Garmin 696

Thought I would share some early observations about the new GPSMAP 696. I picked up a 696 at AOPA in SJC. I passed on the 496 so the 696 will replace my 396. So my observations of the 696 relate to comparisons with my old 396.

My initial observation is that Garmin has made an error calling this a GPSMAP 696. While they did skip "596", the new 696 is really a new device sharing only some old software code with the legacy "X96" line GPSMAP units. The new 696 is a Class 1/Class 2 EFB. The 696 really shines as a EFB. The 696 boldly displays NACO DP, STAR's, IP's, airport diagrams, enroute low and enroute high charts on its very bright 480 x 800 pixel screen. The 696 does all the aviation GPS functions like the 396. It has the extend weather options from XM. So it is a fully self contained chart viewer with all the other features found in the 396 and 496.

I have made one flight with the 696 in my Perspective. First thing that struck me was that it looks like it belongs in the Perspective. Color, buttons, look and feel is just like the Perspective installation. The form factor of the 696 makes it fit perfectly in a position on the right thigh. Garmin web site lists a new option to attach the 696 to the thigh. I flew with it sitting on the right thigh and it was perfect placement.

Positioning on the right thigh gives a view of the 696 that is closer to the eye than the Perspective full chart as depicted on the MFD. More importantly the 696 IP chart is larger in the full view mode than the MFD chart in the full view mode.  The 696 is completely readable in the full chart mode. Small fonts on the Perspective MFD full chart mode is not readable. So with the 696 you can read the full chart from a bigger image which is closer to your eyes than the MFD full chart view. 

Here is a side by side view of the 696 and the Perspective MFD Jepp chart in the full view mode. As you can see the NACO chart is much more readable on the 696.

Side by side you can see the relative size difference between the 396 and 696. Also note the new GXM 40 antenna is smaller and lighter than the  older GXM 30 antenna.

The GPSMAP 696 passed the full sunlight test with shining colors. Here is a picture of the 696 in full sunlight at noon. Completely readable.

The 696 has a very sensitive GPS receiver. I was able to operate the unit in flight from my right thigh with full signal strength for GPS getting a good WAAS signal.

So the 696 looks like a winner. Unfortunately I bought the option on Perspective to show the Jeppesen charts. I am thinking about pulling Jeppesen off the Perspective MFD and replacing the charts on the MFD with Garmin

NACO charts. For around $800/year I can have full US NACO charts on the 696 EFB and the Perspective MFD, compared to $1,100 a year for full US Jeppesen charts only on the MFD. Combination of the 696 EFB and Perspective MFD NACO charts would give enough redundancy to finally make the move to a fully paperless cockpit. Also using the 696 EFB as a portable source of chart reference does away with any need to maintain charts on a PC using JeppView. Only "downside" is you could not print a paper copy of a chart but who needs to with the Garmin 696?

I am still learning with the 696. More later.