New (March 1, 2016) Garmin aera 660 Portable GPS

[Mark33]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Hello Mark,
As shown below,..........
Steve

Thanks Steve,

Just as soon as the 660 is XM (music and WX) capable, I'll do the upgrade from my 496 to the 660. Please keep us updated on the future XM capabilities.

Thanks again,
Mark

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Like the GPSMAP 695/696 and aera 795/796, the aera 660 is specifically designed to be an aviation navigator and doesn't share any hardware/software with Garmin automotive navigators (no automotive mode).

Drat. I'll have to factor in the cost of an automotive Garmin for my car then. On the plus side, I won't have to worry about forgetting my aviation GPS in the car when I ride the bicycle to the airport...

[skylor]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Hello Rob,

Like the GPSMAP 695/696 and aera 795/796, the aera 660 is specifically designed to be an aviation navigator and doesn't share any hardware/software with Garmin automotive navigators (no automotive mode).

Thanks for pointing out the error on the website.

Thanks,
Steve

Bummer. One of the features I love about my Aero 560 is the ability to use it as a backup when flying on trips, then switch to automotive mode for use in the rental car. I suppose this isn't too big of a deal nowadays with GPS available in every smartphone, but still it's a feature I'll miss.

[Bugs66]

Bundle question.

Does the $149 annual sub include ALL the obstacle stuff, including the heli/powerline?

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by Bugs66

Bundle question.

Does the $149 annual sub include ALL the obstacle stuff, including the heli/powerline?

Hello Bugs66,

Good question.

We tried to make this clear in the press release, but realize there was a lot said there:

The standard obstacle database contains Hazardous Obstacle Transmission (HOT) lines, which typically include those that span rivers, canyons, valleys or those that are within the vicinity of airports. Obstacle databases with comprehensive power line coverage and HOT lines are also available for the U.S. and portions of Canada and Mexico.

You can see the pricing for adding the "Obstacle database with comprehensive power line coverage" on the database pricing web page. It is called "US/Canada/Europe (Heli with US Power Lines)".

Fixed wing pilots should do just fine with the Hazardous Obstacle Transmission Lines provided in the standard bundle, but helicopter pilots might like the significantly expanded powerline coverage provided by that optional add on database.

Let us know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,
Steve

[Bugs66]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Hello Bugs66,

.... Fixed wing pilots should do just fine with the Hazardous Obstacle Transmission Lines provided in the standard bundle, but helicopter pilots might like the significantly expanded powerline coverage provided by that optional add on database....

If you fly Cubs you are down low with the helos sometimes. Thanks

[jeffsvan]

Hello,

If I purchased this unit I would like to use it with my GDL39.
My 39 IS NOT the 3D version.

Can I use a standard 39, and what features will I not be able to display?

thanks.

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by jeffsvan

Hello,

If I purchased this unit I would like to use it with my GDL39.
My 39 IS NOT the 3D version.

Can I use a standard 39, and what features will I not be able to display?

thanks.

Hello Jeff,

Yes, you may certainly use a standard GDL 39 with the aera 660 over either hardwire or Bluetooth.

The pitch/roll and slip/skid attitude information is only used on the 3D Vision page.

If you don't have attitude data it shows a perspective view of an aircraft and uses GPS data to show nose up/down and roll left/right. If you have attitude data, it removes the aircraft and shows the pitch/roll and slip/skid similar to a primary flight display.

There are images in the posts above which show both examples.

Thanks,
Steve

[uk_figs]

The difference between the 796 and 660 lite database bundles seems to be US VFR Navigation versus Garmin Navigation and Terrain versus Terrain (9AS), does anyone know what this actually means for the extra $150 on the 796?

[RV-4]

''does anyone know what this actually means for the extra $150 on the 796?''

No but I sure would like to know why$$

Thanks for posting this

Bruno