Thread: More 696 info

I've received my 696 and I'm a happy camper but I'll be much happier if we can figure out an "in dash" mount configuration. While I love my 496 it's just to darn small to read - the 696 screen changes that. While there are a few additions from the 496 the main difference of course is a screen you can actually see and read - wow imagine that!!

The fit - the 696 is the same width as the 496 so putting it into a GIZMO ought make it the same width as the 496 GIZMO making no problems width wise for the center panel! Height is another problem. If my Garmin radio and transponder are dropped a half an inch and the heater controls relocated it should fit perfect.

Hopefully FD is hard at work on this for us and we should see some help soon...In the mean time if you have any 696 questions (other then where to rob a bank to pay for the thing) fire away!

Roger H

"While I love my 496 it's just to darn small to read / the main difference of course is a screen you can actually see and read"


Buy some glasses. They are only $100-$180 and save the other $3200, new panel and labor cost. Plus you'll be able to read the newspaper in the morning again with the glasses.


Sorry Rog just had to say that.

Roger,

Not only did I go and get new glasses but for the first time in my life I also got prescription sun glasses as well. Before I went I measured the distance from my eyes to the 496 in the plane and asked my eye doctor to do the best he could for that distance. $250 later (one pair was covered by insurance) life with the 496 was no better.

So I look at it this way...If I'd been able to get the 696 a month and a half ago (when I got my new shades) I wouldn't have pissed away mine and the insurance companies money for new glasses!



Roger H

Yeah, but now you can read the magazine and can't use the excuse you were only looking at the pictures and you can see when the light turns red.

After a few days of "playing" around with the 696 I'm ready to rip my panel apart and get this new marvel installed. I only hope FD and Gizmo can get their act together soon - this thing puts the 496 to shame! I'm excited - this is what I've been dreaming about for the last few years!

While there's a couple of options I'll never use (the IFR stuff) I'll finally have a screen full of useful information that I can actually see, use and the information is easy to get to. While there might be one or two shortcomings my 496 wold be for sale now if I could get this thing mounted....

Garmin has put out a show stopper this time (even if Roger disagrees )

Roger H