Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

[hz]

I am getting an Ipod Touch 4G and have a question about using it as a GPS on the Columbia river. I currently have a netbook with NOAA maps on it but I'd like to use something smaller. I use a separate wired puck for the GPS receiver.

Can I download maps to the Ipod Touch 4G and use the existing wired puck that I use on my netbook or do I have to get something like the the Dual XGPS series receiver in order to use it?

I originally posted this in the electronics area but hope that there are more Ipod Touch experts here on general boating.

Harris

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

I haven't tried the iPad but I downloaded the Navionics app for the iPhone and it works great with the internal antenna. I though the iPad came with an internal antenna as well. I wouldn't use it as my primary form of navigation, but it certainly would do well as a back-up.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

Navionics app is real good, but as stated above not one i'd use as a main GPS. That would be the same as trying to use real bread crumbs. But then again, how lost can you get on the Columbia.
Im not aware of any extrenal antenna for iPhone, iPod or iPad.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

If you can get it working, I would think it would be okay for when you aren't moving unless you can get a Ram mount for it. The screen is pretty small, though.

I haven't tried the iPad but I downloaded the Navionics app for the iPhone and it works great with the internal antenna. I though the iPad came with an internal antenna as well. I wouldn't use it as my primary form of navigation, but it certainly would do well as a back-up.

The iPod Touch is a completely different animal from the iPad. Sort of an iPhone without the phone capability.

 

[LAC_STS]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

The iPod touch does not get gps signal unless your connected to wifi.

The iPad however has 3G service so the gps will work anywhere it gets 3G service.

No idevice (iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone) is a real gps. They don't receive anything from a satellite. They use cell service.

I use navionics, Inav, and marine us: east. I am always in range of service so that's all I use.


IMHO Marine US: East is the best. And it's only $20 for iPad and $10 for iPhone. The inavx is a pos and costs $50. Unless your jailbroken then they're all free. Lol


I have 4 iDevices (iphone 4, ipad 3G, ipod touch 2nd and 4th gen) all JB so any more questions just ask.

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

No idevice (iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone) is a real gps. They don't receive anything from a satellite. They use cell service ...

The assisted global positioning system ("AGPS") on GPS equipped iPhone models does indeed communicate with satellites. Unlike you, I am almost always beyond cellular or wi-fi service when I am at sea. The satellite GPS reception I get on my iPhone works great with the Navionics chart program.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/maps-compass.html

The OP's proposed work around to enable his non-GPS enabled iPod would certainly be doing it the hard way.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

No idevice (iPad, iPod touch, or iPhone) is a real gps. They don't receive anything from a satellite. They use cell service.

Not entirely true.

As already noted the iPhone has a real GPS antenna. It works great with or without cell service.

With the Navionics app that loads all the map data right on the phone, the iPhone actually makes a decent navigation tool.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

for hz (the original poster) to get his iPod Touch 4g to work as a GPS he will need to get a GPS antenna made specifically to work with the iPod.

 

[shrew]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

Then what? Hold it in your hand while you're underway?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

because the devices are not weather proof, in addition to the other comments, they would be OK for fun but not for safety. But we got along fine without them for a century of pleasure boating, so they aren't necessary in the first place.

You will be sadly disappointed with the float test.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

There are plenty of cases that give a degree of protection, some of which claim full bouyancy and up to 10' of submersibility.

There are also plenty of mounts available to hold the device in a position that allows it to be viewed easily while underway.

Here is a picture of my 3GS in an OtterBox case and an inexpensive suction cup mount off eBay.

The OtterBox isn't fully water proof, however it does give splash protection and superior drop/shock protection.

I will admit that when the weather turns foul the iPhone gets put away out of harms way.

Is it perfect? No.

Is it a handy tool that works well within its limitations? Absolutely.

 

[lucky7]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

can i hook my nuvi up to my ipad?

 

[shrew]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

I will admit that when the weather turns foul the iPhone gets put away out of harms way.
Absolutely.

This would be reason enough. When the weather turns foul and visibility becomes restricted, then this is the most appropriate time to use the GPS as a navigational tool. I would prefer to use something that is marinized and not reliant on a proprietary battery. I agree we lived with charts for centuries. I still use them today along with my GPS and Radar. However charts are only as good as you're ability to dead reckon visually. In most cases you don't need a GPS, but then again, in most cases you also don't need health insurance; Car, house and boat insurance; spare tires; flares; or PFD's either.

However, this is a fantastic idea as a backup. Let a passenger use it to assist in navigation. Certainly there are a number of viable uses for this. I'm just not advocating it as a primary navigational tool.

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

This would be reason enough. When the weather turns foul and visibility becomes restricted, then this is the most appropriate time to use the GPS as a navigational tool. I would prefer to use something that is marinized and not reliant on a proprietary battery. I agree we lived with charts for centuries. I still use them today along with my GPS and Radar. However charts are only as good as you're ability to dead reckon visually. In most cases you don't need a GPS, but then again, in most cases you also don't need health insurance; Car, house and boat insurance; spare tires; flares; or PFD's either.

