The GPSMAP 296 builds on the tradition of Garmin aviation handhelds like the GPSMAP 196 and GPSMAP 295. New features like terrain cautions and alerts, sectional chart-like topographic data, a built-in obstacle database of the U.S., and a transparent navigation arc view for course, speed, and distance information lead the list of advances. The GPSMAP 296 also features USB data transfer, faster processing speed, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Press a button, and you have your choice of the unit's automotive or marine modes.

Garmin delivers terrain awareness in an intuitive Terrain mode on the GPSMAP 296. The unit combines GPS position, GPS altitude and topographical mapping to give pilots a vivid depiction of potential terrain hazards.

Pilots gain terrain awareness in a number of ways:

• Terrain and obstacle information By using visual cues and tone alerts, pilots can be aware of potentially dangerous terrain or obstacle conflicts along the current flight path. The unit also offers a configurable look-ahead warning function which gives the pilot additional time to make critical decisions.
• Configurable buffer zones The pilot can set the minimum limits to receive terrain cautions. The unit then presents potential hazards in yellow (to indicate ground proximity of 500-1000 feet) and red (to indicate ground proximity of 100 feet or less).
• Obstacles database Users can view the elevation or relative altitude of any obstacle (towers, buildings, etc.) within the unit's built-in database. (This feature is only available with the Americas version.)
• Pop-up alerts Terrain proximity cautions and alerts pop up as digital thumbnail images in the lower left-hand corner of any page whenever a potential hazard conflict looms ahead.

The GPSMAP 296 is designed to move seamlessly between an aircraft, vehicle, or boat:

• Automotive Mode Provides automatic route generation, turn-by-turn guidance, and voice prompts, plus a built-in worldwide database of borders and major cities. The optional Auto Kit includes two mounts, a cigarette-lighter adapter with speaker output, a 128-MB data card, and a MapSource City Select CD-ROM for detailed mapping and address lookup capabilities.
• Marine Mode Features a worldwide marine database and U.S. tide data. When coupled with the optional Marine Kit (64-MB data card and MapSource BlueChart CD-ROM), the unit displays such information as depth contours, inter-tidal zones, spot soundings, wrecks, navaids, port plans, restricted areas, cable areas, anchorages, and much more.

Features:

• WAAS-capable GPS receiver for enhanced lateral/vertical guidance.
• Crisp, high-resolution display (480 x 320 pixel count), 256-color TFT display (3.8 inches diagonally).
• 3.8"-diagonal display; 480 x 320 pixels.
• 5.7" W x 3.2" H x 1.9" D unit dimensions.
• 200-MHz processor for fast redraw and routing.
• Up to 15 hours battery life (typical use backlight conditions); 8 hours full backlight brightness.
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.
• GA 26C remote antenna.
• Automotive and marine modes for easy navigation in a vehicle or boat.
• Detailed basemap includes highways, major roads, borders, rivers, lakes, and tide stations.
• Accepts data from Garmin's MapSource products (City Select for driving, BlueChart for saltwater, and Recreational Lakes with Fishing Hot Spots for freshwater).
• 15/11 (text/voice) languages.
• Waterproof to IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes).
• Weighs just 12 ounces.
• 50 reversible routes (300 waypoints each), 15 saved tracks (700 trackpoints each), TracBack technology, 3000 waypoints with graphical icon identification.
• Adjustable quad-helix receiving antenna with remote antenna capability.
• Voice prompt guidance when the 12-volt / speaker cable is connected.
• Separate serial and USB interfaces; 2 RS-232 serial ports.

GPSMAP 296 ships with:

• GPSMAP 296 receiver
• Americas Autoroute Basemap.
• Adjustable yoke mount.
• Automotive mount.
• Cigarette-lighter adapter.
• AC power adapter.
• USB-PC interface cable.
• Low-profile remote GPS antenna.
• Carrying case.
• Free Jeppesen update certificate.
• Trip & Waypoint Manager software.
• Owner's manual.
• Quick-reference guide.

The Americas GPSMap 296 comes with a built-in, permanent basemaps that cannot be altered. The routable Americas basemap includes the United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America, and covers an area from W180 to W30 Longitude, S60 to N72 Latitude. Also included is a high-level worldwide map with political boundaries and major cities.

Standard map coverage includes:

1. Oceans, rivers, and lakes (greater than 30 sq. miles)
2. Principal cities and a small amount of smaller cities and towns
3. Major interstates and principal highways
4. Political boundaries (state and international borders)
5. Railroads
6. Major Airports

United States - In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes:

1. Small lakes, major streams, and rivers
2. Principal urban areas (including Alaska and Hawaii)
3. National- and State-level roads
4. Many local roads in or near urban areas
5. More detailed coastline
6. Airports
7. A database of exits for the Federal Interstate highway system. This includes many businesses within about mile of the exit, including: restaurants, diesel/gas, hotels/lodging, overnight RV parking, dumps, campgrounds, truck stops, medical facilities, shopping and outlet malls, ATMs, and many more attractions.
8. Tide stations

Alaska - In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes:

1. National- and State-level roads, plus some local roads in or near urban areas
2. Lakes greater than 5 square miles
3. Small cities and towns
4. Tide stations

Canada - In addition to the standard map coverage, it also includes:

1. Lakes greater than 5 square miles (Southern Canada)
2. Lakes greater than 10 square miles (Central Canada)

Mexico, Central and South America:

1. Standard Map Coverage