Garmin GPSMAP 296 User Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 296 is a portable aviation GPS with a large color display, moving map, Jeppesen database, terrain and obstacle alerts, weather data interface capability, and support for VFR/IFR navigation. It features a sunlight-readable screen, internal GPS receiver, external antenna port, audio alerts, USB connectivity, and rechargeable battery. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Navigation & Flight Planning 8. Database Management 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Large color TFT display, internal GPS antenna, external antenna port, USB port, audio jack, power/data connector, SD card slot, and rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Feature	Description
Display	Sunlight-readable 256-color TFT, 480 x 320 pixels
GPS Receiver	12 parallel channel, WAAS enabled
Database	Jeppesen aviation database (preloaded)
Terrain Awareness	Terrain and obstacle alerts with visual/audio warnings
Weather Interface	Supports XM WX Satellite Weather (optional)
Moving Map	Detailed aviation maps with airspace boundaries
Flight Planning	Direct-to, flight plan creation, and nearest airport info
Power	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or external 10-32V DC
Connectivity	USB for data transfer and database updates
Audio	Built-in speaker and headphone jack for alerts

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Includes unit, battery, power/data cable, USB cable, mounting bracket, and documentation.

Install battery: Insert lithium-ion battery into compartment, secure latch.
Mount unit: Use suction cup or yoke mount in aircraft; ensure clear view of sky.
Connect power: Attach power/data cable to unit and aircraft power (10-32V DC).
Connect antenna: Attach external GPS antenna if required for better reception.

WARNING! Do not obstruct aircraft controls during installation. Ensure mount is secure before flight.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow on-screen prompts.

Acquire satellite signal: Place unit outdoors with clear sky view; allow 2-5 minutes.
Set preferences: In SETUP menu, select units (nm/km), time format, north reference.
Calibrate sensors: Follow on-screen instructions for compass if applicable.
Load databases: Insert SD card with updated Jeppesen data if needed.

CAUTION! Do not use as primary navigation instrument. Always carry backup navigation methods.

Specifications

Display: 5.2-inch diagonal, 480 x 320 pixels, 256 colors.
GPS: 12-channel, WAAS capable, position accuracy <3 meters.
Database: Jeppesen NavData (airports, navaids, airspace).
Terrain: Built-in terrain database with alerts.
Power: Internal lithium-ion battery (4-8 hours), external 10-32V DC.
Interface: USB 2.0, RS-232 serial (via cable), audio out.
Memory: Internal flash, expandable via SD card.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
Dimensions: 16.5 x 8.4 x 4.6 cm (6.5" x 3.3" x 1.8").
Weight: 0.68 kg (1.5 lbs) with battery.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via PAGE and MENU buttons. Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, MENU, ENTER, ROCKER (up/down/left/right).

Key Functions: PAGE cycles displays (map, compass, highway, active flight plan). MENU accesses options for current page. ENTER selects/confirms. ROCKER moves cursor and adjusts values.

Setup Menu: System (units, time, backlight), GPS (simulator mode), Alerts (terrain, airspace), Sound (volume, tones). Map Setup: Orientation (north up, track up), detail level, airspace display. Navigation Setup: CDI scale, approach mode, vertical navigation.

Connecting Devices

External Power: Use power/data cable to aircraft 10-32V DC. USB: Connect to computer for data transfer. Audio: Connect headphone to audio jack. Antenna: Attach external GPS antenna to SMA connector.

Turn off unit before connecting cables.
Match connectors (USB to USB port, power to power port).
Secure connections to prevent in-flight disconnection.

Tip: Use provided cables only; third-party cables may not be compatible.

Navigation & Flight Planning

Supports VFR and IFR navigation with moving map and flight plans.

Direct-to Navigation: Press ENTER on map, select location, choose "Go To".
Create Flight Plan: MENU > Flight Plan > New, add waypoints from database.
Activate Flight Plan: Select plan, choose "Activate".
Nearest Airports: Press NRST button for list of nearby airports with info.
Approach Selection: For instrument approaches, select from airport procedures.
Vertical Navigation: Set altitude constraints for waypoints if equipped.
Traffic and Weather: Display optional traffic (via TIS) and XM weather data.
Terrain Display: View terrain shading and obstacle warnings on map.

WARNING! Database may not contain all obstacles or recent changes. Always verify with current charts.

Database Management

Jeppesen database updates via SD card or USB. Terrain database included. User waypoints can be created and stored.

Update Process: Purchase update from Jeppesen, download to SD card or computer, transfer to unit via USB or SD slot. Verify update in SETUP > System > Database Info.

Note: Database subscriptions required for current data. Expired data may be used for reference only.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off and disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth for display and case. For stubborn dirt, dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use chemicals, solvents, or abrasive materials. Keep ports free of debris.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with limits for residential use. CE certified. Complies with FAA TSO-C146 for portable GPS. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Jeppesen data © Jeppesen. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Battery dead/connections	Charge battery; check power cable connections; ensure aircraft power is on.
Poor GPS reception	Obstructed view	Move to location with clear sky view; attach external antenna.
Screen blank	Backlight setting	Adjust backlight brightness in SETUP menu; check power.
Database not loading	Corrupted SD card	Reformat SD card; reload database; try different card.
Unit locks up	Software issue	Perform soft reset (press POWER for 10 seconds); update software.
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry	Wait for better satellite coverage; ensure WAAS enabled.

Reset: SETUP > System > Reset to factory defaults if needed.

Service: 1-800-800-1020; www.garmin.com/support