Ipad Navionics

Buck420 · Oct 25, 2012

maryd33950 said:
Went out few days and used our Ipad with Navionics software. Screen much nicer than our Raymarine chartplotter. Will get a waterproof cover for the Ipad. We used a ziplog bag on this trip for the Ipad. The photo doesn't do it justice, screen looks much better. The Ipad holder is adjustable so we ended up swiveling it down.

IMHO .. The wave of the future ... no pun intended

xcyz · Oct 25, 2012

I use GPSNavX with the iPad gps version w/waterproof cover. Much nicer and less expensive then the conventional... I also have the AIS ship tracking app on as well. Nice to see what ships are coming your direction. Also, when bored you can also watch a movie or play angry birds

Jeff Jellick · Oct 25, 2012

When using the iPad with the different software that is mentioned, do you need to have the Wi-Fi on the iPad activated? Is the Navionics software, and or the GPSNavX an "App" that you can down load to the iPad?
Jeff

Stu Jackson · Oct 25, 2012

Binnacle handhold

maryd33950 said:
Went out few days and used our Ipad with Navionics software. Screen much nicer than our Raymarine chartplotter. Will get a waterproof cover for the Ipad. We used a ziplog bag on this trip for the Ipad. The photo doesn't do it justice, screen looks much better. The Ipad holder is adjustable so we ended up swiveling it down.

Nice idea Mary. Question: I noticed it's on your binnacle handhold. Do you find that a safety issue at all? Reason I ask is that we have very deliberately never ever installed anything there, since we find it is a very important place to hold on when in the cockpit and we sail in some challenging winds on a regular basis. I wouldn't think of placing something else there. We NEED that handhold.

Bill1565 · Oct 25, 2012

Jeff Jellick said:
When using the iPad with the different software that is mentioned, do you need to have the Wi-Fi on the iPad activated? Is the Navionics software, and or the GPSNavX an "App" that you can down load to the iPad? Jeff

Don't need wifi or cell phone with built in GPS or Dongle. There are separate GPS's that use bluetooth or wifi, not plugged into Ipad.

Navionics $50 and eseachart $8 are apps. eseachart allows you to download active captain when you are on the net and store it for when you are not. Uses paper charts (?raster?) changing charts and screen view not near as nice as Navioncis, but you have active captain. Don't know but guess Navx is also an app.

Bill1565 · Oct 25, 2012

Re: Binnacle handhold

We both use the crash bar also Stu. Ram bracket fastens with Ubolt. Not much actual interference at the bar. Only have one trip with the Ipad in place, have found that lowering it to sit on the Raymarine A50D works better that the photo Mary posted. Can probably re position bracket to port side of bar, leave top totally clear. Going back out maybe tomorrow depending on hurricane. Will be local for 4-5 days and have internet access. More reports later.

right back atcha

Jeff Jellick · Oct 25, 2012

maryd33950 said:
We got the Ipad that has built in GPS, so you don't need to be online for the GPS software to work. If you get the Ipad that is WiFi only, then you need a GPS dongel (sp?) for the software to work as chartplotter. By the time you buy the Ipad and a separate GPS adapter, it doesn't cost much more to just have the GPS version of Ipad. The other neat thing about the Ipad with built in GPS, we have software on a PC so that if the Ipad is stolen or misplaced, we can track it with the PC. Plus, when we go ashore we also have Streetpilot on the Ipad for driving, shopping, etc.

OK, so I guess what I am asking is that with my iPad (iPad 3) I will need either cellular service, OR wi-Fi service to be able to use the Nav apps that you are talking about. Is this correct?
jeff

Joe · Oct 25, 2012

Just a friendly caution..... don't find your self becoming fixated on the display and forget to watch where you're going.

And a question.....how well does the ipad display show in bright light?

Third comment...for ipad users without the built in gps, they should be able to connect to a simple gps "puck" to operate the software.... rather than purchasing a new ipad.

Bill1565 · Oct 25, 2012

Thanks for your concern. Old and feeble as I am, the screen size and text size are great aids in being able to see what I want at a glance, even without bifocals in some cases. This allows more time to watch the the water here in Crab pot heaven. Real downer when scrapping my Garmin 181 for the Raymarine A50D is the small text size and weak fonts on the A50. I have to get close to the A50 and look thru my lower lens to see boat speed, course etc. Awkward and time consuming, but better since I installed the Nav pod.

No don't throw away Ipads w/o GPS. See discussion above regarding wired and bluetooth external GPS "Pucks".

Ipad is better than Raymarine in bright sun. Both have shiny glass and reflect. Ram mount allows me to tilt or twist the Ipad to minimize reflection. NOTE : I pad only works with polaroids in "landscape" mode as in mary's picturre above. When you turn it to "portrait" the screen turns black thru your polaroids.

Sailm8 · Oct 25, 2012

Like someone above said, this is the wave of the future. I would love to have a big chart plotter but I can purchase 3 iPads for the same price. When instruments get "smarter" it will be cheaper and easier to interface everything. You can do it now but it is difficult. If I was a chartplotter manufacturer I would be very worried.

By the way Bill had his ipad on my boat in the cockpit in bright sunlight and the image was stunning. I could actually see it. Also he could zoom in and out using his fingers in a pincher motion.

Being the thoughtful guy I am, my wife will be getting one for Christmas.

Jeff Jellick · Oct 25, 2012

I have an iPad 3 with the GPS feature, but don't you have to have either wi-Fi or Cellular service in order to enable the GPS?
Jeff

Sailm8 · Nov 28, 2012

Just ordered my "wife's" xmas present yesterday. Can't wait to load it up with Nav software and apps.

xcyz · Nov 28, 2012

Sailm8 said:
Just ordered my "wife's" xmas present yesterday. Can't wait to load it up with Nav software and apps.

Smart... I Love mine using NavX. You'll, I mean, She will love hers too.. wink wink...

fox islander · Nov 28, 2012

...my wife's notebook just bit the dust. I think a shiney new iPad might be in the works for her also. One question...is there any quality difference between the built-in, or puck GPS?

flynfol · Nov 29, 2012

Get the built in.....cost about the same when you add the cost of an external GPS. We haven't pulled the trigger yet, but by using an ADS-B receiver, you can get free weather including NEXRAD radar. That cost as much as another IPad.

RichH · Nov 29, 2012

Is anyone operating MacENC on their iPad .... and what is the memory requirement to do if you do use MacENC?

Ipad Navionics

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