However, this is a fantastic idea as a backup. Let a passenger use it to assist in navigation. Certainly there are a number of viable uses for this. I'm just not advocating it as a primary navigational tool.

Can't emphasize this enough from my own experience. I am very familiar with the Raritan Bay in my area, and can easily navigate it at night without GPS using landmarks and channel markers. The boat I purchased recently cuts off the GPS about halfway into the bay, and my home port was not on the chart in detail at all. This last time while night fishing a thick fog rolled in and I was literally blind to anything over 5 feet in front of me. I also had no GPS nav as well. Thankfully I knew my position and can use a compass to guide me, but it was a certain high pucker factor for sure!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

can i hook my nuvi up to my ipad?

I don't think so. The iPad has only the Apple proprietary input...no regular USB input. That and the fact that the Nuvi is intended to be a stand alone unit, I highly doubt there would be a straight forward way to get the GPS data from a Nuvi to an iPad in a manner tha it could be useful.

If your iPad is the 3G model you don't need an external GPS antenna. Just get the navigation app of your choice. If it is the Wi-Fi version then I'm not sure what is available to allow you to use it for navigation outside of Wi-Fi service areas.

It's interesting to me that you ask about a nuvi.

I bought a nuvi 500 last year for some pretty simple reasons. I wanted a small, inexpensive GPS for use in the car, boat, hiking or otherwise. The nuvi 500 was the most compact unit that promised all of these things. It is waterproof and has the capability to use the Garmin BlueCharts. The street navigation is standard fare for Garmin.

It is a fine little GPS and I use it in the car often. That said, one of the main reasons I decided to get an iPhone was that to get the charts I wanted for the Garmin it would have cost me about $250. That as compared to the Navionics apps available for the iPhone for around $10 each or $20 for the 2 areas I wanted. That was enough to convince me, then when you compare the functionality (or lack of functionality) of the nuvi to the Navionics apps and the rest of what you get with the iPhone, it was almost impossible for me to spend the money on the Garmin charts.

All the shortcomings of the iPhone mentioned above are true. However, in my opinion for someone on a budget that is essentially a fare weather boater anyways, it sure seems to work really well.

If you need to rely on a GPS device for your safety on a regular basis, then you likely will already have an appropriate GPS setup that fits your needs.

For the rest of us, if the only concern is the occasional threat of getting caught out in foul weather, a GPS shouldn't the decided factor as to whether it is safe to navigate or not. If it isn't safe, it isn't safe. In some cases a GPS of any sort will provide the guidance needed to get out of an unexpected situation. I guess, I'd rather have my iPhone than nothing.

 

[captainzac]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

Rotary Racer

I just ordered the otterbox
What kind of mounting bracket did you use?
and does anyone have the marine nav app loaded in there iphone?
if so tell me about it

Harry

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

does anyone have the marine nav app loaded in there iphone?
if so tell me about it

Yes ... here's some basic info.

http://www.navionics.com/MobileMarineFeatures.asp?MobileType=iPhoneSingle

The main points to recognize are that once Navionics is purchased and installed on the iPhone, all the nautical charts for your selected region are embedded in the iPhone's memory, so no wi-fi or cellular reception is required to be constantly trying to download charts for your current location. The iPhone's internal GPS antenna works in conjunction with cellular and wi-fi signals when they are available, but if they are not, the internal GPS antenna works independently anywhere on the planet, so long as you're in clear view of the sky. The charting functions and touch screen controls leave little to be desired for basic navigation and location services.

It's use as a primary GPS/chartplotter for location finding, charting, and safety purposes can work well for some boaters whose needs are quite modest, as previous posters have mentioned. For me, I look at it as a cell phone, music player, and an internet and email link, which just happens to serve as handy backup navigation tool on my boat. It's sort of like the Swiss army knife approach to multi-tasking. I would never buy an iPhone simply to be used as a GPS/chartplotter. If you are a boater that owns an iPhone with GPS capabilities, buying a navigation app is a "no brainer."

 

[hostage]

Re: Using Ipod Touch 4G as GPS

I love Navionics and I am glad someone cleared up the misconception about the iphone not using GPS Satellites. As many posters said above, as long as you have a clear view of the sky you can use it w/o cell reception.

Also there is no such thing of an iphone 4G or ipod touch 4G. They are only iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 4. I think Apples use of the iPhone 3G confused people into thinking the iphone 4 uses 4G. According to new standards, no one hosts a 4G network. I don't think Sprint, etc an advertise 4G anymore.

Lastly do you have a cellphone already? If you have a smart phone like a Droid, you can also Navionics on the droid, instead of buying an iPod Touch. I prefer multitasking for my gadgets. Though I wouldn't rely solely on my iphone Navionics if I was going out into the deep ocean. Just like I don't rely solely on my phone for communcations when I go onto Lake Ontario. It isn't so hard to have a general idea where I am on the lake and I never go off to far. Though in case of an emergency I do have another means to call for help with a water proof handheld VHF.

All depends on what you are trying to do, get what you need for you means, don't go overkill like some people say, but make sure you are safe.

-Hostage