Garmin GpsMap 396 - First Impressions (long)

I do like the fact the the 396 charges the internal battery when plugged
into a 12V source. What I don't like that I won't necessarily know when
the internal battery needs to be replaced because it will no longer hold
a decent charge because it will not normally be used. Of course, from a
safety standpoint, at this point I guess I have to be in IMC, lose the
alternator, run the aircraft battery down, and then exhaust the 396
battery before I'm totally sol. Maybe I should just spring for another
$40 battery, rotate them to keep them charged, and count my blessings!

Tom

Doug Vetter wrote:
Mike Spera wrote:
Yeah, but only if you disconnect the weather receiver/antenna. With it
hooked up, you get 2 hours. At that point, standard batteries in the
bag start looking real good. I checked the Garmin dealers and another
battery is only $40, so I'll shut up and get one.

2 hours? I get just shy of 4 hours with the XM connected and around 9
without. I wonder if your battery is from an old lot or sat around on
the shelf for a while. That's the one downside to LiIon
batteries...they don't last forever (charged or not) and hold less of a
charge with every charge cycle. Most regularly charged LiIon batteries
fail within 2 years. Can't wait to see how long this one lasts....mine
is 10 months old and counting.

Good that you found new batteries for $40. That makes me feel better. I
though they were double that.

-Doug

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Doug Vetter, ATP/CFI

http://www.dvatp.com
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