Garmin GpsMap 396 - First Impressions (long)

I stopped whining about the cost of things aviation a while ago. $5.00+
per gallon gas and Piper parts prices don't phase me anymore. I have
thought about this unit for a while now and compared it's value/function
to what other upgrades I could buy instead for the same money. So, I
find myself a bit uncomfortable that I do not truly appear to be "over
it" when it comes to aviation pricing.

Wincing in pain as I handed over the debit card, the JA Air Center rep
slid over the large box containing the latest aviation widget. Roughly
$2350 with tax plus another $100+ for the "Lite" subscription and
activation completed the financial aspects of the deal. After calling
the XM people with the numbers for the activation, a 10 minute wait
followed and then the GPS began to light up with subscription info.
Another 5 minutes or so and the pretty green and yellow patches started
to march across the screen.

The (very) good:
Yesterday was a typical Midwestern summer weather profile. 30% chance of
rain with isolated Tstorms. This is EXACTLY why I bought this unit.
Ordinarily, we would not venture off (especially with Pax) on a VFR
joyride with big puffy white building cumulus everywhere. Even if they
don't eventually bust open, the dark gray bottoms looming over our heads
are not confidence building. And, as FBOs continue to cut back or close,
weather info on the ground is becoming more scarce. So, when the little
dude began to paint green/yellow stripes and blobs marching out of the
Nowthwest, my buyer's remorse subsided quite a bit. I CAN ACTUALLY SEE
THE RAIN!!!! Oh yeah, that's what it is supposed to do.

When you think about it, I just bought RADAR for under $2500! Yes, it is
not airborne, tactical, real-time, weather penetration radar. But, it is
a pretty good WEATHER AVOIDANCE radar. Ground based, high power, 5
minute delay, with no attenuation like the on-board units. When you
think of it that way, the price may be easier to digest.

One thing I was worried about was the screen. I bought the Lowrance
GPSMAP 1000 because I wanted lots of screen real estate. All the
highways, rivers, lakes, terrain and other junk makes these things
impossible to see. We "vintage" folks have the added challenge that
everything on the planet is made for 20 years old eyes. The Garmin
screen is about 30-40% smaller than the Airmap. But, the Lowrance turned
out to be difficult to see and read, especially with Ray Bans on. The
Garmin's color screen is WAY easier to read. Color, a higher resolution,
and a KILLER backlight really helps. Oh yeah, Garmin also actually lets
you change the size of the various text on the screen. A real value
feature for the money.

It appears you can configure this thing 6 ways to Sunday. I really liked
the Lowrance map with the data strip on the left side. No Garmin
equivalent exists. However, the screen is so much easier to read that
the data being placed on the map looks like it will do.

The bad:
At JA, the display model was not set up with a subscription to see
"actual" weather. They had the thing in simulator mode. At these prices,
either Garmin or JA should have popped for the FULL package. I always
think "If you believe this thing/service is worth what you are charging,
why don't YOU buy it?".

Upon opening the box, I find a multitude of stuff. I had already
prepared myself that I was NOT going to like the yoke mount. I hated
every other mounting system (except my old Quik-Clamp) I have seen or
used. Yes, I especially dislike the RAM system. To my surprise, the
mount can be adjusted to put the thing RIGHT where I want it in the
Cherokee. However, my elation was short lived. With the external power
plugged in, it is a REAL bear to mount or dismount the unit. The power
plug was clearly misplaced right up against the mount. If you mount it
first and then plug it in, you have to do a bit of gymnastics to get all
3 plugs in there. The plug for the XM is the tiny USB and it is also
hard to locate once mounted.

One thing you will likely need to do with the mount. As shipped, the
mount puts the unit nearly up against the right Ram's horn on a Piper.
You need to disassemble the mount and reverse it. That centers the unit
nicely. Another modification, unscrew the ridiculous rubber plug cover
and put it right back in the box, forever. If you don't, you will
CONSTANTLY wrestle trying to plug everything in while getting past it.
You will see exactly what I mean when you look at the unit.

About the connectors. There are now 3 of them (power, external GPS
antenna, and XM radio/antenna). Unless you have a hangar and want to
leave the unit in the plane, that means you have to plug and unplug 6
times for a typical journey away from the tiedown. Unplug the beast at
the restaurant or overnight destination and you double it. Remember my
earlier comment about how difficult it it to do the plug/unplug
operation AND the mount/dismount because of the misplaced power
connector. This thing clearly needs a single multipin plug accessory
harness. While we are at it, the power plug is VERY tight. I swear I am
bunging the thing up putting it in an taking it out. I hope this gets
easier with time.

Another nit is the power cable. IT IS NOT LONG ENOUGH!!! $2300 for a GPS
and I have to go to Rat Shack for a 12v extension. HELLLLOOOOOO!!?? Even
Lowrance (the "value" leader) figured out how much distance there is
across the Piper panel.

Nitting away, Where is the COVER???? I expect a cover to snap on to keep
the sun off the screen when parked and to protect the screen while in
the flight bag. Again, even Lowrance figured this one out. $.18 worth of
plastic is surely in the retail price somewhere. Yes, they do include a
small bag, but I find those things to be useless. Lets's trade the bag
for a snap-on cover.

