Garmin GPSMAP 495 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 495 is a portable aviation GPS navigator featuring a sunlight-readable color display, preloaded aviation databases (U.S. or worldwide), terrain and obstacle alerts, XM Weather and Radio compatibility (subscription required), moving map, flight planning capabilities, and Jeppesen database compatibility. It is designed for VFR and IFR enroute, terminal, and non-precision approach operations (where certified). Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: GPSMAP 495 unit, yoke or panel mount, external antenna (optional), power/data cable, remote XM antenna (if equipped), carrying case.

Feature	Description
Display	Sunlight-readable color TFT, 480 x 320 pixels
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled
Aviation Databases	Preloaded Jeppesen data: airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, SUAs
Terrain & Obstacle Alerting	Visual and audio alerts for terrain and obstacles (TAWS)
XM Compatibility	XM Weather (NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs) and XM Radio (subscription required)
Moving Map	Detailed aviation mapping with own-ship position
Flight Planning	Create and edit flight plans, direct-to navigation
Power Input	10-32 VDC aircraft power
Audio Output	For connection to aircraft audio panel or intercom
Data Ports	For data transfer (updates) and external devices

Installation & Mounting

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose appropriate mounting location (yoke or panel).

1. Select Mount: Attach mount bracket to yoke or aircraft panel using provided hardware.
2. Mount Unit: Secure GPSMAP 495 onto the mount bracket until it clicks into place.
3. Connect Power/Data Cable: Route cable to aircraft power source (10-32 VDC) and secure.
4. Connect Antenna: If using external GPS antenna, connect to antenna port on unit.
5. Connect XM Antenna (if equipped): Route and attach remote XM antenna with clear sky view.
6. Connect Audio (optional): Connect audio output cable to aircraft audio panel/intercom.

WARNING! Installation should be performed by a qualified avionics technician. Ensure mount does not obstruct aircraft controls or visibility.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial prompts.

1. Acquire Satellite Signal: Place unit with clear view of sky. Allow several minutes for initial GPS fix.
2. Set System Preferences: Press MENU > Setup > System. Set units (nm/ft, km/m), time format, and display settings.
3. Configure Navigation Settings: Press MENU > Setup > Navigation. Set desired CDI scale, approach mode, and alert parameters.
4. Activate XM Services (optional): If XM antenna is connected, go to Weather or Audio page and follow prompts to activate subscription.
5. Review Terrain & Obstacle Alerts: Access Terrain page to enable/disable and set alert levels.

CAUTION! This device is an aid to navigation. It must be used in conjunction with approved aeronautical charts and proper pilot procedures.

Specifications

• Display: 5.2-inch diagonal, color TFT, 480 x 320 pixels.
• GPS Receiver: WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channels.
• Database Coverage: Preloaded U.S. or worldwide Jeppesen aviation data.
• Terrain Database: Built-in worldwide terrain.
• Obstacle Database: Built-in worldwide obstacles.
• Power Requirements: 10-32 VDC, typical current draw 1.5A.
• Audio Output: 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo jack.
• Data Interface: RS-232 serial for database updates.
• Operating Temperature: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
• Dimensions (WxHxD): Approx. 6.0" x 3.5" x 1.8" (152 x 89 x 46 mm).

Controls and Interface

Primary control via front-panel buttons and rotary knob. On-screen menus provide access to all functions.

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE (cycles through main pages), MENU (accesses context-sensitive menus), ROCKER KEY (up/down/left/right), ENTER, QUIT, ROTARY KNOB (zooms, selects).

Main Pages: Map, Navigation, Waypoint Information, Flight Plan, Terrain, Weather (XM), Audio (XM), Setup.

Map Page: Displays moving map, aircraft position, flight plan, nearby airspace, terrain. Use rotary knob to zoom.

Navigation Page: Shows HSI/CDI display, course deviation, distance, time, and altitude information.

Setup Menu: System (units, time, backlight), Navigation (CDI, alarms), Display (colors, contrast), Audio (volume, alerts).

Connecting Devices & Power

Power: Connect to aircraft 10-32 VDC system via supplied cable. Audio: Connect to audio panel for aural alerts and XM audio. Data: Connect to PC via serial cable for database updates.

1. Ensure aircraft power is OFF before making connections.
2. Connect power cable red wire to aircraft bus (+), black wire to ground (-).
3. For audio, connect stereo cable from unit's audio jack to aircraft audio panel auxiliary input.
4. For XM, ensure remote antenna is mounted externally with unobstructed view of southern sky (U.S.).

Tip: Use Garmin's Aviation Database Manager software on a PC to update the unit's Jeppesen databases.

Basic Navigation & Flight Planning

Create and activate flight plans for navigation.

1. Direct-To Navigation: Press DIRECT key, use rocker to select a waypoint (airport, VOR, etc.), press ENTER.
2. Create Flight Plan: Press MENU from Map page > Flight Plan. Select "New Flight Plan". Add waypoints by entering identifiers or selecting from map.
3. Activate Flight Plan: With flight plan open, press MENU > "Activate Flight Plan".
4. Edit Flight Plan: Insert or delete waypoints using the MENU options.
5. Navigate Legs: Use the rocker key to scroll through legs; press ENTER to activate a specific leg.
6. Nearest Airports: Press NRST key to view list of nearest airports with bearing and distance.
7. Proximity Alerts: Set up airspace (SUA) alerts in Setup > Navigation > Alarms.

WARNING! Always verify flight plan and navigation data against current charts. Do not use for sole means of navigation.

XM Weather & Audio Features

Requires active XM subscription and connected XM antenna.

XM Weather: Access via Weather page. View NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, winds aloft, lightning strikes, and TFRs. Data is uplinked via satellite.

XM Audio: Access via Audio page. Listen to commercial-free music, news, and sports channels. Control volume and channel selection from the unit or remote.

Alerting: Weather page can show graphical alerts for severe weather and TFRs along your flight path.

Care & Maintenance

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean display and case. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives.

Database Updates: Aviation databases expire. Update regularly using Garmin's update service to ensure data is current.

Battery (Internal Backup): The internal lithium battery maintains memory and GPS almanac data. It is not user-serviceable; contact Garmin if unit loses settings frequently.

CAUTION! Do not expose unit to prolonged moisture or extreme temperatures. Store in provided case when not in use.

Regulatory & Database Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with FAA TSO-C146a for Stand-Alone Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) when used with approved software and data. © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Jeppesen data provided under license. XM service requires separate subscription from XM Satellite Radio. For support, visit www.garmin.com/aviation or contact Garmin Aviation Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No Power	Power cable connection, blown fuse	Check aircraft power source and connections. Verify inline fuse (if installed).
"Acquiring Satellites" message persists	Poor sky view, unit cold start	Ensure clear view of sky. Allow up to 15 minutes for first-time or long-distance acquisition.
No XM Weather/Audio	Subscription inactive, antenna issue	Verify XM subscription is active. Check antenna connection and placement (clear southern view).
Inaccurate position	Poor satellite geometry, database issue	Ensure WAAS is enabled (Setup > System > GPS). Verify database is current.
Terrain/Obstacle alerts not working	Feature disabled, altimeter setting	Enable alerts on Terrain page. Ensure correct barometric pressure is set for accurate altitude.
Unit freezes or locks up	Software issue	Perform a soft reset by holding POWER button for 10 seconds. If problem persists, contact Garmin.

Reset: Setup > System > Restore Defaults (resets preferences, not flight plans or user data).

Service: Contact Garmin Aviation Product Support. Do not open unit; no user-serviceable parts inside.