Garmin GPSmap 496 Blog

Garmin GPSMAP 496 Price Reduction - $2395

2007-06-26T17:00:00.000-05:00

Good news with all the summer weather!

Garmin has reduced the price of the award winning GPSMAP 496 to $2395

It can be ordered from JA Air Center by clicking here

Garmin GPSMAP 496 Operating Software Ver. 2.80 Available

2006-12-12T16:05:00.000-06:00

A loyal GPSMAP 496 Blogger "Cessnadog" was kind enough to keep us on our toes and advise that Garmin has released Ver. 2.80 of the Garmin GPSMAP 496 Unit Software.

Unit Software
GPSMAP 496 Ver. 2.80 as of Nov 30, 2006

Click ----> Download

Thanks to "Cessnadog"

Garmin® Receives WAAS Certification for GNS 400W/500W series

2006-11-09T13:05:00.000-06:00

Even though our blog is on the GPSMAP 496, this is important news for all Garmin panel mount equipment owners!

Garmin® Receives WAAS Certification for GNS 400W/500W series

Click the link above for the press release!

Garmin GPSMAP 496 Operating Software Ver. 2.70 Available

2006-11-09T13:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks to one of our blog visitors to point out the new operating system is available for free from Garmin on the GPSMAP 496.

GPSMAP 496 Ver. 2.70 as of Oct 30, 2006 Click Here to Download

Garmin GPSMAP 496 Moving Map Features Defined

2006-10-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Basemap: Built-in routable basemap (North America and South America) shows roads, services, metro areas and surface features

Database:Built-in Jeppesen® database with terrain and obstacle data bases. Includes worldwide airports and VOR’s, plus Americas, or Atlantic International, or Pacific International NDB’s, intersections, special use and controlled airspace, runway data, plus airport, FSS, and ARTCC frequencies. GPSMAP 496 adds locations for private airports and heliports (U.S. only). Also, Garmin SafeTaxi™ data supports detailed airport and taxiway diagrams at over 650 U.S. airports. For European users, VFR Reporting Point data is available for reference on the moving map.

Approach waypoints: Jeppesen® data also includes final approach sequence waypoints for all published approaches.

AOPA’s Airport Directory: Included AOPA directory contains detailed information on over 5,300 U.S. airports, along with airports of entry for Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Includes names and telephone numbers of aircraft services, fuel outlets, transportation, and more.

Car navigation: Internal storage comes preloaded with MapSource® City Navigator® NT for North America or Europe. Provides street-level detail and addresses, plus listings of nearby restaurants, hotels, ATMs, etc.

Custom POIs: Supports user-created custom points-of-interest (POI) data, using Garmin’s free POI Loader software.

Uploadable maps: Accepts optional Garmin data cards for detailed maps.

Compare Garmin GPSMAP 496 to 396 to 296 to 196

2006-10-24T12:00:00.000-05:00

Garmin has a great tool that allows you to line up their aviation GPS units to compare features.

http://www.garmin.com/aviation/compare.jsp

Click the link above, check the desired units you would like to compare and Garmin's great website does the rest.

As always, feel free to call us at JA AIR CENTER - 800-323-5966 or send us an email at info@jaair.com for a translation of features if anything does not make sense.

Garmin GPSMAP 496 v. 2.60 Operating System Available

2006-10-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

Garmin has released a new version of the GPSMAP 496 Operating system (thanks to a visitor to our blog advising us!)

Remember, these are free to GPSMAP 496 owners and we encourage you to update your unit for the latest features/fixes.

Click the download link below:

GPSMAP 496 Ver. 2.60 as of Sep 25, 2006 Download

Garmin GPSMAP 496 v 2.5 Update Available

2006-09-22T15:51:00.000-05:00

The latest operating system software for the Garmin GPSMAP 496 is available for download on Garmin's website.

