Garmin GPSmap 496 GPS With panel mount option - just removed Click here to purchase or contact the seller of this item on eBay
Current Price: 350.00 USD

The Garmin GPSMAP 496 is a discontinued portable GPS navigator released in 2006. It served as a versatile all-in-one device for aviation (primary use), automotive, and marine navigation. Many pilots still use it today as a backup or secondary moving map, especially for VFR flying, due to its sunlight-readable color screen, terrain awareness, and additional features like XM weather.

Key Features

• Display: 3.8-inch (diagonal) 256-color TFT screen (480 x 320 resolution), highly readable in bright sunlight with backlight.
• Modes: Switchable between Aviation, Automotive (with turn-by-turn routing via City Navigator maps), and Marine (compatible with BlueChart maps).
• Aviation Highlights:
  • Jeppesen aviation database with detailed terrain/obstacle data (U.S. or other regional options).
  • Terrain and obstacle alerting (color-coded, with pop-up warnings).
  • SafeTaxi® airport diagrams and AOPA Airport Directory (FBO info, services, etc.).
  • Panel Page: Basic graphical EFIS-like display with HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator), altitude, groundspeed, track, etc. (GPS-derived; not for IFR approaches — it's a VFR tool).
  • XM WX Satellite Weather (via GXM 30/30A antenna): NEXRAD radar, METARs, TAFs, TFRs, lightning, winds aloft (requires active XM subscription; availability may be limited in 2026).
  • XM Radio support.
  • Flight logging (up to 50 flights).
  • Smart Airspace and other situational awareness tools.
• Other Specs:
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery (up to ~15 hours in battery saver mode).
  • High-sensitivity GPS receiver.
  • Physical size: 5.7" W x 3.2" H x 1.9" D.
  • Interfaces: Can connect to certain panel-mount Garmin GPS (for flight plan transfer), Mode S transponders for TIS traffic, and audio panels for voice alerts.
  • Basemap: Built-in City Navigator NT for roads/POIs in auto mode.

It was considered one of the most advanced portable aviation GPS units of its era, often compared favorably to higher-end systems like parts of the G1000 in terms of portable capability.