Handheld GPS options/recs - bang for the buck!

killbilly · January 8th, 2008, 11:23

The search function yielded some older threads, and since tech toys like this tend to evolve quickly (along with lower price points) I'm curious about some recommendations.

Much as I'd like something as sophisticated as a Garmin 496, I don't really need XM weather and all that other stuff as a rookie PPL-candidate. The cost of one would be about half the cost of my IR.

So I'm setting a price cap below $700 - this can include used devices.

I'm just wondering what the best bang for the buck would be on a handheld GPS in XC VFR flying. I'm interested in portability, ease of use, battery life, in that order, I think. Not even sure what my priorities should be, never having used one.

Any and all advice, experiences, would be appreciated. This will be a long-term research project as I'm saving up the money for one.

Berkut · January 8th, 2008, 11:35

Take a look at the Garmin 196. It was the first of the 196/296/etc series. It's far from the latest and greatest but it has a reputation of being a solid performer. They are still available new for less than $700.

MFT1Air · January 8th, 2008, 11:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbilly

The search function yielded some older threads, and since tech toys like this tend to evolve quickly (along with lower price points) I'm curious about some recommendations.

Much as I'd like something as sophisticated as a Garmin 496, I don't really need XM weather and all that other stuff as a rookie PPL-candidate. The cost of one would be about half the cost of my IR.

So I'm setting a price cap below $700 - this can include used devices.

I'm just wondering what the best bang for the buck would be on a handheld GPS in XC VFR flying. I'm interested in portability, ease of use, battery life, in that order, I think. Not even sure what my priorities should be, never having used one.

Any and all advice, experiences, would be appreciated. This will be a long-term research project as I'm saving up the money for one.

I just purchased 5 lottery tickets. If I win, consider the 496 a gift!

But I digressed.

For what I which to utilize the GPS during my instrument training, I purchased two. One was new at $100; the other was one year old at $150. I believe off the cuff, I purchased an Airmap 100 which for me is superb. My backup is an inexpensive Garmin.(I think) I purchase both on eBay.

killbilly · January 8th, 2008, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFT1Air

I just purchased 5 lottery tickets. If I win, consider the 496 a gift!

But I digressed.

I'll hold you to that, bud. This forum is full of witnesses.

And if that 496 is wrapped in a Columbia or a DA-40 that would be superb.

Quote:

For what I which to utilize the GPS during my instrument training, I purchased two. One was new at $100; the other was one year old at $150. I believe off the cuff, I purchased an Airmap 100 which for me is superb. My backup is an inexpensive Garmin.(I think) I purchase both on eBay.

I mentioned this in the PM, but it's relevant here. The Lowrance stuff seems to be good quality from what I've read, and it's about half the price of the Garmin stuff. Why? Is it just features?

38bat · January 8th, 2008, 13:34

I just got a new anywhere map. I believe it is just software loaded on a PDA so if you already had the PDA you could just load the software. I think they are $795 for a complete system but mine was on sale for $695 so maybe you can get a deal. Came with everything, yoke mount, car mount, dc and ac chargers etc. TOTALLY AWESOME. Love it. Takes a little getting used to but works great. My only bitch is that you have to use the stylus during flight at times which is slightly inconvenient. For the money you can not beat it. I shopped alot and took a chance on this one. Impressed so far. JOE

38bat · January 8th, 2008, 13:41

In case I wasn't clear, I paid $695 for complete system brand new with warranty. I had a handheld garmin which would get me from point a to point b but the little things make me comfortable. Here are the ones I really like

1. With a click I can immediately see the runway layouts and procedures in flight along with com frequencies, FBO services and even fuel prices of any airport.

2. Terrain avoidance- gives warnings if anything close is a danger to you

3. Airspace- I fly in a congested area with tons of military activity. Often we are flying under their airspace until we get out and it is nice to see clearly exactly where there airspace starts.

4. An extra set of instruments. I know they don't substitute for the real thing but it is nice to have another set.

I know these features aren't unique to this one but It seemed to be the best value. Made me way more comfortable. If you have any questions let me know I would be glad to help.

MFT1Air · January 8th, 2008, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbilly

I'll hold you to that, bud. This forum is full of witnesses.

And if that 496 is wrapped in a Columbia or a DA-40 that would be superb.

I mentioned this in the PM, but it's relevant here. The Lowrance stuff seems to be good quality from what I've read, and it's about half the price of the Garmin stuff. Why? Is it just features?

I'm not going to complain about any of the Lowrance GPS systems, for when I'm either using it solo or practicing with someone else's as a safety pilot, it's all about how I finesse the system with keystrokes to bring up my desired application without losing my situational awareness while aviating. With the Garmin, I personally have to focus more on the displays I transition to get to the desired one vice quick glances of the displays . . .something which for me is easier with the Lowrance. Maybe it's because I'm much more familiar, but I still use the Garmin quite regularly. (I don't play with it as much while driving.

