Ipad Chart Plotters
 

Has anyone tried any of the chart plotter software available for the Ipad?

I have the wifi Ipad but want to purchase the "ELF" GPS module for it and the Navionics charts..

I like the idea of using an ipad because you can take it from boat to boat and you only have to get familiar with one system.

Has anyone had any experience with them? With the availability of satellite weather and all that, it seems like it would be a REALLY great setup! My new stereo system will be controlled via bluetooth on the ipad. So I can take it in the water with me and be able to change songs, volume, etc without leaving the water.

http://bad-elf.com/ GPS Module for IPAD

http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app Chart App for IPAD

http://ff07a80959a8f156ece9-ebb75152...ipad-3-4_3.jpg
And of course the lifejacket to keep it dry!

My thoughts EXACTLEY. I'll be watching close to see what you come up with.

Is the "chip" all you need to make the iPad into a navigation tool? What's the added benefit of the "hand held" Elf?

I actually thought the iPad was capable without any additional components.

Thanks for the info.

[QUOTE=waterboy222;3834336]Has anyone tried any of the chart plotter software available for the Ipad?

I have the wifi Ipad but want to purchase the "ELF" GPS module for it and the Navionics charts..

I like the idea of using an ipad because you can take it from boat to boat and you only have to get familiar with one system.

Has anyone had any experience with them? With the availability of satellite weather and all that, it seems like it would be a REALLY great setup! My new stereo system will be controlled via bluetooth on the ipad. So I can take it in the water with me and be able to change songs, volume, etc without leaving the water.

http://bad-elf.com/ GPS Module for IPAD

http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app Chart App for IPAD

http://ff07a80959a8f156ece9-ebb75152...ipad-3-4_3.jpg
And of course the lifejacket to keep it dry![/QUOT

I have the iPad 3 with 4G wireless. It has the GPS built in and it will down load Google of Bing images on the go. It is great but hard to see in sunlight while boating especially at speed. I use Naviaonic HD App. There is a great waterproof hard case and mount from iPad Nav available from France or Canada which makes it very easy to yuse in the baoting environment. I use it in my 28 Skater during the summer and Duck boat during the winter.

I use my IPAD 3G with Navionics and a lifeproof case. Navigated me several dark nights around lake cumberland

I have the iPad 3 with 4G wireless. It has the GPS built in and it will down load Google of Bing images on the go. It is great but hard to see in sunlight while boating especially at speed. I use Naviaonic HD App. There is a great waterproof hard case and mount from iPad Nav available from France or Canada which makes it very easy to yuse in the baoting environment. I use it in my 28 Skater during the summer and Duck boat during the winter.[/QUOTE]

Will it work with actual GPS satellights or use cell towers to find position?

Will it work with actual GPS satellights or use cell towers to find position?[/QUOTE]

Off the satellites. It is very accurate and responsive.

Off the satellites. It is very accurate and responsive.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the reply, are you using the Bad-Elf GPS and will it fit in the case?

Who makes the orange case pictured

http://www.ipadnav.fr/

http://www.lifeproof.com/

I have also been using the Ipad 3 with Navionics. It works great, and no cell coverage needed. I have used it way off shore and it has performed flawlessly.

I'd love to do this but have found the iPad screen completely washes out in bright sunlight. Anyone else?

The new Ipad wont wash out in sunlight like my old one. But I don't have GPS in my ipad, so I think I'm getting the ELF GPS that plugs into it. In a lot of the midwest lakes, we don't have 3G access on the water. Sometimes no cell signal at all. But with the ELF GPS attachment, it would use the satellites. It will also get you XM live weather and XM music so you don't have to have a cellphone signal and burn through your data plan. Unfortunately with the ELF plugged in, none of the cases will be waterproof but not a dealbreaker.

You sure about GPS? My understanding was that they all have GPS in them now. I'll try my new one in direct sun next summer.

If you have a newer iPad it will have built in GPS. Like I said, I have used my iPad 3 50-60 miles off-shore in the gulf, and 15-20 offshore in Lake Michigan with no issues. Just make sure you have the maps downlaoded to the device before you go.

So if i don`t like apple and wanna save some $$ I could go

http://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/B...anvasWidth=500

+ a mount and navionics .. I`m in!

The Ipad 3 that does NOT have 3g service does not have a built-in GPS. It uses the 3g and/or wifi "as" the GPS using known wifi points and towers for triangulation.

So without internet connection and no 3g signal, you still have to have a standalone GPS unit plugged in.

At least thats what I'm being told by ELF, the wifi-only Ipod has what is called "Assisted GPS" which, like I said, only uses wifi or 3g to help find its location.

I have the iNavX app for my iPad. The charts are great and it tracks very accurately.

The drawbacks: In the bright Texas sunlight, it was all but useless because I could not see the washed-out screen. Also, the device, after sitting in the sun, overheated and shut off.

As a route planning tool, or a back-up Chartplotter the iPad is great, but IMO, it does not perform as well as a dedicated chartplotter.

That's completely false unless the iPad spec page is wrong or I have some super secret special unit :lolhit:

The 3 does have cell assisted GPS which helps it acquire signal and location faster when 3g is available, but you do not need service to use the GPS functionality. I have tested this off shore and in the air where there is absolutely ZERO cell service. It performs flawlessly as long as you have the appropriate maps downloaded.

I know this is wikipedia but here is a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPad_%2...on%29#Hardware

I think ELF is trying to sell product.

Here is A-GPS... it's basically like a WAAS system using cell towers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS

Yes, in 3g enabled Ipads, the GPS will work when you dont have a signal because it HAS gps.. in the wifi ipad, it does not have gps or 3g capabilities.
Everything you posted is discussing the 3G and A-GPS, which is not included int the "Wi-Fi Ipad" like I have.
From Ipad FAQ site.


If you scroll down to the "comparisons" area and look at the Ipad Wifi, you'll see the word "GPS" left off in the comparisons between the 3g and the wifi.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/

It is correct that the WiFi only versions of the IPad do NOT have GPS. The Cellular versions DO have GPS.

With that said... I just bought my wife an IPad 4 WiFi and I'm going to try an app called Gps2Bluettooth to use the GPS off my phone. This solves the problem with not needing the adapter that the new IPads use and I get the GPS I already have for free. I already tether so it's safe to say my phone will be around anyway.

If it works I'll get the seasucker mount with the waterproof bag and I'm done plus I can mount it anywhere I want from day to day.

I have yet to see this app you speak of! So without cell service, you'll still have a GPS signal?

I havent been able to find it for Iphone. Is it android based only?

FYI, i also started another thread detailing my experience so far with a Asus Transformer tablet as a chartplotter. Will continue to update as i get experience with it.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...rtplotter.html

I use paper charts during the day and a sextant at night. :D

Yup. I'm just an idiot. :lolhit: totally missed the wifi vs 3G. :poopoo:

How good is the display in direct sunlight? Would this work as good as say a garmin 740?

It is not good in direct sunlight.. It needs to be in the shade and set at max brightness.

THAT is funny! :D

I think it is android based only (you can simply do more with a droid than an I phone). You don't need cellular, I have yet to try this.. just keep forgetting :lolhit:

As far as glare, I have heard these are good: http://www.nushield.com/