IPAD question

sailaway_H36 · Jun 8, 2014

Nick

you don't need a cell service for navionics. it is an offlibe system as it downloads the charts to your tablet. I am using a Samsung Tab2 tablet with integrated gps and no phone service. I have the navionics Caribbean (HD version at around 50$) and the Great lakes ( regular version at 14.99) and both work very well. They recommend the HD version for tablet, but I haven't noticed any difference.

Let me know if you need more info

cheers

Ben

Sailm8 · Jun 8, 2014

You need a Ipad 2 with wifi and cellular. I have one with Sprint because it has good coverage in this area. You don't need to sign up for service but the ipad needs to be cellular ready. When you are in range it triangulates using cell towers. When out of range it uses its built in GPS. I bought mine refurbished and it has been flawless.

sailaway_H36 · Jun 8, 2014

I am positive that the Navionics app does not need 3G to function. All what you need is a built-in or external GPS. My tablet does not have not have a built-in 3G and worked flawlessly in Mexico and Canada.

Check the FAQ on the Navionics website.

"A. The iPad 3G calculates your position using its internal GPS, as well as any additional available signals i.e. WiFi and/or cell. The Navionics Mobile app does not require WiFi nor cell signals to function, only the GPS in order to show your position.

woodster · Jun 8, 2014

i think Brian said that the 1st gen model had gps and you didn't need to have cell service to use it ...i read that in another thread some time back

Ward H · Jun 8, 2014

Ipads come with either WiFi only or WiFi and Cellular. 3G, LTE, etc are types of cell service.
WiFi only does not have the GPS chip, no matter the generation.
WiFi and Cellular comes with the GPS chip. Pretty sure Assisted GPS only means it uses WiFi plus GPS to get a quicker initial fix than GPS alone.
One thing different about iPads vs phones is that with the iPad you sign up for a data plan or service once you get the iPad but it is not required unless you wish to. The iPad will still work on WiFi. You just use it on WiFi.
Once you have a GPS App loaded via WiFi you know longer need the WiFi. The app will use the GPS chip.

If you get a WiFi only iPad, then you can buy a GPS receiver and plug it into the iPad. Costs are about the same either way.

Generation 1 iPads will not run the newest operating system and that may limit your app selection. IE: my iPad 1 will not run Garmin's app. Try to get an iPad that will run IOS 7.

The Navionics App is free but the maps are about $50 but it is a really neat app. I track all of my sailing trips, then e-mail them to my laptop for saving.

sailaway_H36 · Jun 8, 2014

Nick, nVe you considersd androids. I have been using Samsung tablets and they work very well and not too expensive.

chuckwayne · Jun 8, 2014

Seadaddler,
Ward's got it right. As long as you get an IPAD that is cellular capable it has a built - in GPS.
I've used the navionics app on y IPAD gen 1,2, and 3 and it works well on all of them. I would get at least a gen 2 for the better performance with the latest version (7) of IOS

Kite Runner · Jun 9, 2014

Nick,
I went with a Gen II 16Gb iPad...~$225us, Garmin's BlueChart Mobile coastal $30us, and a Garmin 'GLO' Bluetooth that receives both WASS & GLONASS. I use it for my cabin nav station even though it will work in the cockpit...if you have an iPad holder which I have seen. You always have a signal, you don't have to rely on cel phone, and the overall cost is pretty reasonable. I'm not selling, I'm just saying! It works great!
Cheers!

Jerry Clark H356 SV Persi · Jun 10, 2014

Seadaddler: I used my IPhone and IPad a lot on my trip last winter. I have a Gen 3 with cellular and GPS. The ETA information on the Navionics app is better than my Raymarine system. You can pick an interim waypoint and it I'll give you time to that waypoint as well as destination eta. Also you can sync Navionics with you IPhone so that both devices use one account and you have the same information on each device. Make a change on one and it will show up when you turn on the other one and start the app. The biggest mistake you could make is not getting one with enough memory and a fast enough chip. Be sure it will run on IOS 7. I've got a lot on mine, but 32 GB gets used fast once you start using it. You will find a lot of other apps that relate to sailing that you will use in conjunction with Navionics.

sesmith · Jun 10, 2014

I know you're set on an IPad, but if you end up looking at any Android devices, I can tell you Navionics works great on my Nexus 7. No cell service or chip needed...they come with the gps chip in them. The regular version works fine on the Nexus. You don't need the HD version, though the Nexus has an HD screen.

My wife has an IPad. You couldn't convince me to go from my Nexus (or my Android phone) to an I-anything, but we all have our preferences

Lusitano · Jun 11, 2014

All you need is a dual GPS receiver, 100 bucks!

isaksp00 · Jun 12, 2014

I would check carefully about any model that has "assisted GPS". I don't know iPads, but in many Android phones that means that you have a GPS receiver that can get the time codes and other data from the satellites, but cannot actually independently calculate position data - the received "raw" satellite data is sent via cell digital signal to the cell infrastructure, used to calculate position, and then sent back to the phone (the cell infrastructure is providing the "assistance"). That means you do need a cell connection to use this type.

Stu Jackson · Jun 12, 2014

www.panbo.com

Poke around, they've answered it thousands of times.

quadrille38 · Jun 12, 2014

Stu Jackson said:
www.panbo.com Poke around, they've answered it thousands of times.

Agree with Stu

Do a search on the site this subject has been beaten to death a thousand times already.

rfrye1 · Jun 15, 2014

Check out Bad Elf products.

I use the Bad Elf GPS unit on my iPad and iSail app as back up and planning. With the Bad Elf unit you don't need WiFi or Cell/Data coverages. Worth a look.

Good luck.
Bob

Andreas7699 · Jun 15, 2014

Ipads and iphones work like this. Ipad whitout 3G does not have GPS. Works with navionics but without positioning/plotting. Ipad with 3G does have GPS and will work as a plotter. Even without a sim card. If you want the cellular as well you can use the iphone as a hotspot.

I have invested hours of reading and I am shure this is right.

I have an ipad without 3G and uses a dual external GPS with bluetooth connection to get position and plotting. Works good.

Regards
A