)

Additionally, the vertical height is never accurate, but my system isn't WAAS which is what I believe WAAS provides.

Most of the time, I use my GPS at night under moonless night conditions. It definitely elevates my comfort level regarding where I am and where the airport is.

LoadMasterC141 · January 8th, 2008, 13:48

Bill,
How come you want a handheld? Does the plane you are flying have no GPS?

killbilly · January 8th, 2008, 13:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoadMasterC141

Bill,
How come you want a handheld? Does the plane you are flying have no GPS?

Correct. I fly the 152s in my club right now, and neither of them have GPS. Both of them are VFR-only with a single VOR in each.

(derail)
We do have GPS airplanes - both of our 172s, our Archer II, Warrior II, Arrow IV and Cherokee 6 all are IFR-certified planes with GPS. But I'm not flying any of those yet. I plan to train/time build in the 152s (save money) but for some of the personal XC flying I'm going to do (down to see Erika in Austin, maybe a stop in Temple

) as well as some personal/business flying into AR, OK and around HOU and SAT I may use the bigger aircraft.

Plus, it's nice to have a backup - I know on at least two of our Pipers right now the databases have expired and haven't been updated yet.

I'm planning to get checked out in the Archer II pretty soon after my checkride. Couple months from now, I think.

MFT1Air · January 8th, 2008, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbilly

Correct. I fly the 152s in my club right now, and neither of them have GPS. Both of them are VFR-only with a single VOR in each.

(derail)
We do have GPS airplanes - both of our 172s, our Archer II, Warrior II, Arrow IV and Cherokee 6 all are IFR-certified planes with GPS. But I'm not flying any of those yet. I plan to train/time build in the 152s (save money) but for some of the personal XC flying I'm going to do (down to see Erika in Austin, maybe a stop in Temple

) as well as some personal/business flying into AR, OK and around HOU and SAT I may use the bigger aircraft.

Plus, it's nice to have a backup - I know on at least two of our Pipers right now the databases have expired and haven't been updated yet.

I'm planning to get checked out in the Archer II pretty soon after my checkride. Couple months from now, I think.

You're in a better situation than I am presently. None of our aircraft are GPS installed, so my instrument will be the steam gauges. They will be later, but for training and the checkride, it'll be the six pack.

killbilly · January 8th, 2008, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFT1Air

You're in a better situation than I am presently. None of our aircraft are GPS installed, so my instrument will be the steam gauges. They will be later, but for training and the checkride, it'll be the six pack.

I believe (I might be wrong, but I'll ask Dr. CFI tonight during our ground lesson) that we can do the IR with straight VORs in some of our planes without actually using the GPS.

LoadMasterC141 · January 8th, 2008, 16:58

A plane can certainly be certified for IFR without a GPS. I purposely did half my IFR training in a 172 without a GPS. Using an IFR certified GPS is like cheating dood.

bdhill1979 · January 8th, 2008, 17:35

I have the Garmin 96c and love the little thing. I haven't used it in forever though since my plane has a 530 and a 496.

t82 · January 8th, 2008, 17:59

Get yourself a Pocket Pc with bluetooth and a bluetooth antenna.

Then download FREE ApicMap

http://www.approach-systems.com/

And you can use the PDA for electronic e6b and logbook.

Wing_96 · January 8th, 2008, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbilly

The Lowrance stuff seems to be good quality from what I've read, and it's about half the price of the Garmin stuff. Why? Is it just features?

I bought a Garmin 96 a few years ago. A buddy of mine had a Lowrance of similar function. I don't remember the exact model, but it was comparable to the Garmin 96. At any rate, we did a side-by-side comparison during a x-country of about 150 miles. The only really significant problem we noted with the Lowrance was that it lost the GPS signal five or six times, where my Garmin never lost the satellites once. These results are not scientific of course, but that was my experience with the two hand-helds.

The Garmin 96 doesn't have a lot of the features that the higher models have, but I think it fits your first desire...portable. It's small enough you can carry it in flight bag pockets. Plus, when it's mounted on the yoke, it's small enough that you can still see the instruments on the panel.

I hope that helps.

MFT1Air · January 8th, 2008, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by killbilly

I believe (I might be wrong, but I'll ask Dr. CFI tonight during our ground lesson) that we can do the IR with straight VORs in some of our planes without actually using the GPS.

Excuse if I miscommunicated, but that's right. None of our planes have GPS; most have dual VORs. I'll utilize the trusty steam gauges for ILS and VOR tracking when I train and test. Afterwards, I'll transition into the glass cockpit and GPS.

Hope I cleared it up.