Garmin 696
The Garmin GPSMAP 696 (Garmin 696) is an all-in-one portable aviation multi-function device. Topping the list of new features on the Garmin 696 is a large, high resolution screen (7-inch diagonal), detailed electronic charts, and real-time weather that now includes PIREPs and icing forecast information.
Bigger is better
The Garmin 696 is sunlight readable during the day as well as at night. And its high-definition 7-inch display is large enough to view an approach plate in its entirety. Similar to other portable GPSMAP units, the Garmin 696 includes soft keys on the bezel around the screen. But unlike other portable units, the GPSMAP 696 has a joystick control that, coupled with the units fast 5 Hz GPS update rate that displays data and graphics smoothly and continuously, makes navigating the pages a breeze.
Got Charts?
The Garmin 696 does! Another new feature included in the 696 is Garmin FliteCharts* and IFR map mode that gives the unit Class 1/Class 2 electronic flight bag (EFB) capability. U.S. NACO departure procedures (DP), standard terminal arrival routes (STARs), approach charts and airport diagrams can now all be viewed and quickly found thanks to FliteCharts. Based on the flight plan, if the current approach is known, the Garmin 696 will even select the correct chart for you. Flying IFR? Simply put the 696 into IFR map mode and it can now show victor airways, jet routes, minimum enroute altitude and leg distance.
Real-Time Weather and Radio
The GPSMAP 696 includes a GXM 40 smart antenna, which gives you access to high-resolution weather and audio entertainment right in the cockpit (XM subscription required). XM WX Satellite Weather includes next generation radar (NEXRAD), aviation routine weather reports (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft and more for the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the 696 can receive PIREPs, turbulence forecast and icing forecast information. The weather data can be laid directly over the unit's navigation and topographic map databases. With 170+ channels of digital music, news and programming through your aircraft headset or cabin audio system, you'll stay informed and entertained.
Included with the Garmin GPSMAP 696 is a GXM 40 smart antenna. This antenna with a subscription to XM's satellite weather service allows the 696 to display high-resolution weather. Sign up for XM's satellite radio service for radio capability. XM WX Satellite Weather includes next generation radar (NEXRAD), aviation routine weather reports (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), lightning, winds aloft and more for the U.S. and Canada. The Garmin 696 can also receive PIREPs, turbulence forecast and icing forecast information. The weather data can be laid directly over the unit's navigation and topographic map databases.
Enhanced Situational Awareness
The Garmin 696 features a high-resolution terrain page showing hazards relative to your altitude and a vertical profile of terrain along your route of flight. It comes with a built-in Jeppesen database, and an Americas, Atlantic or Pacific terrain database. It also includes an obstacles database for the U.S. or Europe. Using this information, the 696 displays your flight route over contour terrain mapping. With information from the terrain and obstacles databases, the 696 monitors your current position in relation to surrounding terrain to provide alerts. You can even customize your own minimum clearance levels to receive terrain cautions. The GPSMAP 696 also comes with a realistic "view from space" satellite imagery basemap.
Like other portable aviation GPSMAP devices, the Garmin 696 includes the following enhanced aviation databases:
- Garmin SafeTaxi
Provides detailed taxiway diagrams and position information for over 850 U.S. airports. Preloaded on the unit, this information helps you navigate unfamiliar airports with confidence and shows your aircraft's exact position on the field.
- AOPA Airport Directory
Offers detailed information for over 5,300 U.S. airports, along with the names and phone numbers of thousands of FBOs. Easily look up taxi services, plan an overnight, and choose fuel stops, plus find ground transportation, lodging, restaurants, local attractions and more.
- Private Airports and Heliports
Provides data on private airports and heliports throughout U.S. and Europe, and materially expands your list of navigation and emergency "nearest" options.
Receive Altitude-Sensitive Alerts
When in the air, Garmin's new Smart Airspace feature on the GPSMAP 696 makes it easier than ever to identify what airspace lies ahead. Smart Airspace automatically highlights airspace close to your current altitude and de-emphasizes airspace away from the current altitude, which gives you increased situational awareness.
Expand Your Garmin 696
The Garmin GPSMAP 696 includes an SD card slot for extra memory and updates. Keep track of the databases on your 696 through
www.fly.garmin.com, Garmin's online manager that helps you update, manage and purchase the latest aviation data for your Garmin device, all in one place.
*A single update of FliteCharts comes preloaded on the unit. FliteCharts will automatically disable when the data is over six (6) months out-of-date (six month period to commence when map is loaded in the factory). Each box will contain a certificate for one free current FliteCharts download. After the six month period, you must purchase a subscription for continuous FliteCharts chart availability..
Are you looking for a discount on the Garmin 696? If you already own a portable GPS unit, trade it in on the purchase of a new Garmin 696 unit.
Trade-In Steps:
(please note: You don't have to worry about being without a GPS unit because you have 15 days from the date you receive your new unit to send in your trade-in unit)
- Purchase your new GPS unit and you will receive a receipt via email that will include a link to a trade-in form.
- Fill out the form completely with the details of your trade-in unit and submit it.
- We will send you a Return Authorization (RA) number via email to be used and placed in the box of your trade-in unit.
- Mail your unit to:
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U.S. Postal Service
Tropic Aero
5360 NW 20th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
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UPS, Fed Ex, etc.
Tropic Aero
5320 NW 20th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
- When we receive your trade-in unit and our service department has verified that it's complete and working, we will credit the credit used to purchase the new unit the value of your trade-in unit.
- CLICK HERE to view trade-in values and requirements.
Write a Review
Rating: 2 of 5
"Map Updates"
3/19/2009 by James in New Jersey
The 696 is a great concept, however you will need to update the maps, terain, AOPA and other databases. The instructions on-line are IMPOSSIBLE. First, they don´t list the 696 or 695- you have to guess that you need to remove the battery, write down the Serial Number then enter that. Once registered, and after I figured how to load the drivers, I tried to download the maps. Three tries later it still didn´t work. I then tried the "manuel method" by downloading an exe file, but that will not run on Windows XP. If you call tech support there is ALWAYS 30-45 nimute wait. I e-mailed them a day ago and still no response. After 180 days the unit will be useless because of map expiration. Why do they make this so hard? I assume they have not adequately tested the unit and updating. I would wait to buy until this corrected (if ever)
