Navionics Software and iPad

browntdb · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 1:21 am Post subject: Navionics Software and iPad

I have an iPad Mini with wifi capability and Navionics software. When out on the water, I get it to work by using my iPhone as a hot spot. We are thinking of purchasing a full sized iPad for using the Navionics software. Do the wifi versions have GPS built into them so we could use the ipad stand alone without having to connect through my hotspot?

Someone said that the only way to get a gps capable iPad is to buy a 4G model then don't subscribe to a wireless carrier. I would appreciate any advice from someone using an iPad and the Navionics app without needing to be connected to a 3G/4G network or through a hotspot on an iPhone.

Thanks,

Terry

jkidd · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 1:32 am Post subject:

You can either use the wifi version with a GPS device like Bad Elf or the 3 or 4 G version alone. You do not have to have the service activated for it to work.

Sunbeam · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 2:06 am Post subject: Re: Navionics Software and iPad

Levitation · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 6:24 am Post subject:

Bad Elf is really bad - or rad - whatever the slang for 'good' is these days.
99 bucks will solve your problems - with navigation, that is Mr. Green

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 11:02 am Post subject:

So, spend a hundred bucks on a separate GPS unit, or spend the same money to get the 4G version and the GPS is built in... one less thing to mess with.

Other than the bucks (and you'll spend that on a separate GPS unit), there is NO downside for the 4G/wifi version. And if the occasion arises that you DO want the 4G connectivity, you have it. Seems like an easy decision to me.

To specifically answer the wifi only question: no, there is no GPS chip in the wifi only models - it is built into the data chip.

We have an original iPad (3G) and an iPad Mini 4G). We use both for marine navigation (Navionics on both, Garmin BlueChart on the iPad Mini). Easy. Neither has ever been directly connected to a cellular carrier. You do NOT have to be connected to the internet to use the navigation features with the 3G/4G iPads. With the wifi only models, you do NOT have GPS built in - no navigation unless you buy an external GPS unit.

If you buy an external GPS unit like Bad Elf for a wifi only iPad, and then decide you want to connect to the internet to check weather or get your e-mail... oh, you can't do that, unless you have a hotspot, too. Get the 4G model, and you have options... even if you don't always use 'em.

Route planning with the iPad is simple AND you don't have to be at the helm to do it.

Hope that helps.

Jim B.

wapiti · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 11:30 am Post subject:

I have the full size IPad 3G with the Navionics app and have used it for 2 years it works great. Forget the GPS pucks and get 4G.
Happy navigating!
Wapiti

Sunbeam · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 2:00 pm Post subject:

Pedromo · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 5:06 pm Post subject:

I have an IPad with the GPS, my service provider is ATT, because of where I live (So. Cal). I use Navionics and iNavx, very successfully. When steering the boat the IPad is mounted on a RAM device. The unit gets charged/powered from a cigarette lighter adapter. The entire system works great. Incidentally, I'm writing this message on the iPad.

thataway · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:04 pm Post subject:

I have the I pad one, and you can buy these with the 3G refurbished for $167. This has the GPS chip. So far I don't see a reason for the newest I pad. I do switch i phones every 2 years, and will get the i phone 5S in a couple of weeks. I still have unlimited data plan on the i phone, grandfathered in. I have the 3 gig service plan on the I pad, and use it quite a bit when traveling. I also have a Verizon puck mi fi spot, which I can activate month to mont for what amount I want. (Business requires that I have some wi fi reception and some places A T & T is not available, such as much of Lake Powell.

hambone · Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 9:03 pm Post subject:

I have been using the IPad 2 now for a couple years. No data plan, just GPS and wifi. Works GREAT all the time on board..no data plan necessary to run Navionics program. Pull the trigger, do it.

Half Share · Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 6:25 pm Post subject:

Has anyone used the Navionics app on an iPad Mini? Is the screen large enough to be effective? We also have the 1st generation iPad.

wapiti · Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:07 pm Post subject:

Half Share
Depends on how good your eyes are. My wife has a mini and some of the text is pretty small on hers. I have the Navionics app on my IPad II and think it is very readable. I think a fair comparison would be like having a 5 in screen versus an 8 in. So my preference would be the standard iPad but I think the mini would work especially if space is a limitation for you.

colobear · Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:35 pm Post subject:

we bought a wi fi only I pad. mistake! we then had to buy a gps puck in order to use navionics. just buy a 3g/4g version and don't sign up with a wireless carrier.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 8:47 pm Post subject:

Half Share · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 3:22 pm Post subject:

Thanks so much for the feedback!!!! By the way, we have actually been out on the water a few times now on "Nap Time". We have a lot to learn, but having a great time.

Martha