LOWRANCE AIRMAP GPS vs. GARMIN

[GR8-DAD]

I would like to get some opinions and comment on these choices between GPS's.

Looking to buy either the Lowrance Airmap 2000C or the Garmin 296. I am familiar with the Garmin products and think they are very good, however, being a novice on this subject, I don't know much about the Lowrance, except that it has great functionality and competitively priced, ie. below R10k.

thanx

Web: www.composite.co.za

[RV4ker (RIP)]

I compared the 1000 and the 196 and 196 was far better at the time IMHO. Very happy with my 196...

With launch of the 496, I am sure there will be a flood of 296's n the market in USA. Maybe worth waiting a bit and getting second hand on ebay. I def gonna get one....

[RudiGreyling]

Let me know what you find, I'm also between 296 and 2000, have not yet investigated to much

[GR8-DAD]

Thanx RV, Rudi.

My hanger buddie, Gert, bought the 2000c this morning and should have it early next week. I'll evaluate it and let you know what I think.

[Ian]

Cannot comment on the Airmap, but I'm VERY happy with my 296. I hope the Airmap does well, competition lowers prices and Garmin's are overpriced IMO ....

I use the 296 in my Scoobie as well, just change the mode. When changing back for aerie all aviation settings are remembered..

Cheers ian

[Griffin]

I use the 296 in my Scoobie

What is a Scoobie?

[Ian]

A Scoobie = Subaru

In my case a turbo Forrester

Cheers ian

[Bumpy]

Both I and a fellow microlighter recently purchased a Garmin 296 each. I think they are great and as a first time GPS user I really found it easy to use and set-up.

However, the only draw back is the extreme interference we are both getting on our radios when the GPS is on and therefore we don’t use them. (I only have interference on 124.8, but he has it on all frequencies, we both have different trikes, different intercoms and different radios and have literally tried everything with no success)

I suggest that you test it our on your system first

[DarkHelmet]

Have you tried the ferites Demon mentions here: viewtopic.php?t=2714

Silly me - saw you did reply that you had no luck. Has demon came back to you about the installation of em?

[Bumpy]

Hi DH

I got so fustrated with it that I sold my Raptor and eagerly await my new JK-05 (www.aircraftafrica.co.za/junior_photos.html) which should be here sometime in November!

If the GPS still interferes with the coms expect to see it falling from FL095

BR

Bumpy

[GR8-DAD]

My mate very disappointed with the Lowrance. Delivered quickly after payment but just cannot get the damn thing to show terrain properly. Followed all instructions carefully, even by phone with suppliers.

Has subsequently send the damn thing back - Rather give me something new and innovative that has been tried and tested Garmin.

[Mike Cordeiro]

I also looked for a long time for a GPS and if you want to panel mount it
(You can also use it as a portable)
I suggest that you look at the "AvMap EKP-IV".
It has all the goodies including ColourTerrain depiction , Terrain awareness warning system, (TAWS) 7" LCD screen and it is user friendly.

[ZULU1]

I am writing a "road test" for this unit at the moment for Afskies, a very interesting piece of kit. I am a experienced Garmin user and its a pleasant surprise.

The 296 is renowned for interference but I may add that Brian Eaton fixed it easily with simple antenna ground and cable maintenance.

eish ZULU1

[Falcon]

I have the lowrance 2000, and I am very happy with the unit. No interference, nice big screen.

The terrain features worked fine.

[GR8-DAD]

The suppliers replaced the faulty unit with a new one after failing to sort out the glitch - must say the new one that works is superb and the price is very good.