You can manually download it below:

Unit Software
GPSMAP 496 Ver. 2.50 as of Sep 07, 2006 Download

Or download the Garmin Webupdate to make life easy:

Update Unit Software with WebUpdater
Use WebUpdater to automatically keep your operating software current.

Try the WebUpdater - it makes your life much easier for every update from Garmin and you can use it on all your Garmin GPS units - it will automatically recognize your specific model and go to Garmin's website and grab and download your update.

The Power of the GPSMAP 496 XM Weather

2006-08-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

Don't fly here!

If you want to know the more information about a weather cell, move your cursor over the cell (depicted with an arrow) and hit enter.

Full data on that specific Storm Cell

Also, you can view Airmets

Garmin GPSMAP 496 Product Page/Technical Support/Manual

2006-08-10T00:29:00.000-05:00

Help me.....

JA Air Center (www.jaair.com) is happy to offer assistance with Garmin GPSMAP 496 questions by calling us toll-free at 800-323-5966 (M-F from 8:00 AM-4:30 PM CT). You can also send us an email at info@jaair.com

If you are looking for the Garmin product page for the GPSMAP 496, click here: www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap496/

If you are looking for Garmin technical support, click here: http://www.garmin.com/contactUs/techSupport.jsp or call 800-800-1020 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT)

If you have some spare time and would like to read the GPSMAP 496 manual, you can download it in .pdf format by clicking here: http://www.garmin.com/products/manual.jsp?product=010-00578-00

Garmin GPS MAP 496 Headquarters - Olathe, KS

2006-08-09T23:46:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder where the Garmin wizards designed the cool new GPSMAP 496?

http://www.garmin.com/

Garmin USA Headquarters
1200 E. 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062-3426
(Kansas City metro area)

Phone: (800) 800-1020 or (913) 397-8200
Fax: (913) 397-8282

GPS Coordinates:
N 38 deg 51.333 min W 094 deg 47.941 min

Photo/Image courtesy of Garmin International

Database Updates Available for the GPSMAP 496

2006-08-01T23:28:00.000-05:00

During EAA AirVenture 2006 in Oshkosh, Wi this year, we received many questions on the new databases available for the GPSMAP 496, especially the SafeTaxi and AOPA.

Below are the databases available and costs involved:

Jeppesen:

The Jeppesen database contains the general aviation data (NavData) used by pilots (Airports, VORs, NDBs, SUAs, etc.).

Pricing: Single Update: $35.00 Annual Service: $295 for 13 consecutive cycles

Updates are available every 28 days. They are posted on the Garmin website 7 days before their effective date.

Obstacle:

The obstacle database contains the locations of towers, tall buildings, and other vertical obstructions that could be a potential source of hazard to pilots. The obstacle database is currently only available for a U.S. coverage region which contains obstacles within the U.S. and limited coverage of the Pacific, Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, and Bahamas.

Pricing: Single Update: $35.00 Annual Service: $195 for 7 consecutive cycles, one update per cycle

Updates are available every 56 days. They are posted on the Garmin website 7 days before their effective date.

SafeTaxi

SafeTaxi:

The SafeTaxi database contains the graphical depiction of airport diagrams. The SafeTaxi database is currently only avialable for the U.S. coverage region which contains information on limited airports within the U.S.

Pricing: Single Update: $35.00 Annual Service: $195 for 7 consecutive cycles, one update per cycle

Updates are available every 56 days. They are posted on the Garmin website 7 days before their effective date.

AOPA:

The AOPA database contains additional aviation POI data (points of interest). The AOPA database is currently only available for the U.S. coverage region which contains some of the airports within the U.S.

Pricing: Single Update: $35.00

AOPA data is released four times per year on the 15th day of each quarter.

Garmin GPSmap 496 Updates and Downloads

2006-07-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

GPSmap 496 Updates & Downloads

Update Unit Software with WebUpdater
Use WebUpdater to automatically keep your operating software current.

