"Ardna" wrote in message news:ZtXFc.9738$151.5316@fed1read02...
I know a Google search reveals a lot about the Airmap 500 but I am more
interesting in hearing from people who actually own and use one. I am not
interested in discussions between Lowrance and Garmin and which is better
than the other.

In particular..

Hi Ardna,

I bought a new Airmap 500 about 4 weeks ago after my old GPS55 short
circuited.
Gave a nice smell and some smoke.
Anyway, to your questions.

1. Battery life is meant to be 12 hours , any personal experiences with
this.
Don't know yet, I switched the batteries after the indicator showed
them half.
I'm going to connected it to the onboard power.

2. The external antenna, anyone had to use it inside the aircraft or is the
unit good by itself on the yoke mount?
I had to buy the Airmap during a holiday, and duct-taped the external
antenna on top of the dash.
Works great.
Drawback is the connection, it is on the back.
When removing the Airmap from the holder don't forget to disconnect.

3. "high-contrast Film SuperTwist display" is meant to be easier to read in
sunlight, experiences ?
Works good in sunlight.
As with all LCD's it is hard to read at angles.
Mine needs some attention about this because it is mounted to the
panel, I don't have a yoke.

4. "One Free Database Update" : how much are normal database updates
Don't know yet.

5. Anyone had any warranty issues ?
Not yet

I like the Airmap for its small size and you can use it right out of
the box without having to buy all kind of extras except some spare
batteries.

-Kees