Navionics, Garmin Glo and Ipad WiFi

[Bigplumbs]

As this question is asked several times I will report that I have a Ipad 2017 WiFi only so no GPS Chip. I bought a Garmin Glo (Bluetooth GPS Unit) for £89 from Amazon paired it to the ipad via Bluetooth which was very easy and the Navionics is working very well.

Garmin Glow unit is very small and can pair up to 4 devices at a time. The refresh rate is very quick indeed and it does GPS and Glonas

Well worth the money in my book

Dennis

 

[Bigplumbs]

I forgot to mention that when you pair the ipad to the glo you get a message about needing to download an app. I could not find the app in the app store so ignored it and all seems to work fine

Also if you download the amazon app to your phone when you buy you will after some faffing get £5 off the price of the glo

Dennis

 

[Wavey]

Thanks Dennis. Been mulling this over for a while since I was given a WiFi only iPad as a retirement present. Ordered the Garmin today, delivery tomorrow, and down to the boat Monday to play.

 

[nicho]

I use a Garmin Glo paired with an iPad using Skydemon in the aeroplane. Works well, never drops,out. Worth an investment, the only question mark is the iPad battery which on max brightness does only give around five hours, though mine is getting a bit long in the tooth now. Worth mentioning that the aircraft does have full navigation back up by way of two Garmin 430's, but Skydemon is so far ahead.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Thanks Dennis. Been mulling this over for a while since I was given a WiFi only iPad as a retirement present. Ordered the Garmin today, delivery tomorrow, and down to the boat Monday to play.

Good for you I say

Dennis

 

[EugeneR]

Personally, I would spend circa £100 on a 7" Samsung tablet with GPS included. Or even a Samsung phone e.g. J3 for £79.

Edit: eglobalcentraluk.com currently has the Samsung 7" for £86 and larger one for £110. It comes from outside the UK but includes taxes and usually arrives within 1-2 weeks. Have ordered from them 6 times so far without issues.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Personally, I would spend circa £100 on a 7" Samsung tablet with GPS included. Or even a Samsung phone e.g. J3 for £79.

Edit: eglobalcentraluk.com currently has the Samsung 7" for £86 and larger one for £110. It comes from outside the UK but includes taxes and usually arrives within 1-2 weeks. Have ordered from them 6 times so far without issues.

Yes but if you already have an ipad which is a recent one the glo is a good way to go. I have Navionics on both my phone, Ipad and Samsung Tablet. I works best on the Ipad which is a 2017 version.

Dennis

 

[wellf100]

I've just bought a used samsung tab 7" with gps and glonass built in for £65 from eBay. Been using navionics on my mobile which was a galaxy s5 mini....bit small!

 

[Bigplumbs]

Many ways to use Navionics on several platforms. I think we can all agree it knocks spots off most fixed plotters software

Dennis

 

[AndieMac]

Many ways to use Navionics on several platforms. I think we can all agree it knocks spots off most fixed plotters software

Dennis

The images/graphics look the same with Navionics on the Lowrance HDS (fixed into boat) as the iPad iPhone variants on my gear, so I just use the fixed option. Not sure how the iPad will last around salt spray or mist long term, or bouncing around in a small boat

 

[Summer. Wine]

The images/graphics look the same with Navionics on the Lowrance HDS (fixed into boat) as the iPad iPhone variants on my gear, so I just use the fixed option. Not sure how the iPad will last around salt spray or mist long term, or bouncing around in a small boat

+1

 

[Wavey]

Tried this set up yesterday on a short run from Portsmouth to Cowes and back. Impressed with the Garmin. Quick to lock on and works almost anywhere you put it. The Navionics software is seriously impressive on the iPad pro and a huge leap forward compared to the fixed C120 I’ve got.

Only downside as Nicho pointed out is the iPad battery life. Run time there and back was a bit over 2 hours. Started with 100% battery and it was down to 57% by the time I moored up back in Haslar. I guess the only options are either an external battery for the iPad or find some way of providing a power source from the domestic batteries via a USB if that’s possible. Any suggestions?

 

[Bigplumbs]

Tried this set up yesterday on a short run from Portsmouth to Cowes and back. Impressed with the Garmin. Quick to lock on and works almost anywhere you put it. The Navionics software is seriously impressive on the iPad pro and a huge leap forward compared to the fixed C120 I’ve got.

Only downside as Nicho pointed out is the iPad battery life. Run time there and back was a bit over 2 hours. Started with 100% battery and it was down to 57% by the time I moored up back in Haslar. I guess the only options are either an external battery for the iPad or find some way of providing a power source from the domestic batteries via a USB if that’s possible. Any suggestions?

Just buy a USB Plug hole and fit in the boat. You ought to have one anyway for other things such as phone charging etc

Dennis