Backup GPS or smart phone acceptable?

CDory23

Hi all,

Found what seems to be a good deal on a backup gps.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/garmin--gpsmap-78sc-marine-handheld-gps-receiver-with-compass-and-barometer--11553609

I figured it could also come in handy for backpacking, geocaching etc....

Before I go ahead and purchase I"m wondering what people think of using their smartphone as a backup gps? I assume its not a reliable source because it used the cell towers opposed to satellite, but curious if anybody does this? I do have the BoatUS app on my phone if I ever need a tow which relays my exact position.
Thoughts?

cbgale · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:10 am Post subject:

For that price, you may want to look at a Pad, perhaps a mini, and for very little software cost have a backup GPS/chartplotter and download some inexpensive software. But, it must have an internal GPS chip so that you are not relying on towers. You can also purchase an external GPS that plugs in to one of the available ports.

Rain · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:23 am Post subject: Wondering...

That is a nice looking unit.

I have been wkndering if I can use my old Samsung Tab 3 as a backup.

South of Heaven · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:36 am Post subject:

My buddy uses his iPad and then downloaded the Navionics app. Now he has a HUGE screen and an awesome water navigation devive. I think there's a monthly fee to it but the ease of use and capabilities are amazing. He told me it's better than those units which cost thousands of dollars.

CDory23 · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:44 am Post subject:

good idea on tablet. I could see that screen being a pleasure to use. I would not want to carry one around though for the other uses I may have of the device like geocaching, backpacking. I do have a galaxy tablet a few years old and a quick search looked around 100 for external gps unit. I would also be a little weary of the battery life of a tablet using it for that purpose. It could be an excuse to install a usb charger on the boat.

nordicstallion · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 11:53 am Post subject:

I-phone works great. Use it all the time as backup to my other backup. Velcro on dash & phone & plugged in to acc. Port. Also have the hike & bike navionics app on our phones. Wife always uses it when on horseback in the redwood outback trails. Invaluable!!!

breausaw · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 12:11 pm Post subject:

I would say that's a bargain! !

The big problems I see with pads is they are no good in direct sunlight and not waterproof.
I have two Garmin handheld units, an older Colorado 400c and a newer Montana 600 I keep in a hard mount at my fingertips. I like to run my trip information on the Montana, but it comes in handy for a verity of useful functions.
The old Colorado goes to shore and is the backup to the backup, both are waterproof and work flawlessly in direct sunlight. Fact is, when in direct sunlight you can turn the screen brightness down all the way.
I would recommend as a backup going with the real deal, not something non-marine friendly.

thataway · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 1:50 pm Post subject:

The i phone has its own GPS chip, so it will work fine anywhere. Perhaps the Garmin GPS has a bit easier navigation platform. On the other hand the screen is small. I have an old 76 and also the 400 C as hiking etc back ups. I use the I pad extensively for planing, and navigation. There is no visual issue with the i pad in the cabin of a C Dory. There are waterproof cases for the I pad.

For a backup the Garmin you linked to is excellent, and also takes topo maps, as well as street maps on a micro SD chip.

hardee · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 2:02 pm Post subject:

CDory23,

I have that same device as you are looking at as a backup and for my ditch bag. I use it primarily for log number recording, but it works great. It also has barametric info if you are into keeping an eye on that.

The issues with a lot of the phones for backup. is like you touched on. Their "GPS" is really triangulation from the cell towers and if you get out of range, you have no position info. I had that issue with a motorola droid and with my samsung, so have gone to GPS for gps function..

I am considering getting a tablet os some type other than ipad (I OS) for more portable use, and what ever that one is will have a GPS chip internal.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 9:05 pm Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:00 pm Post subject:

I am not positive that all android phones have the GPS chipset that similar to the i phones, but most do. The GPS acquisition is faster with triangulation with the cell towers.

AstoriaDave · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 10:09 pm Post subject:

Harvey,

Which Android phones do you think are lacking a true GPS chipset? We just acquired a MotoE LTE, and I have not played with it enough to tell if it is a genuine GPS or not.

Second question: which apps and what sources of charts have you found useful?

hardee · Posted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 11:27 pm Post subject:

NewMoon · Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 9:59 am Post subject:

My Samsung Galaxy S-II Skyrocket, a ~4 year old Android, has a true GPS. On recommendation from Jeff Siegel of Active Captain, I installed MX Mariner. Haven't used its navigation functions enough to comment on them, but it does a good job of showing SE Alaska charts in detail, and where we are on them.

US charts are free, but if you want to have several regions of charts on your phone at the same time they do take up a good bit of memory. 2-3 regions fit OK on my old phone. You can download as needed, and remove a region to make room for another if that's necessary.

Not sure if BC charts are available.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Mon Nov 30, 2015 10:14 am Post subject: