696 or 796?

Chuck McCurry · #1 10-31-2014, 12:26 PM

What the difference and is 796 and 696 , is it worth the extra money for 796. Or just use an IPad.

BillFear · #2 10-31-2014, 12:46 PM

Chuck, we have the 696 in our plane and it is a great tool. It has so much information in it with great resolution on maps and very easy to use flight planning and great reliable GPS accuracy. We also have XM weather and traffic on ours, can not recommend it more.

The 796 is the newer version with the touchscreen interface, I think it will do pretty much everything the 696 will plus more. If I am not mistaken the 796 is less expensive at Sportys so that would be the way to go if true.

I use the ipad with foreflight for mostly flight planning and charts. it is also becoming a stronger and stronger in plane tool with the new geo referenced plates and obstacle tools.

i would say you need both!

Rick_A · #3 10-31-2014, 04:41 PM

I had a 696 and upgraded to a 795 when I installed a GDL 39R for ADSB-In.
Since I installed the GDL 39, I did not need the XM any more, so I was able to go with the 795 and save a few dollars.

I loved my 696 but the 795 is even better. I love the new mount, it's much simpler to remove the unit when I bring it home for database updates. BTW, the updates are faster and easier then on the 696.

In general, I feel that there is more information that easier to access with the 795.

Vlad · #4 10-31-2014, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck McCurry

....

Or just use an IPad.

Just use iPad. Burn the difference

Brantel · #5 10-31-2014, 05:13 PM

You can actually see a 696/796 in flight. Good luck with an iPad.

humptybump · #6 10-31-2014, 06:23 PM

I did as Rick did. I picked up a used 696. Eventually sold it and picked up a 795 and added a GDL39. I found the 795 both faster (processed) and the touch was much faster to get info. I really grew to love the touch interface. Pan, zoom, touch airport, get frequencies, check weather, "return" to current position - all in abouth 60 seconds or less. I could never do that much that fast with the 696 knob interface.

Chuck McCurry · #7 10-31-2014, 09:21 PM

Thanks for the info very helpful.

sglynn · #8 10-31-2014, 10:43 PM

Just get an ipad or droid. And get an extra antenna for weather, traffic, and AHRS.

moll780 · #9 11-01-2014, 03:24 PM

I have the 696 feeding my TT autopilot. love it.
also use an ipad for flight planning, gps backup etc.. i have a galaxy s5 I also use for backup and have a ram mount I could use if needed.
i have no issues reading the ipad or s5 in cockpit at any time.

alpinelakespilot2000 · #10 11-01-2014, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moll780

i have no issues reading the ipad or s5 in cockpit at any time.

Which iPad do you have and is the s5 about the same visibility wise?

I have an iPad Mini and it's pretty useless in the bubble canopy even turned up full bright. I can read it if I get it really close and try to shade it a bit but then I spend so much time with my head in the cockpit trying to read it that I get a bit nervous about what I'm not seeing outside.

I just bought Walt's 696 and so far really like it. Still trying to decide if I'm going to add weather with ADS-B to the 696 or ADS-B to a better-than-my-iPad tablet.