Thread: Garmin 696 or GDU375?

It's time to upgrade our G396. Neat unit, but given how much it gets used, it's time to upgrade to something with faster screen refresh and maybe a larger display.

The 696 seems to be a good idea. It requires some work to relocate the carb heat and cabin heat pulls and also some kind of bracket. Garmin also has the GRU375, which is the panel-mount version of the G696. Each seems to have its own advantages: G696 has a battery (in case you loose power) and is cheaper. The G375 is easier to mount (doesn't require a bracket) and is supposedly expandable to include engine monitoring functions in the future.

Anyone interested in the G375? Are they even shipping yet?

Doug

I think the 375 is a bit more pricey then the 696 and unless your going to use it's potential may not be worth the extra bucks. I have the 696 install and love it sooooo much better then the 496.

Roger

I just went through this with my CTLS (which I pick up on Friday!) The 696 has a battery backup so you can start it up without anything else on which makes it nice to program while waiting for ATC, practice, etc. Also, the GDU 375, although could be "approved" in a CT, they don't bless it according to my set up person. This is merely heresay, but I think they wanted a little more history before installation. They had one in a plane last year and took it out. It does require external antennae also which might look kind of nice compared to the round ones on the dash.

I finally decided to go with the 696 for now and IF they ever come out with the G3X which combines the 375 and 370 with AHARS, magnetometer, etc, I'll just pop out the 696 and use it as a backup and EFB (electronic flight bag). Hope this helps.

John