Recommendations for (used) backup GPS

[twdeckard]

I am curious for recommendations for a backup GPS make/model.

The goal is something minimal that would get you down in a total electrical failure; small, alkaline, long battery life, approach overlay/extended centerline?

I am embarrassed to admit the unit in the bottom of my bag down was an ultracheap handheld with no database for which I have manually entered
fixes. It looks like I should upgrade for the $150 its going to cost on e-bay.

Garmin 89/90/96/Pilot III,196/Lowrance/old Magellan?

Its the approach database or approach "monitoring" that I am most curious about. If you had to improvise under fire it might be easier than lining up track made good ...

Thanks!

 

[jima7011]

I know it's not used but I have heard that the new Bendix/King AV8OR GPS is the shiznit and a bargain at $675.00

http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DID=19&Product_ID=11727&CATID=93

The only really negative thing I've heard is that the battery life could be a little better.

Thinking about one myself....

++Disclaimer++I have nothing to do with Sporty's or Bendix/King--just a pilot helping out a fellow pilot--

 

[twdeckard]

I know it's not used but I have heard that the new Bendix/King AV8OR GPS is the shiznit and a bargain at $675.00

I'm really looking for something to function as an emergency backup to a 430W. I may ultimately get something with XM weather in addition but I want the reassurance of a small unit that I can scrounge AAs for while in flight, get 6 hours of flight time out of, and use it to improvise an approach when all else has failed.

Having an extended centerline, or terrain depiction like in the Lowrance would be useful.

I think I have to get into a 96C before I get the approach fixes. I'm hoping someone on JC has already weighed all the comparisons.

Thanks!

 

[LineUpAndWait]

As much as I hate feeding the Garmin juggernaut, I love my 96C for all the features you mentioned. It's small - so it's always in the flight bag - runs forever on 2 AA batts, WAAS enabled, has the Jepp database with approaches - pretty hard to beat for the money IMO.

 

[awacs94]

As much as I hate feeding the Garmin juggernaut, I love my 96C for all the features you mentioned. It's small - so it's always in the flight bag - runs forever on 2 AA batts, WAAS enabled, has the Jepp database with approaches - pretty hard to beat for the money IMO.

Agree. The 96C is a great choice!

 

[Barty]

If you don't mind a slightly older model, a 195 can be had for ~$100 on craigslist and other non-eBay sources. The battery life leaves something to be desired and the screen refresh is a tad slow when panning around. Unless you plan on using it in a Lear or Citation, I doubt the screen draw speed will ever become an issue.

 

[t-cart]

I don't know if they are still available, The Lowrance 600 was being sold new for around $200 a few weeks ago. I don't know if that was some sort of "promotion"or a clearance. You might try searching Lowrance 600 and see what you come up with. I have one although bought at the earlier price of $500 and it is a pretty nice little GPS.