Final nit, it has a PROPRIETARY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY! It needs the
special charger to juice up. Opinions vary, but I prefer standard double
A's. I don't want to get fleeced for $200+ in a year or so when the
rechargeable craps out. Yes, I know it stays charged while on external
power, but I still don't like it. On the plus side, the battery will
last 6+ hours with a fairly high backlight on. Something like 16 hours
with the backlight off, but the unit is almost impossible to see with
the light off.

O.K. I promised that the last comment was the final nit. I lied. It
appears I now have to spend ANOTHER $300 FOR THE AUTO KIT!!!!!! For the
price, I should have received the car kit AND a year's subscription to
the full bore "Aviator" weather package. Competitors, Garmin, anyone
listening?

I must admit, if the price were around $1400 (where it belongs), these
shortfalls would be a LOT easier to take. It just grinds salt into a
pretty deep wound that the unit is not closer to perfection right out of
the box. But, as I said, it is RADAR! (At this point, I will tell myself
any lie to justify the cost).

So, today, I may take to the skies to see the thing in action. I'll
report back.

Mike

"Mike Spera" wrote in message
ink.net...

snip

I must admit, if the price were around $1400 (where it belongs), these
shortfalls would be a LOT easier to take. It just grinds salt into a
pretty deep wound that the unit is not closer to perfection right out of
the box. But, as I said, it is RADAR! (At this point, I will tell myself
any lie to justify the cost).

So, today, I may take to the skies to see the thing in action. I'll report
back.

Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the review. The 396 is one of the items on my "upgrade" list.
Along with a wing leveler, one of the Dynon EFIS systems, and a second,
third, and fourth airplane. Right now, I'm thinking RV-10, Aeronca Chief,
and DC-3, respectively. I think I'll have to wait a few years on the
airplane fleet, but some of the other upgrades are doable today.

Anyway, did you look at the various iterations of the "AnywhereMap", which
can be purchased for the $1400 or so you mentioned. If so, what drove you to
buy the Garmin?

KB

Mike, good report... Garmin's engineers should pay attention to your
want list...

I'm flying with the 196 and 296 on the yokes... I can afford a 396 but
haven't decided that I need inflight weather... Flew the same weather
pattern you did in our report... Didn't feel the lack of in-cockpit
updates for the 1.5 to 2 hour legs, what with doing weather checks on
the ground at each stop.. I have been all over three states for the
past 6 weeks and I don't remember an airport with an instrument
approach that does not have a terminal... Certainly, grass ports,
etc., likely don't have one...

This is not a knock on the 396, it is a great box... But I have reached
the stage of life where I do not feel obligated to pick my way between
CB heads whilst hoping like hell it doesn't hail.... If you want to
live long and prosper don't try to use the 396 as an excuse for
challenging Mother Nature... She will take you up on that wager in a
heart beat...

denny - old pilot, not bold pilot...

I'm flying with the 196 and 296 on the yokes... I can afford a 396 but
haven't decided that I need inflight weather... Flew the same weather
pattern you did in our report... Didn't feel the lack of in-cockpit
updates for the 1.5 to 2 hour legs, what with doing weather checks on
the ground at each stop.. I have been all over three states for the
past 6 weeks and I don't remember an airport with an instrument
approach that does not have a terminal... Certainly, grass ports,
etc., likely don't have one...
We have a few favorite stops where the FBO has closed down (Lake Lawn
Lodge and Grand Geneva to name 2). I am concerned about the weather
"popping up" while on the ground. At times we like to spend the day
somewhere and I don't want to constantly check on and worry about the
weather trying to find the "perfect" time to leave. We have also had a
sparkling forecast go South while airborne on a 2 hour trip to Ann Arbor
from Chicago. I absolutely hated the "should we land and check the
radar/METARS or plow ahead" on many trips. This box should add some data
to make the go ahead/turn around decision while in the air.


This is not a knock on the 396, it is a great box... But I have reached
the stage of life where I do not feel obligated to pick my way between
CB heads whilst hoping like hell it doesn't hail.... If you want to
live long and prosper don't try to use the 396 as an excuse for
challenging Mother Nature... She will take you up on that wager in a
heart beat...

As I said, this instrument is for weather avoidance, not penetration.
The data is not real time, therefore, not usable as a tactical look to
weave in and around a storm. It can tell me where an isolated heavy rain
is and how I can go completely around it. It can also show the general
direction and speed the rain is moving at. From there we can see whether
a given route will take us into or around any buildup. I usually give a
storm a 30+ mile space. My goal is to perhaps take a few more ventures
out on a cumulus building summer day with the confidence we can spot any
nasty stuff and delay a take off into it or give it a wide berth if it
is isolated. Ordinarily, we would simply not go. 1000 hours and an
instrument rating has taught me that little airplanes are quite useless
as a reliable transportation device. I'm just trying to chip away
slightly at the margin.

Thanks,
Mike

"Denny" wrote:

I'm flying with the 196 and 296 on the yokes... I can afford a 396 but
haven't decided that I need inflight weather...

If you flew back and forth between Mobile and Houston very much, you'd
already have decided.

