How do I connect a Garmin 500 to ipad air?
iPad, iOS 7.0.4
I use the Garmin 500 for road cycling and generally transfer the info to RideWithGps.
I was hoping I could use the ipad to transfer the info and analyze the data in the hotel
room after a race/tour, Instead of getting a laptop.
You can't as there is no USB port on the iPad. A notebook/laptop/desktop computer would serve you better.
Have a nice day.
Unless Garmin has an app, you probably can't. What do you want to connect it to do?
If you're looking for a USB connection, there is the camera connection kit but its protocols are only for the import of photos and videos.
The Edge 510 comes with some connectivity to iOS devices, via Garmins Connect Mobile App. But I don't think they provide any app nor any wireless connectivity for the Edge 500. Even then, I do not think the 510 can send data directly to an iPad or iPhone - it uploads to your account at Garmins site, and you then use simple wifi or cellular data within the iOS app to download your data to the app.
<edit> just looked at it, and the Edge 510 now supposedly does support BlueTooth connections with Garmins mobile App in iOS.
On my imac, when I plug in the Garmin and open the ridewithgps site it syncs right to it.
What is it with the ipads that prevents this then? The lightning to usb connector doesn't
support devices in the same manner an imac usb port? Or is it with the os?
It is iOS - it simply does not allow 3rd party apps open access to the physical data port like that. Part of iOS's security model.
Which is why Garmin had to come out with the 510 as they added a bluetooth radio to the device.
Okay thanks, I guess I'm left with several options here.
Get a laptop or, with the ipad I either get a garmin 510
or an iphone 5s and use the gps app. Do you if there are
any issues with the iphone approach?
I'm not sure what you mean by "use the gps app". There is no gps app as such on any iOS device.
Location services, a component of iOS, can use GPS on those device with it (iPhone and cellular iPads), but as a user, you use apps to access that location data and display it or whatever.
There are geotracking, biking and hiking apps in the App store that might do just what you want. Have a look through the app store for some of the navigation apps that might be suitable replacements to the Garmin device.
Just search for cycling apps in iTunes or the App store and you should get several hits (there is one called Cycle Tracker Pro I've heard of, by a company that makes a whole host of geotracking and exercise related apps - BlueFin software).
how to connect garmin 500 to ipad air. poinrless for me to buy the ipad without that option.
