I just purchased a 495, (an upgrade from my 92..) And now that I started playing with it realize there is more to purchase! It doesn't appear to have a data card in it, and it doesn't show any detail (not even lakes) for my area..(Ontario). Is it best to just call Garmin? There website shows the data cards as not available. #@$%$@% !! Basically I want it to show as much detail for Ontario with the smaller lakes etc. How do I get it going? HELP!
If you want to use it in your plane there is no need for a datacard. Normally there should be a aviation database installed.
What doess your 495 shows you when starting it?
Yes, it has all the airport/vor data.. But when I use a friends 296, it shows all the lakes with detail, and the lake names in ontario/quebec. I am wondering how to have mine do the same...Originally Posted by TirolCub
There are different data bases that you can purchase online from Garmin. I think the website is flygarmin.com. Canadian terrain features may require a special additional database. Call Garmin help and have they walk you through the process. If you ask nicely, they may give you the database for free. They have comped some databases for me in the past for some forgotten reason.
Ed
Maybe you have to check your zoom button (ON-OFF). Normaly mode is overzoom which shows all details. If you press the button one time it removes some details, twice further more details and there is a third one. It shows you zoom-1, zoom-2,zoom-3 and overzoom.
Hope that helps
I just called garmin.. "We stopped making that unit, buy a 696..". Great, thanks!
It isn't the zoom... The data just isn't there.. I am assuming I need a data card to do anything? I installed mapsource, and it has at least some lakes.. But can't transfer it without a data card..
The databases online do not require a data card. You download the databases with a USB cable from your computer.
I just did the same thing with my new to me 296. I found a data card on ebay for $80 and then bought the garmin topographic map DVD and uploaded them to the unit. now it is much better for flying off airport. The databases dont do anything for detail, just update information for airports, obstacles, etc. Shooot me a pm if you need any help.
Google Garmin data card and you'll find lots of sources. As I recall the data card is a memory expansion card that allows storage of data like detailed topo maps. My local shop preloads and installs the topo maps so I've never had to deal with it.
I did this with my 496 last year. The 512 MB card for the 496 was something like $180 and the topo CD was $100. Recommend searching eBay or somewhere else online like WannaBNAcub did for the data card. The thread below covers some more detail. Be sure to look at the post from Nanook about changing the settings in Map Setup for the most detail:
http://www.supercub.org/forum/showth...ight=topo+maps
My recommendation is once you get the card, only load your local flying area maps onto it and then if you have an out of area trip planned, hook the gps back up to your computer and load up whatever additional ones you need. I loaded as many maps as I could on the 512 card (about 2/3 the state of Alaska) and it noticeably slowed down the cursor pan and zoom functions of the 496.
Great Info. I found a 512 card I will order. Where do you get the maps tho? The link makes it seem like the maps are not availible from garmin anymore?? Anyone have any good maps for Ontario? and do I instill it using the Garmin CD?
Garmin tech support is not always helpful. A couple years ago my 295 started turning itself off. Tech support told me the same thing -"we do not support that unit".
Then last month the 296 quit picking up satellites. I was going to send it in, and spend $250 for refurbishment, but this really nice guy "Frank" said "before you spend all that money, let's try a reset."
Not only did we reset it over the phone, but also he gave me the reset sequence for the 295, and it now works too! The reset sequences are not the same as those on the internet.
I am sure like anything else - you have to get the right person on the phone! Did not have much luck with that today!
Anther question, I found the place to order the TOPO Canada map from garmin. Is there any other options for maps that work with the garmin software, or do I have to drop the 129.95 + shipping for the cd from them?
This is a source for Canadian topo charts: http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELi...§ion=10742 They sell a CD of North America for $99.95. I don't know if it is compatible with your GPS but it might be worth a call?
N1PA
"Try before you buy"
OK, got the data card. Are you able to pull maps off another existing gps to the computer, and then put them on another one? Or i guess it makes a difference if they are purchased maps? I guess worst case i just buy the Canadian topo from garmin. Has anyone had experience using the BASECAMP vs the older software?
Thanks again!
I have a US topo map that I had for my 196. The topo map installed "Garmin map send" that would let me view and send the maps to a data card. If it is like mine you will also need a Garmin Data card reader. For what you are going to spend to make all of this work it would be better to buy a cheap hiking GPS to show rivers and lakes. I know it sucks but hate to see you spend a fortune on what might not work after you get all of it.
well that is not good news! I am already in for the 495 and the data card... So I am pretty committed to make it work somehow.... Appreciate the advice anyways. It says the canadian topo chart comes with the "basecamp" software and it says compatible with 495 on the website???
You might also try to switch modes. Not sure of the size of rivers and lakes that you are looking at but I have found river information on the 496 by switching it to Marine mode. Seeems like it only shows larger rivers but haven't tried it for a while.
If you buy the Garmin Topo Canada you will be able to put it on any garmin GPS. That is what I did for my 296 and I also use it on my hiking gps.
Oh Great! That is good news! I was starting to wonder if I had spent a lot of money on a paperweight. Did you need the card reader to do that? Or just plug in the usb cable?
No I just use the usb cable. The card reader will make it much faster but if you do like Henny suggests and only load the maps you will absolutely need it isnt too bad and doesnt slow the gps down much.
I have two 196's, one for running, one for backup. I called Garmin & asked if I could load my Cdn. topo stuff on both units, he said no, the CD can only be used on one ser. #. Is there another W. Canaduh topo map (hopefully w/more detail) that will load onto the Garmin 128Meg. chips? I have the patch cord.
To get any detail I have to zoom way in, & only lakes bigger that 5 acres are listed.
Nimpo Lake Logan... boonie SuperCubber
200mi (300km) from nearest stoplight... just right! - "Que hesitatus fornicatus est"
Not sure why they said that. I have my us version loaded on my 296 as well as my 60Csx. Unless the Canada version is different.
At least for the US version the Topo map is not serialized and you can use it on any device. All the rest of there maps are coded and can only be used on one device.
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