I own a Ipad 2 3G. I am looking to use it for GPS marine navigation. I understand that this unit has AGPS, but am uncertain whether it works without a cell signal. There are many areas of the Great Lakes without service. Do I need a separate GPS receiver to assure I can use INavX, Weather, and other GPS applications when there is no cell signal? I have read several posts but have noit found any definative guidance.
iPad 2, iOS 5.0.1
It has a GPS chip and can be located without WiFI/Cell data, but you will need to use a dedicated GPS app where you can download the maps to your iPad.
It has a GPS chip and can be located without WiFI/Cell data, but you will need to use a dedicated GPS app where you can download the maps to your iPad.
Ok, that helps. What's a true gps app and how do you tell? Two follow on questions.
If its built in gps antenna/chip work without cell service, then can it be used with the airplane mode off or does it still work through the same receiver since its AGPS?
Is there any apps that show satellite signal strength that you are aware of?
Thanks in advance!
I think you're not quite understanding what AGPS means. The iPad (with cellular) has a GPS. AGPS simply means that the device can also used cellular signals to lock onto locations faster. However, the GPS will still work if you turn cellular data off. However, if you put the device in Airplane Mode, it will turn off cellular data, GPS, WiFi and BT. The only thing you can turn back on independently is WiFi. Therefore, GPS will not work in Airplane mode but it has nothing to do with needing a cellular connection.
Hi Meg!
I understand the Assisted part of AGPS, my concern is knowing whether I'm going to connect when there is no cell service. I'm happy to take everyones word for it, but want to see it work before charting a course out to sea, or investing in add ons I don't need. Also if INavX which seems like a good marine app, isn't 'dedicated' GPS suggested by the deggle, what is, or how do you find out what wiorks and what doesn'twithiut a lot of trial and error. Do you know if there is an app that allows an Ipad user to see the sattelite connections? That would give some comfort before I start buying anything else. All my Garmin's at least show sattelite strength.
Thanks for the help Meg!
DHW
Look in the app store. There are many gps apps.
You still don't understand how gps works. Your iPad has a gps receiver. It gets gps data such from gps satellites. This data allows your gps app running on your iPad to calculate where the iPad is on earth, water in your case. You have a navigation app, highway map for example if you are on land, or a charting/waterway chart if you are at sea. This map/chart is running on your iPad. The satelite data is converted to location of your iPad and is shown on your map/chart.
There is no cell connection involved. There is no need to prove to you that this works. This is not new technology and it is used throughout the world at sea, in the air, and on land for navigation.
Again, there is no cell data or cell connection involved.
If you don't think it will work, try it before you leave. Download a turn-by-turn nav map and use it in your car as a test. Or download a chart for your local waterway and try it locally.
GPS signals are separate from and completely unrelated to both the Internet and the cellular telephone network. GPS signals come directly from the GPS satellites. They provide signals that allow GPS receivers to calculate latitude and longitude information. Navigation software then takes that latitude/longitude info and converts it to land mass, roads, bridges, highways, buildings, etc.
Most navigation software stores the maps right in the iPad/iPod/iPhone but a disadvantage is that the maps must be periodically updated (perhaps once every two years). The Internet is not required to use the system but it is required to update the maps.
Some navigation software gets the maps from the Internet and requires an Internet connection to function but an advantage is that the maps are always up-to-date.
The WiFi+3G/4G iPad and the iPhone both have a GPS receiver. The WiFi-only iPad and the iPod do not and these devices require an accessory.
Guys(BTF, and Philly);
I'm feeling like I hit my head after I falling off the turnip truck.
I've been running Garmins in the woods, tracking dog's, even sailed in Amalfi with a handhelds. I understand wifi, mobile, and satellite are all independent systems.
I've read alot of marine postings and even pilot postings on Ipad use and it all looks good if you have a 3g version for gps. However, when I took mine out on Superior on someone elses boat, and didn't have a cell signal, I had no reference point in INavX on the chart. I've downloaded all the Great Lakes maps including the details.
I've checked the settings. I've become stumped, so I thought a forum may help me figure out what I may be doing wrong.
I'd eventually like to get too an all in one solution for weather and nav connected with this larger screen and mount in my boat, but trying to get through the gating issue first.
Maybe there is something wrong with the unit. I've had it awhile, and have never tried to do this.
Appreciate all your thoughts!
Have either of you had experience laying in the XM weather over the marine nav maps, via their on board wifi unit, is it the only way to get satellite weather on the water?
Best,
DHW
dwebber3490 wrote:
However, when I took mine out on Superior on someone elses boat, and didn't have a cell signal, I had no reference point in INavX on the chart.
That doesn't make sense. I went to their web site and the system can use GPS OR Cell Towers OR WiFi to determine location (obviously GPS is the most accurate).
You might wish to also try the iNavX forum. Possibly there is something that you missed in the setup.
It's been a head scratcher for me. Thanks for the help. I will check out theire forum.
The iPad GPS works the same as your Garmin GPS. No cell signal, no Internet connection, and works everywhere it can see the GPS satellites.
Keep in mind that iPad screens are not visible in the sun or bright light. You will need to be very careful where you mount the iPad in your boat. An open bridge would likely not work for screen visibility.
IPad 2 3G GPS Navigation