Additional Software
FlightBook Ver. 2.4 as of Jan 24, 2005 Download
USB Drivers Ver. 2.1 as of Aug 26, 2004 Download
xImage Ver. 2.3 as of Mar 23, 2005 Download

Unit Software
GPSMAP 496 Ver. 2.40 as of Jul 20, 2006 Download

(For new owners, check back often to this free download link as a new product has many unit software upgrades in the beginning!) gpsmap 496 blog guy

GPSmap 496 ($2795) vs. GPSmap 396 ($2195)

2006-07-20T21:58:00.000-05:00

As we have been asked the obvious....what does the GPSMAP 496 do that would make me want one over the GPSMAP 396....If you strictly are purchasing the unit for weather in the cockpit, then the GPSMAP 396 may be the way to go, but if you want some unbelievable features - check out this:

The $600 difference alone can be covered by the 1st feature of the built-in StreetPilot GPS (all the detailed street level maps are preloaded - no messing with software) with turn-by-turn voice navigation for anywhere in US and Canada. A stand-along Garmin StreetPilot 2720 has a street price of about $800.

But take a look at the other upgrades!

These upgrades include:

Built-In Automotive Streetpilot GPS - Preloaded City Navigator NT automotive street mapping, with turn-by-turn voice prompts, for North America (US and Canada)

Go from the skyways to the highways with no map software loading required. Land the aircraft at your destination, grab your GPSMAP 496 and get driving directions to your meeting, hotel, etc.!

Garmin SafeTaxi data provides detailed taxiway diagrams and position information for over 650 U.S. Airports. Consider this for low visibility taxing!

AOPA Airport Directory offers detailed information on over 7,400 U.S. Airports, along with airports of entry for Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Includes names and phone numbers of FBOs and fuel/services facilities, plus ground transportation, local attractions and more.
Very cool - don't have to carry that huge book with you in the aircraft.

Fast 5 Hz GPS updating of map data and "Panel" display gives a smoother, near "real-time" presentation of turn coordinator and HSI for added realism and safety. Have an electrical failure and this feature can assist you on getting the aircraft down.

Enhanced terrain and aviation databases will supply even more visual reference to the pilot. The addition of private airports and heliports to the database provides more navigation and emergency "nearest" options.

garmin gpsmap 496 blog guy

GPSmap 496 Basic Specifications

2006-07-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

GPSmap 496 Features:

WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel GPS receiver
Display Size: 3.75” Diagonal, 480 x 320 pixels
Display: 256-color, sunlight readable TFT with adjustable backlight
Unit Dimensions: 5.7” W x 3.2” H x 1.9” D
Preloaded SafeTaxi airport diagrams
Built-in AOPA airport directory data
Smart Airspace™ feature makes it easier than ever to identify what airspace lies ahead
Built-in Jeppesen database with terrain and obstacle databases
Terrain/obstacle display with pop-up warnings
5 Hz update rate on maps and "Panel" instruments
Supports optional XM Weather and XM Satellite Radio
Supports optional TIS traffic alerts
Preloaded with detailed City Navigator NT street maps and POI database
Upload custom POIs, including alerts for speed zones, safety cameras, and more
Provides voice-prompt road guidance when the power/speaker cable is connected
Accepts standard Garmin data cards and pre-programmed data cards
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers 5 to 15 hours of use depending on backlight settings
Water resistant, IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes)

gpsmap 496 blog guy

Great Screen Shots of the GPSmap 496

2006-07-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

Click on the link below to access some great pictures of the GPSMAP 496

Screen Shots of the new GPSMAP 496

July 19, 2006 - Garmin GPSmap 496 Introduced

2006-07-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

Garmin’s® Portable GPSMAP® 496 Gives More Power and Features

OLATHE, Kan./July 19, 2006/PR Newswire — Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN), today introduced the GPSMAP 496, a full-color, portable aviation device that expands on the GPSMAP 396’s features by incorporating Garmin’s SafeTaxi™ airport diagrams, Garmin’s Smart Airspace™, AOPA’s Airport Directory data, enhanced high-resolution terrain database, aviation database with private airports and heliports, accelerated GPS update rate, and pre-loaded automotive maps of North America or Europe. These features are in addition to the real-time XM WX Satellite Weather™ that puts powerful weather information at the pilot’s fingertips.

