Ipad navigation users
- Thread starter Ken Cross
- Start date
can't comment on apple, but all android tablets have gps , pretty sure most new apples do also, but can't swear to that
True. I have both a cellular iPad and a WiFi only iPad. I use both as backups if ever needed. For the WiFi iPad, I use the Bad Elf Pro Bluetooth GPS. bad-elf.com is their website, they have a couple of options.
This is correct. The GPS chip is part of the cellular board.. The iPad Pro has a significantly better screen that the iPad Air.. if you're using it outdoors you'll be glad you went with the Pro.
We still haven't sorted it all out yet, but this helps.
I'm thinking the tablet will also be used as another nav backup, but sometimes my backup plans end up being primary.
Our installed plotter is so slow to operate it makes me nuts. Particularly when it needs to switch charts. I also like having Active Captain at my fingertips. Presently I do that on my phone which is a tiny screen.
Thanks, everyone.
Ken
I'm thinking the tablet will also be used as another nav backup, but sometimes my backup plans end up being primary.
Our installed plotter is so slow to operate it makes me nuts. Particularly when it needs to switch charts. I also like having Active Captain at my fingertips. Presently I do that on my phone which is a tiny screen.
Thanks, everyone.
Ken
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,378
iPad Pro wifi version uses wifi signals to locate itself. Cell system uses cell towers to locate itself. If you have a wifi capability on the boat and a GPS antenna is connected to the system the iPad can use the gps signal to provide gps charting. For example. Vesper AIS provides gps and AIS signals over wifi to iPad running the iNavx app. Or you can use an external Bluetooth gps several are listed in the documentation.
I have an IPad Air cellular using INavX with Digital Yacht AIS over wifi. I also use Navionics. These are not my primary as my old Raymarine Pathfinder (2003 model) is still my primary with radar and sonar with Autopilot.
"iPad Pro wifi version uses wifi signals to locate itself." How do the wifi signals know where the iPad Pro is?
It won't. The iPad won't get sufficient Wi-Fi signal or accuracy out on the water. It requires GPS, either internal or external source.
BTW -- you don't need to activate a cellular service subscription if you buy an iPad equipped with the cellular hardware, and the GPS will work fine without cellular subscription.
The cellular model does not require any cell towers to get a true GPS fix and does not need or require any external GPS devices... When in range of cell towers the "A"GPS chip (assisted) additionally accesses cell towers.
We own three cellular enabled iPads and have never had a cell plan nor ever activated one on an iPad. Our daughters iPad is wifi only and has no internal GPS. The cell models internal GPS work beautifully even thousands of miles from cell towers & wifi.
The router that sends the Wifi signal out has an IP address. The IP address is geolocated, i.e., the net knows the location of the IP Address. Because the iPad, computer or wifi enabled device can be anywhere within the range of the wifi signal, the location accuracy is not good enough for navigation, but it is good enough to send you ads for local businesses.
The iPad cellular models do use GPS and can locate you outside of cell phone range. The cost difference between a cellular enabled iPad and a wifi iPad with an external gps is negligible. Get the Cellular model, one less thing to cart around. Cellular subscriptions can be purchased on a month to month basis from some providers. Handy if you only want internet access during for a summer cruise.
You may want to do a search of the archives as this topic has been discussed extensively.
Companion to the questions on the device you will find another extensive discussion of various software products used. And what you will see is that there are 10 times as many opinions of which product is best as there are products available.
One bit of added information - the gps feature of an iPad uses 2 or 3 satellites only. So your position may not be as accurate as those taken by gps that gathers data from many more satellites. To address this I use my iPad but purchased a wifi hot spot / AIS device from Digital Yachts. This allows me to connect an external full function gps antenna plus an AIS antenna to the Digitsl Yachts box which then wirelessly connects to my iPad.
Companion to the questions on the device you will find another extensive discussion of various software products used. And what you will see is that there are 10 times as many opinions of which product is best as there are products available.
One bit of added information - the gps feature of an iPad uses 2 or 3 satellites only. So your position may not be as accurate as those taken by gps that gathers data from many more satellites. To address this I use my iPad but purchased a wifi hot spot / AIS device from Digital Yachts. This allows me to connect an external full function gps antenna plus an AIS antenna to the Digitsl Yachts box which then wirelessly connects to my iPad.
wifi and GPS in tablets
it is only a question as to whether the iPad [tablet] had the cellular option. If your iPad has the cellular option (not cell service, but the ability for it), it has GPS. If your iPad is WiFi only, it does not.
from: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/i-pad-navigation-app-dangers-180898.html
it is only a question as to whether the iPad [tablet] had the cellular option. If your iPad has the cellular option (not cell service, but the ability for it), it has GPS. If your iPad is WiFi only, it does not.
from: http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f13/i-pad-navigation-app-dangers-180898.html
I see that no one has asked the question of what the tablet will be used for, its primary purpose. I am sure it is not for the use of charting, but that might be a secondary or tertiary purpose. A couple of members have said it right that the iPad with cell capability also has GPS capability. No cell service is needed, but if your primary purpose is for cell data, then the point is moot.
I have an Android tablet that is wifi only, but it has GPS. So if I want to use my tablet on the internet with no wifi around, I use my phone as a hotspot and connect my tablet to the phone via wifi. I basically use my tablet for GPS maps when I am on the road (stand alone map app called MAP ME). Next purpose is for GPS boat use.
So first determine the primary purpose. The rest is just an add-on with regards to the main function of the tablet.
I have an Android tablet that is wifi only, but it has GPS. So if I want to use my tablet on the internet with no wifi around, I use my phone as a hotspot and connect my tablet to the phone via wifi. I basically use my tablet for GPS maps when I am on the road (stand alone map app called MAP ME). Next purpose is for GPS boat use.
So first determine the primary purpose. The rest is just an add-on with regards to the main function of the tablet.
I have an ipad air (cell) with Navionics. I use it for planning and nav backup. It's very accurate. I would not use a tablet for primary (electronic) navigation. Several months ago, my ipad blinked a few times and reset itself. All the apps remained, but lost favorites/bookmarks etc..we all have computer horror stories and its the same companies etc that make and program tablets/phones..And they dont survive environments well...
The primary purpose is for email, taking notes, web browsing, and other laptop stuff. Previously she used an Android which is now dead. The reason for adding the cell function would just be for the GPS. We can and do make a hotspot from our phones.
When I started this thread I just wanted to see if I was missing something in my look at Apple products. I do however appreciate all the comments because I can learn from them without needing to spend money on mistakes.
Ken
When I started this thread I just wanted to see if I was missing something in my look at Apple products. I do however appreciate all the comments because I can learn from them without needing to spend money on mistakes.
Ken