These are typical days from mid-May to mid-September:

http://tinyurl.com/zmxej (Pardon the crappy resolution allowed on the
Bellsouth servers.)

Before I had XM WX, it was impossible to plan summer trips with any degree
of confidence, and often nerve-wracking to fly them.

Now? The boomers aren't nearly as scary when I know exactly what they're up
to.

I ain't sayin' I'll go *every* time, but I've postponed only one flight, and
landed short and waited only once in the two years I've had NEXRAD aboard.
Used to happen all the time.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

"Dan Luke" wrote in message
...

snip


Before I had XM WX, it was impossible to plan summer trips with any degree
of confidence, and often nerve-wracking to fly them.

Now? The boomers aren't nearly as scary when I know exactly what they're
up to.

I ain't sayin' I'll go *every* time, but I've postponed only one flight,
and landed short and waited only once in the two years I've had NEXRAD
aboard. Used to happen all the time.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

I don't have XM weather (wish I did), but the thing I've found which really
helps me circumnavigate convestive stuff is altitude. Like you, I live in
the South, where the haze layer often tops out at 8-10k ft. To get a good
look at the CB's from afar, I climb above the haze.

Since I fly an airplane which has the performance to get "up high"
relatively easily, SOP for me in the summer is to climb above the haze
layer, where I can see building weather from hundreds of miles away. The
other plus is that 90% or more of the GA fleet is below you when you're at
10k or better, so there is less traffic in the first place and the
visibility lets you see any traffic from a good distance.

KB

"Kyle Boatright" wrote:

I don't have XM weather (wish I did), but the thing I've found which
really helps me circumnavigate convestive stuff is altitude. Like you, I
live in the South, where the haze layer often tops out at 8-10k ft. To
get a good look at the CB's from afar, I climb above the haze.

That's ok if the CBs are isolated. Often though, they're more numerous, and
hidden by towering CU that rise above the useful altitudes for my airplane.
On those days, I used to fly below the bases so I could spot the darker
areas and rain shafts. I spent a lot of time in sweaty, bumpy rides at
3,000 ft.

Since I fly an airplane which has the performance to get "up high"
relatively easily, SOP for me in the summer is to climb above the haze
layer, where I can see building weather from hundreds of miles away.

Must be nice. What airplane?

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM

Mike Spera wrote:

...............

So, today, I may take to the skies to see the thing in action. I'll
report back.

Mike

I just got a 396 and got a chance to use it for the frist time in the
air last weekend (4 hours total). I'd have to say that the price is
steep for a handheld, but considering the quality of the display and
the weather, it was well worth it. I just got the Aviator LT service,
but having the weather radar, and the METARs for every airport were a
really nice feature. Might have to try out the higher level of service
with winds aloft, lightning, & TAFs at some point.

I agree about the excessive number of cables. It seems they could have
bundled the Power, XM, and audio into one cable.

It will be interesting to see how Garmin tops this one. The 2 major
upgrades I can see are a larger screen (the current screen is very very
good, but could be larger) and the ability to receive TIS traffic
information without being wired to a transponder (not sure how easy it
would be to set this up though).

Enjoy flying with the 396, I think you'll find it to be worth the
expense.

By the way, I now have a Garmin 195 in perfect working condition, that
I don't have any need for. I'll be listing it on ebay at some point,
but if anyone wants a Garmin with a bigger screen than anything
currently on the market, let me know and we can talk price.

Eric
1959 Pilatus P-3 A-848
http://www.hometown.aol.com/bartscher/P3A848.html

Might have to try out the higher level of service
with winds aloft, lightning, & TAFs at some point.

The LT package already contains TAFS.

Good Luck,
Mike

"Mike Spera" wrote:

when the little dude began to paint green/yellow stripes and blobs
marching out of the Nowthwest, my buyer's remorse subsided quite a bit. I
CAN ACTUALLY SEE THE RAIN!!!! Oh yeah, that's what it is supposed to do.

Ain't it grand?

When you think about it, I just bought RADAR for under $2500! Yes, it is
not airborne, tactical, real-time, weather penetration radar.

It's better, IMO.

The bad:

With the external power plugged in, it is a REAL bear to mount or dismount
the unit. The power plug was clearly misplaced right up against the mount.
If you mount it first and then plug it in, you have to do a bit of
gymnastics to get all 3 plugs in there. The plug for the XM is the tiny
USB and it is also hard to locate once mounted.

*sigh*

That's the damned truth. I hate that mounting cradle.

While we are at it, the power plug is VERY tight. I swear I am bunging the
thing up putting it in an taking it out. I hope this gets easier with
time.

It won't. Better buy a spare.

I've now broken TWO power cable plugs just by unplugging them. Last time I
broke one, I bought two so I'd have a backup in the airplane. Horrible
design.

Nitting away, Where is the COVER???? I expect a cover to snap on to keep
the sun off the screen when parked and to protect the screen while in the
flight bag.

Hadn't thought of that. Good idea.

So, today, I may take to the skies to see the thing in action. I'll report
back.

Prediction: you will wonder how you ever lived without it, pain-in-the-butt
power cable and all.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM