The GPSMAP 396 with XM WX Satellite Weather™ features Next Generation Radar (NEXRAD), Aviation Routine Weather Reports (METARs), Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAFs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), Lightning and Winds Aloft, and several other important weather products to help pilots make informed navigational decisions. This new aviation handheld continues to reduce pilot workload by displaying Traffic Information Service (TIS) data when interfaced to the GTX 330, and can channel frequencies with the touch of a button when interfaced to the SL30 nav/comm radio. The GPSMAP 396 is also capable of receiving XM Satellite Radio’s 130-plus channels of music, sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming through a subscription. Once on the ground, the unit continues to provide pilots with invaluable information in a car or boat via automotive or marine navigation modes.

Pilots can customize the map display to overlay XM WX data directly over the unit’s Jeppesen and topographic map databases, or display individual weather products on the exclusive weather explorer™ page. In terrain mode, the GPSMAP 396 combines inputs from built-in terrain, obstacle, and electronic flight databases to give pilots a vivid depiction of proximity hazards that require their attention. Pilots can customize their own minimum-clearance limits to receive terrain cautions, which pop up as digital thumbnail images.

Viewing the display in any light is easy, thanks to the device’s 256-color, high-resolution (480 x 320-pixel) TFT display. The unit also features USB data transfer, fast processing speed, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

XM Satellite data and audio is delivered to the GPSMAP 396 through Garmin’s new GXM 30 smart antenna, which is included with the unit. The compact GXM 30 (roughly three inches in diameter) processes all weather information and sends the finished data to the GPSMAP 396 for display.

With the press of a button, the unit toggles into automotive or marine mode. When on the road, users can load the GPSMAP 396 with optional Map Source City Select software for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to addresses and points of interest.

On the water, the GPSMAP 396 offers a worldwide marine database and U.S. tide data. When paired with Map Source Blue Chart marine cartography, this waterproof unit displays information including depth contours, inter-tidal zones, spot soundings, wrecks, navaids, port plans, restricted areas, cable areas, and anchorages.