garmin 396

[skennedy1940]

I use a 396 in my plane which has weather data, a really big deal for flying. I've tried it on the highway but it is clunky to say the least. Will this improve if I buy one of these updated software sets?
Thanks
Steve
skennedy@dayres.com

[davidr]

Hi there Steve,

I think the answer to your question is yes. I don't own one of these units but it looks from the Garmin specs as though it should be possible to use the unit for automotive use, except be aware that as it is an aviation unit, it's waterproofing is much more limited than some of the other units, so using on a motorcycle in the rain should probably be avoided.

Have a look at this from the Garmin site, it does state that automotive navigation is possible so it should work:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare....areProduct=313

HTH,

David

P.S. Just out of interest I notice that it says the unit has internal solid state memory but it doesn't say how much. How does that work exactly?

[stefanov1]

Hi there..
I use the GPSMAP 296 (the previous model) both on the plane and with my car &motorcycle.
I never had any problem once I installed the right map for the street navigation.
About waterprrof it's the best, I used to go to NorthKapp with my BMW K1200S and the Garmin was "underwater" for more the 72 hours no stop without any problem.
Also the device it's been designed for heavy use including vibration, low and high temperature and the case it's hard enough to handle any problem.
I don't know any if any other device can really do the same.

PS - I did used on a sail boat as well and it works fine!

[davidr]

Yes the 200 series units are very robust aren't they. The original reason why I bought my 276c was because I broke my quest riding off road with it.

No such problem with the 276 though!

David