GARMIN 296
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PRICE £728.50
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
When you open the box, you realise Garmin is in a different league. There's so much stuff included and it's all been well thought out.
The unit is well finished and a good size. Quite deep but there's a substantial rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack included. There's also an antenna which swivels out of the way when not in use.
The manual and quick guide are both excellent, with photos and clear explanations.
The one thing that would improve it further would be a suction cup mount option. There's a yoke mount but the test aircraft had a stick!
PLANNING THE FLIGHT
It's easy to get started with the 296 using the Quick Guide. Select the page you want by repeated pressing of the 'page' button, then use the rocker switch to choose an existing waypoint. Adding a user-waypoint is straightforward too. There's also a list of recently used waypoints.
We had the flightplan ready in just a few minutes, and it was right first time.
IN THE AIR
Very impressive. The display was bright and clear, even in direct bright sunlight. It could easily be read across the cockpit.
The mapping was first class and it clearly showed masts and airspace. The warning system when approaching airspace is unmissable.
A declutter button was useful but perhaps the most impressive screen (of many options) was the mini glass cockpit. You could definitely fly the aircraft on these instruments, all using GPS-derived info.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
» 296 unit
» Power cord
» Yoke mount
» Dashboard mount
» Remote antenna
» USB cable
» Rechargeable Li-Ion battery
» AC adapter/charger
» Carrying case
» Manual & Quick Guide
SPEC
» Size 145x81x48mm
» Screen size 97mm
» Pixels 480x320
» Weight 386g
» Battery Rechargeable Li-Ion
» External power? Yes
SCREENS
» Moving Map
» Terrain awareness
» Electronic instruments
» HSI navigation
» Automatic logbook
AT A GLANCE
SCREEN ****
Bright, high-resolution screen works well even in direct sunshine.
DESIGN ****
So good, it's hard to fault, apart from lack of a suction cup mount.
MAP ****
First rate. Only drops a point because the 496's map is even better.
PROGRAMMING *****
The standard others aspire to.
EASE OF USE ****
Once you've found a way to mount the unit in a non-yoke aircraft, it's perfect. Many PFA aircraft have panel-mounted the unit.
FEATURES *****
Huge number of display options including mini glass cockpit. Includes terrain awareness. Obstacle only for US, not Europe. Includes car kit.
VALUE FOR MONEY ****
So much first-rate technology, so well packaged. Only drops a point to the Lowrance 2000C.
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