What GPS to go for in a Gyro

[Yoda]

Can you guys give me some advice on what GPS to go for in my Gyro. Dont have any knowledge or experience in this field. Price range between R5000 and R10 000. :

[CloudBase]

The Garmin 96C is quite a nice gps to use in that price range, but if you're going to spend 10,000.00 on a gps, spend the extra 2,000.00 and get the big daddy - Garmin 296. The extra memory card, airspaces, screen size and the fact that the battery recharges when powered from the plane makes it a real winner.

It also has a automotive mode so if you have the street maps, you can use it in the car.

What are you flying ?

[Yoda]

I looked on the internet; it seems like there is also a 196 available. From what it looks like its seems to be almost like thet 296 but only with black and white screen. It falls into the same price range as the 96C. Any comments on this GPS?

[kb]

Yoda - I have just bought the 96 black / white, and to me it's more than fine. Apparently B/W screens are easier to see than color?
The 96 has more functions than I know what to do with, but then again, I've hardly used it.

[Yoda]

Thanx kb, how about the 196 with the larger screen, does anybody have any comments on this gps

[CloudBase]

I think it's a great idea.

I often revert to buying aircraft accesories from aircraft spruce or the like because sometimes the local prices are ridiculous. I'm perfectly happy to support locals, but I'm certainly not prepared to pay 100+% markup on retail, shipping and vat prices.

Anyway, the real killer is the shipping costs, so if we get a couple of people to share the shipping cost on an order then that gives an even greater saving. You could possibly say, place an order at spruce every month (two months ?) or so and people can share the cost of the shipping. If enough people are interested in a particular product, maybe the local suppliers will also be more reasonable.

[Yoda]

Thanx Demon, its a good idea, but still dont know what gps to go for??
The price tag on the 296 is steep , but if I could get it for a lot less I would probably go for it.

[Yoda]

.... I must be the best looking "Micro Master" around. Thanx for the complement Demon

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Try algoa flying club. Last time I checked it was plenty cheaper to get from them including shippin costs than get in JHB.

If largish order commin I may be able to help with freebie shipping, but will take long route via Hong Kong (2-3 months)

[Yoda]

Thanx jcvb, but I need it urgently, can you give me contact details of Algoa flying club

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Standby 1. Try following...

Website is http://www.flying.org.za/

Try shop at flying.org.za

Telephone
+27 (0)41 581 3274
FAX
+27 (0)41 581 5646

Postal address
PO Box 5680, Walmer, Port Elizabeth, 6065, South Africa

[DarkHelmet]

I would not opt for anything but the GPSMAP 296 from Garmin if I had a choice... I have a GPS12 - and it does it's thing...

ONE DAY - When I am BIG...

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Depends on what you gonna use it for. Don't overextend yourself if you just want a ground speed and actual track for eg...

My Garmin 12 linked to easy plan was just as (if not more) usefull in wide open spaces than the bigger Garmins. The bigger screen toys (196,295,296,396) are great if dodging controlled airspace,FAR etc. but you will never use all the functionality. Match mission with budget.

My 2c

[Bruce Mac]

The Garmin 196 is an excellent Gps. It has endless functions and will keep you advised on airspaces throughout Africa. It is also upgradable and keeps you up to date by downloading new information. It is well within your price range. The 296 is also great with colour graphics but does not do a lot more than the 196 besides use more battery power and give you a colour ground prox. warning which no Gyro or Trike pilot should ever need anyway. I use my 196 for many conservation projects including flying very accurate grid lines for game counts and aerial photography etc. It is an absolute pleasure to use with a large big screen and moving map.
Regards
Bruce

[Yoda]

Thanx a lot Bruce, somebody told me its to big to fit on the instrument panel of a Gyro and I should rather go for a smaller Gps, but I like the bigger screen on the 196. Do you also fly a Gyro or do you fly a chopper?