Garmin GPSMAP 695/696 Manual

The Garmin GPSMAP 695/696 is a portable aviation GPS navigator featuring a sunlight-readable 7-inch diagonal display, integrated worldwide basemap, terrain and obstacle alerts, XM weather and audio capabilities (696 only), Jeppesen database compatibility, and support for flight planning, moving map display, and approach procedures. 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 Navigation Features 8. XM Weather & Audio (696) 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 7-inch sunlight-readable display, integrated GPS receiver, SD card slot, audio jack, USB port, external antenna connector, power/data connector.

Feature	Description
Display	7-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable, 800 x 480 pixels
GPS Receiver	High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled
Database	Jeppesen aviation database (subscription required)
XM Weather (696 only)	Real-time weather data via XM subscription
XM Audio (696 only)	Satellite radio and music channels
Terrain & Obstacle Alerts	TAWS-A compliant terrain awareness
SD Card Slot	For database updates and additional maps
Audio Jack	For headphone or external speaker connection
USB Port	For data transfer and software updates
Power/Data Connector	For external power and connection to aircraft systems

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all components are present.

Mount the unit: Use the provided yoke or panel mount. Secure tightly.
Connect power: Attach the power cable to the aircraft's power source (10-32 VDC).
Connect external antenna (optional): For improved GPS reception in some aircraft.
Insert SD card: Load aviation database or maps if required.

WARNING! Ensure mounting does not obstruct aircraft controls or visibility. Follow aircraft manufacturer guidelines.

First-Time Setup

Power on the GPSMAP; follow initial setup prompts.

Select language: Choose from available options (default ENGLISH).
Configure units: Set navigation units (nm, km), altitude (feet, meters), etc.
Set time and date: Manually or via GPS synchronization.
Load databases: Insert SD card with Jeppesen data; follow on-screen instructions.
Calibrate sensors (if applicable): Follow prompts for internal magnetometer.

CAUTION! Ensure aircraft is stationary during initial setup and calibration.

Specifications

Display: 7-inch diagonal, sunlight-readable TFT, 800 x 480 pixels.
GPS Receiver: High-sensitivity, WAAS-enabled, 12 parallel channels.
Database: Jeppesen NavData (airports, navaids, procedures).
Weather: XM Weather (696 only) with NEXRAD, METARs, TAFs, lightning.
Audio: XM Satellite Radio (696 only), internal speaker, audio jack.
Terrain: TAWS-A compliant, terrain and obstacle database.
Power: 10-32 VDC, typical draw 2.5A at 14V.
Operating Temp: -15°C to 55°C (5°F to 131°F).
Dimensions: 8.9" W x 6.3" H x 2.4" D (227 x 160 x 61 mm).
Weight: 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg) with yoke mount.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via the dedicated MENU button and on-screen soft keys.

Front Panel: POWER, VOLUME knob, Direct-to key, MENU, cursor pad, ENTER.

Display Pages: Map, Trip Planning, Waypoint Info, Nearest, Auxiliary (system settings).

Navigation Settings: Airspace alerts, terrain display, map orientation (North up, Track up). System Settings: Display brightness, backlight timeout, audio volume, units, time format. Database Management: Update via SD card, check database expiration.

Connecting Devices

External Antenna: BNC connector on rear. Audio: 3.5mm audio jack. Data: USB port for PC connection. Power/Data: Aviation connector for aircraft integration.

Ensure unit is powered off before connecting external devices.
Use certified cables for aviation connections.
For XM Weather/Audio (696): Connect XM antenna and activate subscription.

Tip: Verify all connections are secure before flight.

Using Navigation Features

Supports VFR and IFR navigation with moving map and procedure guidance.

Create a flight plan: Press FPL, add waypoints (airports, VORs, intersections).
Direct-to navigation: Press Direct-to key, enter identifier.
Fly an approach: Select approach from airport procedures, activate vectors-to-final or full approach.
Use map page: View aircraft position, route, airspace, terrain.
Nearest function: Quickly find nearest airports, navaids, airspace.
Terrain awareness: Monitor terrain and obstacle alerts on map and via visual/audio warnings.

WARNING! This is an advisory system only. Pilot must maintain situational awareness and comply with all ATC instructions.

XM Weather & Audio (696)

GPSMAP 696 includes integrated XM receivers for weather and audio (subscriptions required).

Weather: Access NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, lightning strikes, turbulence, icing. Audio: Listen to XM Satellite Radio music, news, and talk channels. Setup: Subscribe to XM services, connect XM antenna, activate receiver in AUX > XM Setup menu.

Care & Cleaning

Power off and disconnect from power source before cleaning. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen cloth with water only.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners, aerosols, or abrasives. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference acceptance. Aviation Use: Approved for supplemental navigation in accordance with applicable aviation regulations. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Jeppesen data © Jeppesen. XM services require separate subscription. For support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Aviation Support.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection	Check aircraft power source; verify cable connection; ensure fuse is intact.
Poor GPS reception	Antenna obstruction	Ensure clear view of sky; connect external antenna if installed.
Database not loading	SD card issue	Re-seat SD card; ensure card is formatted correctly and data is current.
No XM signal (696)	Antenna/Subscription	Check XM antenna connection; verify active subscription; reposition antenna.
Screen unreadable	Brightness settings	Adjust display brightness and contrast in System Settings.
Unit freezes	Software issue	Perform soft reset (power cycle). If persistent, contact support.

Reset: Hold POWER button for 10 seconds to force power cycle.

Service: Contact Garmin Aviation Support or authorized service center.