Garmin 296 Problem
 

Lately my 296 has been working on and off. When it will turn on, it works fine, but after turning it off and trying to turn it back on for a later flight, sometimes it won't turn on. The battery can be fully charged, and I can have it plugged in, but it is like the power button won't work sometimes. When it is doing this, it won't automatically turn on when I plug it in. :confused:

Anybody experience this problem? Or have any ideas?

My 396 just started doing something weird. Working fine yesterday morning, then on the return flight yesterday afternoon, she powered up to the initial dim screen but stayed there locked. I had to remove the battery to shut it off. The "master reset" didn't even work (OUT+QUIT+NEAREST+POWER - wait for beep - release power button while holding the others for another 12 seconds). So.... I'm FedEx-ing the 396 back to Garmin today. Some times these unshielded handhelds just die. Too many cosmic rays, methinks. ;)

Good luck.

296 PROBLEM
 

Call the Garmin tech line 1-800-800-1020. They have been very helpful in the past with me.

Hope thast helps

Wayne
C-GOYA RV7"eh?"

Problem with 296 Jepp database
 

I discovered a problem with the current Jepp database on the GPSMap 296.

Specifically, there is an error in the reporting of the class 'E' control zone airspace for Canadian airports.

The problem is that AGL data is reported as MSL. For example if an airport is at 1100', and the CZ extends to 3000' AGL, the 296 reports the CZ as 3000' MSL, rather than the correct 4100' MSL. [eg. CYFF, CYDC]

I contacted Garmin, and there response is that 'all information in the GPSMap 296 database is correct', and to contact Jeppesen for further clarification.

You can make your own judgment on Garmin's support, but I want to warn everyone to be careful trusting the database.

On one hand, Garmin says 'all information in the GPSMap 296 database is correct' (emphasis mine), and on the other hand, I've found errors.

I know the 296 is for VFR use only, and that you have to acknowledge Garmin's disclaimer when it's powered up. When errors are pointed out to them, however, I would expect a more diligent response.

Vern Little

Vern,
I do have the exact same issue with the European database here in Italy.

Looks like Garmin does not honor really well the difference between MSL and AGL, which to me is a big bummer, given the fact that the GPS knows what the terrain elevation is since it's got a terrain database built in... of course there is no barometric altitude, so one must take the GPS altitude reading with a pinch of salt, but confusing AGL and MSL should definitely not happen.

No big deal for most of us, since we all fly with paper maps on our kneeboards, right? :D

Seriously, this bug is a bit of a pain since the GPS warns of getting into a restricted airspace while one is well clear of it... too bad! :mad:

Ciao from Italy!

Luca

So my question for Garmin is:

If a feature does not work, is it a feature? Should you be charging money for it? Alternatively, if Garmin's data is less reliable outside of the USA, should they be charging less in the countries affected?

Garmin's reputation is being affected, not because of the database errors, but because of their attitude about admitting them and fixing them.

In my airplane, I am putting a placard for all to see "GPS Class E control zone data unreliable". If anyone asks why, I'll tell them.

Vern

New 296 software available
 

I noticed that Garmin released a software update for the 296 this week:

http://www.garmin.com/support/agree.jsp?id=889

You might want to give that a try and give Garmin a call back if you're still having troubles.

mcb

Matt, thanks for the heads up.
The Garmin update is dated Sept. 7, with the following changes:

"Changes made from version 4.40 to 4.50:

* Corrected issue that could cause flights to be recorded while driving on land when the unit is in aviation mode.
* Improved alerting for airspace with upper or lower bounds specified as AGL."

The second update is likely my issue. I'll give it a try and post the results.

Vern

Matt,

once again you're providing me with great information about my GPS! :)

It looks like I am affected by both bugs reported in the 4.50 release notes, as I also often use the GPS in aviation mode while driving. It bummed me to see so many false flights showing up in the GPS logbook, good thing they've fixed this too!

Too bad my Garmin is back home in Rome and I am in London today... will need to wait one more day before I can test the new bug fixes.

On a sidenote, it's weird I did not receive the usual automatic email that Garmin sent me when newer version of the firmware are made available, it surely did work OK at least two or three times in the past months. Not sure if anyone is using the same service freely provided by Garmin on their website.

Ciao, Luca

Well, this update did not help. Garmin continues to deny the error in the database, and is directing me to Jeppesen. So much for customer support!

Vern