Garmin GPSMAP 396 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 396 is a portable aviation GPS receiver with a large color display, preloaded Jeppesen aviation database, terrain and obstacle alerts, XM Satellite Weather and Radio capabilities, moving map display, flight planning functions, and rechargeable battery power. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Large color TFT display, integrated GPS receiver, XM Satellite receiver, internal lithium-ion battery, external antenna port, USB data port, audio jack.

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose mounting location in aircraft cockpit.

1. Select Mount: Use yoke mount for control column or suction cup for windshield.
2. Attach Mount: Secure mount to chosen location following included instructions.
3. Attach GPS: Slide GPS unit onto mount until it clicks into place.
4. Connect Power: Plug power cable into GPS and aircraft power outlet (10-32V DC).
5. External Antenna (Optional): Connect to MCX port if using external GPS antenna.

WARNING! Ensure mount is secure and does not obstruct flight controls or visibility. Route cables away from controls.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow on-screen prompts.

1. Initial Location: Allow GPS to acquire satellite signals (may take several minutes).
2. Set Preferences: Configure units (nm/km, ft/m), time format, and map orientation.
3. Database Agreement: Read and accept Jeppesen database agreement.
4. XM Satellite Setup (Optional): Enter XM activation code if subscribing to service.
5. Calibrate Sensors: Follow prompts to calibrate compass if applicable.

CAUTION! Perform initial setup with clear view of sky for best GPS reception. Do not operate during critical phases of flight.

Specifications

• Display: 5.2-inch diagonal, 480 x 640 pixel resolution, TFT color.
• GPS: WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channel receiver.
• Database: Jeppesen NavData (airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, airways).
• Terrain Database: Built-in terrain and obstacle data.
• Power: Internal Li-ion battery (approx. 4-6 hours); external 10-32V DC.
• Audio Output: 3.5mm stereo jack.
• Data Interface: USB 2.0.
• Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
• Dimensions: 6.3" W x 3.7" H x 2.2" D (160 x 94 x 56 mm).
• Weight: Approx. 1.5 lb (0.68 kg) with battery.

Controls and Settings

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

Display Pages: Map, Trip Computer, Nearest, Waypoint, Active Flight Plan, XM Weather, XM Radio.

Map Settings: Orientation (North Up, Track Up), Detail, Airspace, Terrain. Navigation Settings: CDI scale, alarm settings. System Settings: Display brightness, backlight timeout, sound, units, time. XM Settings: Weather layers, radio presets.

Connecting Devices

Power: External DC power cable. Audio: 3.5mm jack to headset or speaker. Data: USB to computer. Antenna: External GPS antenna (MCX).

1. Turn off GPS before connecting/disconnecting cables.
2. Connect power cable to aircraft power (ensure voltage is 10-32V DC).
3. For data transfer, connect USB cable to computer and select "USB Mass Storage" mode on GPS.
4. For audio, plug headphone jack into compatible aviation headset or external speaker.

Tip: Use Garmin-provided cables only. Ensure all connections are secure before flight.

Using GPS Navigation

Provides moving map display, direct-to navigation, flight planning, and nearest airport information.

1. Acquire Satellites: Ensure unit has clear view of sky. Status shown on satellite page.
2. Direct-To Navigation: Press "Direct-to" key, enter identifier, press ENTER.
3. Create Flight Plan: MENU > Flight Plan > Create. Add waypoints in sequence.
4. Activate Flight Plan: Highlight plan, press MENU, select "Activate".
5. Nearest Functions: Press "Nearest" key to list nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, etc.
6. Pan Map: Use ROCKER key to move cursor; press ENTER to view info on point.
7. Set Up CDI: Adjust CDI scale for enroute, terminal, or approach sensitivity.
8. Terrain Display: Ensure terrain layer is enabled for color-coded terrain awareness.

WARNING! GPS is an aid to navigation. Always have paper charts and use proper VFR/IFR procedures. Terrain and obstacle warnings are advisories only.

XM Weather & Radio

Requires active XM subscription and connected XM antenna.

1. Activate Service: Purchase subscription from XM; enter activation code in XM menu.
2. Connect Antenna: Attach included XM antenna with clear view of southern sky.
3. Weather Layers: Access via XM Weather page. Select layers (NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, lightning, etc.).
4. XM Radio: Access via XM Radio page. Browse categories, select channels, set presets.

Note: XM Weather data is for situational awareness only. Do not use as primary source for flight-critical decisions.

Care & Cleaning

Turn off and disconnect power before cleaning. Use soft, slightly damp cloth for display and case. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not submerge unit. Keep connectors dry. Avoid extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. This device may not cause harmful interference and must accept any interference received. Contains FCC ID: IPH-396. This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). For support, visit www.garmin.com/support or contact Garmin Product Support.

Troubleshooting

Reset: System Settings > Master Reset (erases all user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Aviation Product Support. Do not attempt to open unit.