS recommendations

Climbing mountains is good for those, too.  Ask me how I know.   

                   Lar.



Do not Archive.



robert bean wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 gadgets gadgets, gizmos........  



 I bought a nice bicycle for $200.  excellent gas mileage and good for 

 old withering legs  

 BB

_________________
Larry Bourne
Palm Springs, CA
Building Kolb Mk IIIC
"Vamoose"

Wade Lawicki

Joined: 27 May 2007
Posts: 31
Location: Nashville Tn.

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: GPS recommendations

I bought a Lowrance 2000c at sun and fun for $482, and it has terrain awareness and works fantastic. best price was $682 then I found out that Lowrance takes ANY old aviation gps WORKING or NOT on trade in credit of $200, I went to the fly mart and bought a junk one for $19 and traded it in. Has a large color screen for the week eyed people like im becoming, large capacity down loadable and very simple operations, would recommend it to everyone.



Fly Safe,

             Wade

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