Ipad Pro loses GPS fix

Question

Ipad Pro loses GPS fix

I have experienced exactly the same issues outlined by bob423423 on our motor yacht since buying an Ipad Pro. Version IpadOS 16.5. in 2021.

This chat seems to have started in June 2019 does anyone know if apple have acknowledged the issue and developed a fix ? On a side note : Has anyone tried using a "Bad Elf" www.bad-elf.com ? They are supposed to enhance a GPS signal. They are placed outside in clear sight of the sky then multiple devices connect via bluetooth. If anyone has had success using one of these things please let me know. Buying one of these might be cheaper than mothballing the new ipad and hunting for a second hand iPad air 2 .

Posted on Jun 10, 2023 2:19 PM

Reply

Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

325,488 points

Jun 10, 2023 5:44 PM in response to Navigationbasics

By definition, GPS signals are all very weak. The received signal level for unobstructed line-of-sight is typically -160dBW.

External GPS receivers are often used in marine, aviation and vehicular applications where an iPad’s location is such that a clear/unobstructed view of the sky results in sub-optimal performance - this being true for any model of iPad.

Reply

Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

325,488 points

Jun 10, 2023 4:39 PM in response to Navigationbasics

External GPS receivers, such as BadElf, can’t “enhance” the received GPS signal. However, in being placed above-deck, with clear line-of-sight without the signal attenuation of the deck (possibly wet) and obstruction from deck fittings, the external receiver can better receive the very weak signal from the GPS satellite constellation.

Reply

Answer 3

Jun 10, 2023 5:00 PM in response to LotusPilot

In other words it seems a Bad-Elf will only help if the problem relates to very weak GPS signal. bob423423 found that the "air 2" worked when the "pro" did not when they were side by side. It seems that example proves that the issue related to the iPad's not the signal. I guess therefore I better start looking for an old "ipad air 2" and pass on the bad-elf.

Reply

Ipad Pro loses GPS fix

Similar questions