Just got my new iPad and downloaded a great Navigation app. Looks almost as good as my Garmin. My question is that my cell w Verizon service off the coast of Calif is not great, especially around San Diego. AnyOne else have this issue?
iPad Navigation Apps and Cell service
- Thread starter rfrye1
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I'm with verizon, there are a few dead spots up and down the SD coastline .... that is the inherent problem with cell based navigation apps though.... Closer to Catalina and the L.A. area... the coverage is more consistant....
I've only relied on my android Navionics when near harbor entrances and other sensitive areas.... mostly all near enough to land for good cell service. Otherwise, the old reliable GPS is more than enough to get me where I want to go. Navigation on the southwest coast is far less demanding than it is on the East coast where thin water abounds.
I can suggest an AIS type app that you'll find incredibly useful. Even more than a navigation app. It's called Boat Beacon. There's also one called Ship Finder.
I've only relied on my android Navionics when near harbor entrances and other sensitive areas.... mostly all near enough to land for good cell service. Otherwise, the old reliable GPS is more than enough to get me where I want to go. Navigation on the southwest coast is far less demanding than it is on the East coast where thin water abounds.
I can suggest an AIS type app that you'll find incredibly useful. Even more than a navigation app. It's called Boat Beacon. There's also one called Ship Finder.
Thank Joe. Yes AIS would be great. Like most of us I've got redundant GPS on board anyway. But the ability to plan at home on my iPad is great.
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tip.
You can get an external GPS unit that will connect to your iPad via bluetooth. I have one from Bad Elf and it works well.
If you've got the right iPad (with GPS) and the right nav app (eg: iNavX) you don't need cellular service or wifi.
sam
sam
You wont need cellular network if your app relies on GPS for pulling information.
My suggestion: never rely only on your phone / app for navigation. Always make sure you carry your GPS along
My suggestion: never rely only on your phone / app for navigation. Always make sure you carry your GPS along
I disagree with this wholeheartedly. (By the way, I am not talking about having redundant system. I have 5 GPS devices on my boat at all times plus paper charts and several compasses.)My suggestion: never rely only on your phone / app for navigation. Always make sure you carry your GPS along
Many people who are out there cruising now are using iPads for navigation. The younger cruiser set are using the iPad navigating up and down both coasts, in Mexico, the Caribbean and crossing oceans. If you have a basic understanding of the technology you
This year we began using an iPad running Navionics as our primary navigation device. We have the iPad 4 with Retna Display with Verizon cellular. Most of the time (90-95%) the cellular data is turned off. We get about 7-8 hours out of a the iPad before it has to be recharged. (I plan to add a 12 volt adapter in the cockpit soon.)
I have checked the accuracy of the iPad, iPhone, my handheld Garmin (76csx) and my Raymarine. The Garmin, the iPad and the Raymarine give submeter accuracy. The iPhone is within about 10 meters. I checked these against a Trimble GeoExplorer GeoXH unit I have access to from work. The Trimble is certified subfoot accuracy and is used for surveying. In addition, both the iPad and iPhone have options to post the position over an satellite image which helps you see just how accurate the GPS is on those.
There are additions I might do in the future. For instance, I think I might add the iMux to allow the iPad to see all my Raymarine data (wind direction and speed, depth, boat speed, etc.). But stuff like that is not needed.
Just my opinion.
Fair winds,
Jesse
Only the cellular data models have the GPS chips. The wifi only models do not have them.
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