Garmin GPSMAP 496 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 496 is a portable aviation GPS unit featuring a high-resolution color display, integrated terrain and obstacle databases, XM Satellite Weather and Radio capabilities, Jeppesen database support, moving map display, flight planning tools, 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. Using GPS Navigation 8. XM Weather & Radio 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-resolution color TFT display, integrated GPS antenna, XM antenna connector, USB port, audio jack, external power connector, SD card slot.

Feature	Description
Display	High-resolution 3.8-inch diagonal color TFT
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity WAAS-enabled GPS
XM Satellite Weather	Real-time NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, lightning
XM Satellite Radio	Optional XM Radio entertainment channels
Terrain & Obstacle Database	Integrated terrain and obstacle awareness
Jeppesen Database	Aviation database with airports, navaids, procedures
Flight Planning	Direct-to, nearest, flight plan creation
Moving Map	Track-up or north-up moving map display
Power Source	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery or external power
Audio Output	3.5mm audio jack for headphones or external audio

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all components are present.

Install battery: Insert rechargeable lithium-ion battery into compartment.
Mount unit: Use yoke mount or suction cup mount in aircraft cockpit.
Connect XM antenna: Attach XM antenna to connector for weather/radio.
Connect power: Use aircraft power adapter or cigarette lighter adapter.
Connect audio: Plug headphones or audio cable into audio jack if needed.

WARNING! Ensure mounting is secure and does not obstruct pilot view. Follow aircraft regulations.

First-Time Setup

Power on GPSMAP 496; follow on-screen prompts.

Acquire GPS signal: Place unit with clear view of sky; allow several minutes.
Set language: In SETUP menu, select ENGLISH (default).
Configure units: Set nautical miles/knots or statute miles/MPH.
Set time: Choose local time or UTC.
Activate XM: Enter XM subscription info if using weather/radio.
Load databases: Insert SD card with Jeppesen data if needed.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Use in aircraft only when safe.

Specifications

Display: 3.8-inch diagonal, 256-color TFT, 320 x 240 pixels.
GPS Receiver: WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channels.
Database: Jeppesen aviation database (updated via subscription).
XM Features: Weather (NEXRAD, METAR, TAF, lightning), Radio (optional).
Terrain Database: Built-in terrain and obstacle data.
Interfaces: USB, audio out, external power, XM antenna.
Power: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (approx 4-8 hours), 10-32V DC input.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F).
Dimensions: 5.5" W x 3.2" H x 2.2" D (139 x 81 x 56 mm).
Weight: Approx 1.5 lb (0.68 kg) with battery.

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER, PAGE, ROCKER (up/down/left/right), ENTER, QUIT, ZOOM IN/OUT.

On-Screen: Direct-to, Nearest, Flight Plan, Map, Main Menu.

Settings: System (language, units, time), Display (brightness, contrast), Audio (volume, alerts), Navigation (CDI scale, alarms), XM (weather layers, radio channels).

Connecting Devices

XM Antenna: Connect for weather/radio. USB: For data transfer/updates. Audio: Headphones/external audio. Power: Aircraft adapter.

Turn off unit before connecting cables.
Connect XM antenna securely; ensure clear view of southern sky.
Use USB cable to connect to computer for database updates.
Select audio output as needed for cockpit audio panel.

Tip: Use genuine Garmin cables and accessories for best performance.

Using GPS Navigation

Supports VFR and IFR navigation with aviation databases.

Acquire GPS: Allow unit to acquire satellites (shown on satellite page).
Direct-to: Press D→ button, enter identifier or select from map.
Nearest: Press NRST to find nearest airports, navaids, etc.
Flight Plan: Create/edit flight plans with waypoints.
Map Display: Use ZOOM to adjust map scale; track-up or north-up.
Terrain Display: View terrain and obstacles on map.
Alerts: Set up proximity alerts for airspace, terrain.
Simulator Mode: Practice navigation without GPS signal.

WARNING! GPS is supplemental; always use primary navigation sources.

XM Weather & Radio

Requires active XM subscription.

Activate XM: Enter activation code in XM menu.
Weather: View NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, lightning strikes.
Radio: Tune to XM Radio channels for music, news, sports.
Layers: Customize weather display layers on map.

Note: XM service requires subscription; coverage may vary.

Care & Cleaning

Power off and disconnect before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth; avoid liquids.

CAUTION! Do not use harsh chemicals; keep away from extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device. Complies with aviation standards. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Jeppesen data provided under license. XM service requires separate subscription. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact 1-800-800-1020.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No GPS signal	Obstructed view	Move to clear view of sky; allow several minutes.
XM not working	Subscription/antenna	Check XM subscription; ensure antenna connected and aimed south.
Battery not charging	Power source/cable	Check power adapter; ensure proper connection.
Display dim	Brightness setting	Adjust brightness in display settings.
Database outdated	Subscription expired	Renew Jeppesen subscription; update via USB.
Unit locks up	Software issue	Perform soft reset (hold POWER for 10 seconds).

Reset: Hold POWER for 10 seconds to soft reset.

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