Garmin Aera 660 Reviews/ Feedback

[Snowflake]

@Levi, thanks for the head's up on the auto power-off. I'm running the latest firmware and must have missed that in the release notes. I'm careful about how I carry it now so it may not be an issue anymore, but it's good to know it'll turn off if I bump it accidentally.

[jeffsvan]

Previously owned a GPSmap 296, a 495 and then the Aera 550.
The new 660 is the best yet.
Biggest screen, great touchscreen, very bright -easy to read.
Common interface similar to GTN650 or Garmin APP.
I love the thing.

[rv6ejguy]

I just unpacked mine today. Hopefully start playing with it tonight and get it installed in the panel. Farewell Skymap IIIC. Got a couple for sale cheap...

[BruceW]

Went from a 550 to a 660 as my primary VFR. 96% improvement.
Just back from a long trip. Very satisfied.

[pvalovich]

I was going to purchase a 660 when it first came out but didn't because it could not display XM weather like my current 496.

Has XM weather capability been added?

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by pvalovich

I was going to purchase a 660 when it first came out but didn't because it could not display XM weather like my current 496.

Has XM weather capability been added?

I think there's a picture in the "other" 660 thread that shows a screenshot from an upcoming software update that adds XM connectivity. The screenshot shows the music page, but presumably with Music capability the Weather is there as well?

[rv6ejguy]

Ok, after a few problems, finally have data bases downloaded and inputted.

First issue was with selections for the Canadian data base which didn't work. Got Garmin tech help on the phone (wait time 10 seconds-bravo!) and he fixed this glitch pronto. Unit purchased from ACS Canada but only had USA Map choices initially.

Second, found that despite the Garmin site saying the download interface software was compatible with XP SP3, turns out it didn't work for me. Switched to Win 7 and it worked.

Was a bit confusing if the interface software downloaded and installed properly or not. Did it again with another call to Garmin (wait time 1 minute- bravo again!)

Email support was days slow so I'd recommend phoning instead.

There's a learning curve to everything. Next time around will be faster and easier.

My impressions so far playing with the unit are positive. Most functions are pretty intuitive. Personal waypoint entry is a bit convoluted to reach but once you know how, it works ok. Not something I'll need much now that I have all my local call points entered.

Looking forward to flying with it and being able to see it sunlight unlike my old Skymap.

As someone else suggested here, would be nice if you had to hold down the power button 3 seconds to activate the unit. It's too easy to turn on with a short bump or even just picking up the unit.

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

Ok, after a few problems, finally have data bases downloaded and inputted.

Second, found that despite the Garmin site saying the download interface software was compatible with XP SP3, turns out it didn't work for me. Switched to Win 7 and it worked.

Was a bit confusing if the interface software downloaded and installed properly or not. Did it again with another call to Garmin (wait time 1 minute- bravo again!)

Hello Ross,

You probably have your reasons for not using the Aera 660 built-in Wifi to download databases and software, but for the benefit of others we wanted to mention this capability.

I have been flying with an Aera 660 longer than anyone, and I have never actually downloaded databases with anything but Wifi.

It is so easy to choose and download databases and software updates right on the Aera 660 with no connection to a computer that most will find that they never need to connect the unit to a computer. I have added both home and office Wifi connections to the Aera 660, and can effortlessly use these connections to keep the unit up-to-date.



Did I mention you can snap your unit in the home dock to charge and update databases when at home?



Thanks,
Steve

[rv6ejguy]

Steve,

Thanks Steve. I haven't read through the manual completely at this point. I'll try the network setup here tonight.

Appreciate all your quick responses!

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

You probably have your reasons for not using the Aera 660 built-in Wifi to download databases and software, but for the benefit of others we wanted to mention this capability.

I have been flying with an Aera 660 longer than anyone, and I have never actually downloaded databases with anything but Wifi.

Steve, I recall when I got mine I couldn't do this, and my recollection was that I had to update the firmware to a certain level before it would let me. That required a hard connection to my Windows PC to get started.

Now that it's updated though, everything comes in on WiFi as you say... Much more convenient than the old way!