Tue Jun 08, 2021 8:55 pm
#1851875
I recently acquired a GPSMap 296 from a friend of mine and wanted to update the Nav Database. My search on how to do this brought me here. I wanted to say thank you as this thread helped me immensely and provide an update on the process as of 2021 in case someone else has one of these treasures and would like to update it.
Full disclosure, I am not a real fan of anything Garmin, however the GPSMap 296/396/496 seem to be the most stable, reliable and simple aviation portable. My primary flight Display is my windshield and I am not a fan of all of these high tech gizmos that seem to keep eyes inside the cockpit and pilots preoccupied, all under the premise of improving safety. This is why I believe it is worthwhile updating these older legacy models.
I recently updated the Jeppesen Nav Database of the 296 from the Garmin website. In true Garmin fashion, it is not intuitive. Patience is a virtue. It is there. Once you have found the database update, add it to the cart and checkout. You can also purchase an update for Obstacles and another for Terrain, in the event some mountains have moved since the last update.
Garmin tries to get you to use their Fly Garmin App to update the 296. Don't bother, it doesn't work. Nor does Garmin Express or Garmin Maploader or any other Garmin map updating derivative they offer. On the update page, you must look for and select their "legacy" option with a "Windows PC only". It doesn't really stand out but once again, patience. It is there. What it does not tell you however is that your Windows PC must be of the "Boat Anchor" variety with USB ports of version 2.0 or older. If your PC has USB 3.0 then you will need an adapter. The Garmin Update will not not work with anything faster than 2.0 and will generate an auto error message as soon as you try to push the update. You may also need to download Garmin Drivers.
So, assuming you have an appropriately older model PC, download the file and remember where it has been stored. I am a big supporter of the K.I.S.S. philosophy, so I just chose to save it to my desktop. Once you open it, your PC will likely activate sirens and call the local constabulary unless you tell it that Garmin didn't sell you a virus.
Once all the sirens have stopped and the Cat comes down off the ceiling, the update is straightforward and prompts are provided for the unlock code ( comes via email after purchase ) the Unit ID is generally self populated but if not, that can be obtained from the "Main Menu- Setup- System Information" page. It will then ask you to put the GPS into simulation mode and voila. Once done, turn the GPS off then back on and check for the new database date before pressing the agree prompt.
I hope this helps someone as much as this thread helped me.
Cheers.
Full disclosure, I am not a real fan of anything Garmin, however the GPSMap 296/396/496 seem to be the most stable, reliable and simple aviation portable. My primary flight Display is my windshield and I am not a fan of all of these high tech gizmos that seem to keep eyes inside the cockpit and pilots preoccupied, all under the premise of improving safety. This is why I believe it is worthwhile updating these older legacy models.
I recently updated the Jeppesen Nav Database of the 296 from the Garmin website. In true Garmin fashion, it is not intuitive. Patience is a virtue. It is there. Once you have found the database update, add it to the cart and checkout. You can also purchase an update for Obstacles and another for Terrain, in the event some mountains have moved since the last update.
Garmin tries to get you to use their Fly Garmin App to update the 296. Don't bother, it doesn't work. Nor does Garmin Express or Garmin Maploader or any other Garmin map updating derivative they offer. On the update page, you must look for and select their "legacy" option with a "Windows PC only". It doesn't really stand out but once again, patience. It is there. What it does not tell you however is that your Windows PC must be of the "Boat Anchor" variety with USB ports of version 2.0 or older. If your PC has USB 3.0 then you will need an adapter. The Garmin Update will not not work with anything faster than 2.0 and will generate an auto error message as soon as you try to push the update. You may also need to download Garmin Drivers.
So, assuming you have an appropriately older model PC, download the file and remember where it has been stored. I am a big supporter of the K.I.S.S. philosophy, so I just chose to save it to my desktop. Once you open it, your PC will likely activate sirens and call the local constabulary unless you tell it that Garmin didn't sell you a virus.
Once all the sirens have stopped and the Cat comes down off the ceiling, the update is straightforward and prompts are provided for the unlock code ( comes via email after purchase ) the Unit ID is generally self populated but if not, that can be obtained from the "Main Menu- Setup- System Information" page. It will then ask you to put the GPS into simulation mode and voila. Once done, turn the GPS off then back on and check for the new database date before pressing the agree prompt.
I hope this helps someone as much as this thread helped me.
Cheers.