GETTING STARTED > CHARGING THE GPSMAP 296

Charging the GPSMAP 296

Before using the unit, you need to charge the battery in the GPSMAP 296. Plug the unit into a 12 Volt connector to charge. You can use the unit while it is charging.

To charge the unit’s battery:

1.Lift the rubber weather cap to expose the power connector on the back of the unit. Refer to the image on page 1 for connector location.

2.Align the notches, and push the plug into the connector until fully seated.

3.Plug the 12 Volt adapter into a cigarette lighter receptacle if you have a cigarette lighter adapter. Use care when routing the adapter cable; be certain that it does not interfere with vehicle operation.

The unit begins charging as soon as external power is applied. Placing the unit in Charge Mode charges the unit more quickly than when the unit is turned on and reduces draw on the aircraft/vehicle/ boat battery.

Information about Charge Mode

Applying external power to the GPSMAP 296 automatically turns on the unit for full operation. If the battery is present and needs to be charged, the external power source charges the battery while the unit is in use.

If you do not want to use the unit, but you would like to charge the battery, you can put the unit into Charge Mode. Connect the unit to an external power supply. Press and hold the POWER key. Instead of completely turning off, the unit now goes into Charge Mode, as shown below.

Charge Mode

NOTE: While in Charge Mode, the unit draws a small amount of current from the aircraft/vehicle/boat battery. To avoid discharging the vehicle’s battery, disconnect the external power cable from the GPSMAP 296 when not in use for several days.

After using the unit a lot, you may notice that the lithium-ion battery in the unit is not holding a charge any more. This is common for lithium-ion batteries. Contact Garmin or your Garmin Dealer to order a Battery Pack replacement if you are experiencing charging issues with your battery.

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GPSMAP 296 Pilot’s Guide