Just a simple GPS

[doug rooney]

Hi all, I am buying a 46 BC12D with no avionics. Since I'm rather computer challenged, I'm wondering if someone could recommend a simple GPS that is battery powered and will just get me from point A to B. I do not have an Ipad. Do I need one of those? Thanks

[3Dreaming]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Doug, welcome over here. Everybody will have their personal preference, but I like the Garmin *96 series. You should be able to pick up a used 296 or 396 for a reasonable price.

[astjp2]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Go with the color, 296 or higher. I had a 196 and used a 295 and a 496 flying to an from Alaska, the 496 is the nicest but used costs as much as and aera. Tim

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Well, hello there 3D! Thanks guys (gals?) for the info. I shall check those out. Found this on ebay. My only concern would be the word "Taiwan". What do you think? 251959498650

[3Dreaming]

Re: Just a simple GPS

The Garmin products seem to be the standard for aviation navigation. I wouldn't worry to much about where it was made.

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

OK, thanks. So I wouldn't need anything but this? No ipad, etc? Just turn it on and go. (after reading instructions of course. lol)

[barnstmr]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I recently subscribed to "iFly GPS" and have made a few flights now with it using my Samsung Galaxy Rugby (android) smart phone. It is GREAT! Simple to understand. It has all the sectional/WAC/and other charts I could ever want for VFR plus some I don't need for IFR. It has weather information, warnings for towers and terrain obstacles, fuel prices, airport diagrams.... and more that I haven't even found out about yet I am sure. Yearly subscription is around $65.00. So far I have been using a suction cup bracket on the windscreen to hold it, but I am planning to make a simple bracket to affix it to my banjo wheel. My screen is only 2.2 X 3.4, but so far it is plenty big. It will be a little easier to read once I attach it to my wheel. If you need a bigger screen, it will run on a Kindle and/or you can get an apple version for iphone or ipad.

This capability alone makes a smart phone worthwhile to me. You would spend a whole lot more on a GPS device. I spent many years resisting the smart phone trying to keep life simple. But I made the switch from flip phone last year and I can truly say the smart phone has made my life simpler.

[cvavon]

Re: Just a simple GPS

I have a garmin pilot III there is one on Ebay now is small will sit on glare shield real long battery life on double a batterys and is easy to use

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Yeah, us older guys tend to resist hi tech stuff. At least I do but staying up with the times has to happen sooner or later if we do things like flying. Thanks for the feedback guys!

[M Towsley]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Be wary of buying older stuff that is no longer supported. Good luck.

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Yeah Marty. With any electronics, I think I'd better go with new

[astjp2]

Re: Just a simple GPS

The new touch screen garmin's can be intimidating, I prefer the ones with buttons. Tim

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Thanks for the tip Tim. Can't seem to find a NEW Garmin 296. Anyone have a link where I can order one? Thanks

[3Dreaming]

Re: Just a simple GPS

The *96 series has been replaced by the Area series GPS. I doubt you will find a new one. If you can find another like you linked to in the earlier post that would be your next best bet.

[doug rooney]

Re: Just a simple GPS

Thanks 3D. The Garmin Pilot III is also obsolete so will check into something else.