“With more power and information than any other portable handheld on today’s market, the GPSMAP 496 is an essential piece of equipment for any pilot,” said Gary Kelley, Garmin’s vice president of marketing. “The information on this mini-MFD helps increase safety and situational awareness during all phases of flight – from taxiing to navigating around terrain and weather. And thanks to the pre-loaded street maps, it also gives pilots the ability to navigate unfamiliar roadways with the same ease that they navigate the airways.”

The Garmin SafeTaxi airport diagrams help pilots navigate unfamiliar airports with confidence. Over 650 U.S. airport diagrams come pre-loaded on the unit. The charts identify runways, taxiways, and hangars, as well as the aircraft’s exact location on the field. Garmin anticipates offering SafeTaxi updates regularly. International airport diagrams will also be available in the future.

When in the air, Garmin’s new Smart Airspace feature makes it easier than ever to identify what airspace lies ahead. Smart Airspace automatically highlights airspace close to the pilot’s current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude, which gives pilots increased situational awareness.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Directory data are also available in electronic format on the GPSMAP 496. Recognized throughout the industry as one of the most comprehensive sources of airport information, the AOPA’s Airport Directory includes information for over 5,300 public-use airports and more than 7,000 FBOs, such as pilot services, ground transportation, lodging, restaurants, and local attractions. In addition, Garmin’s version of the AOPA’s Airport Directory highlights airports where pilots can save on fuel by using self-service fueling locations.

In addition, the GPSMAP 496 has an enhanced, higher resolution terrain database that has over ten times as much data as the GPSMAP 396’s terrain database. The new database lets pilots see vivid depictions of proximity hazards that require their attention. Pilots can customize their own minimum clearance limits to receive terrain cautions, which pop up as digital thumbnail images.
Pilots will also appreciate the unit’s increased GPS update rate, which is five times faster than any other handheld on today’s market. This impressive new attribute results in near-real-time updates of the aircraft’s analog indicators, such as the HSI and turn rate indicator. Viewing the GPSMAP 496’s display in any light is easy, thanks to the device’s 256-color, high-resolution (480x320-pixels) TFT display. The unit also features a USB interface and rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

As with the GPSMAP 396, the GPSMAP 496 will continue to offer optional XM WX Satellite Weather™ (U.S. only) that features Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD), Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs), Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Lightning and Winds Aloft, and several other important weather products to help pilots make informed navigational decisions. The weather data may be laid directly over the unit’s Jeppesen® and topographic map databases. Weather information is delivered to the unit through Garmin’s new GXM™ 30A smart antenna, which is included with the GPSMAP 496.

On the road, the 496 serves as a premium in-car navigation system with automatic route calculation to any destination and turn-by-turn voice-prompted directions along the way. The GPSMAP 496 is Garmin’s first aviation handheld to include pre-loaded City Navigator® NT maps of North America or Europe. These detailed street maps include a huge points of interest database — including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, ATMs, and attractions. Map data are provided by NAVTEQ™ – a world leader in premium-quality mapping.

When traveling by water, the GPSMAP 496 is compatible with Garmin’s new BlueChart® g2 technology. These optional data cards turn the GPSMAP 496 into a color chartplotter that displays integrated marine maps with shaded depth contours, port plans, inter-tidal zones, spot soundings, wrecks, navaids, restricted areas, cable areas, and anchorages.

XM WX Satellite Weather data and audio are provided by XM Satellite Radio. Please see http://www.xmradio.com/weather/aviation.html for pricing and other details.