Please recommend a chap tablet for just running navionics

ChattingLil

ChattingLil

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We are converted after a demo from our neighbour who runs navionics on a tablet. He only uses Panasonic Toughpads, but we don't have the cash for that, so just want recommendations for something cheap and simple.

thanks
 
Just to add that I'm now a convert to Raster Charts. MX Mariner and Memory Map charts display very well on the Hudl2. Much more detail than Navionics but tides and currents not available. Included in the price of Memory Map is the ability to have them on several devices.
Get the Stay Alive app for the Hudl to stop it shutting down.
 
I've got Navionics standard on a Hudl but would prefer HD. Battery life not too good on Hudl but otherwise brilliant value. In my opinion, tides and current availability puts Navionics well ahead of other budget plotting software.
 
So I think we would download the Navionics apps via wifi and then we need to find an app that allows us to run GPS without wifi. Is that correct? Please can anyone offer advise on what apps are needed to do this and how do to it?
 
Once the app is on the tablet it doesn't need wifi. The Hudl2 has built in GPS and you will have a stand alone chartplotter. Do get the HD version of Navionics.
 
ChattingLil said:
So I think we would download the Navionics apps via wifi and then we need to find an app that allows us to run GPS without wifi. Is that correct? Please can anyone offer advise on what apps are needed to do this and how do to it?
Click to expand...

The Hudl2 and Hudl both have internal GPS and put your position on the chart.
 
Yes, Hudl has GPS, yes, Navionics with the bits is brilliant, yes, you can run from boat power (or a power pack if you need to) but ... (very minor) - you can only get chart updates or reload the charts if they mysteriously get lost via either: tether your mobile phone when in range of a mobile signal (be careful of data charges if you arent on something like Three with unlimited data, and even then ensure your package allows you to tether) or WiFi at a marina (again be careful of charges) or at home via WiFi. Two downsides to any of these devices: Visibility in Sun, Waterproofness and as I have said power (our three chief weapons etc ...)
 
peter2407 said:
Yes, Hudl has GPS, yes, Navionics with the bits is brilliant, yes, you can run from boat power (or a power pack if you need to) but ... (very minor) - you can only get chart updates or reload the charts if they mysteriously get lost via either: tether your mobile phone when in range of a mobile signal (be careful of data charges if you arent on something like Three with unlimited data, and even then ensure your package allows you to tether) or WiFi at a marina (again be careful of charges) or at home via WiFi. Two downsides to any of these devices: Visibility in Sun, Waterproofness and as I have said power (our three chief weapons etc ...)
Click to expand...

These are all valid comments h0wever most are aware that these devices do work but are not ideal for several of the reasons you state and more . The Hudl only has wifi so data costs are not are not an issue especially if on BT at home and have the BT App installed. This gives unlimited WiFi from other BT hotspots. I tether via a Samsung Young 2 which is on PAYG so just runs out if I overcook the data using the sim :)
 
I bought one off ebay. A refurbished 7" Acer from the official Argos ebay outlet. Came as new in box with all wrappings and accessories and has a warranty, and cost me £39 delivered.

I'm currently running Memory Map on it as I wanted AIS (via a NMEA to wifi adaptor I'm building), but having paid for MM and the UK raster charts, I'm a little disappointed. The software itself seems unfinished and chart transition is utterly dire, and to be quite frank I just wouldn't want to trust it.

I got myself a copy of Navionics yesterday and I must say it seems a LOT better, but there's no AIS support. They bothered to support sonar overlays via NMEA, but not AIS so far as I can see. Bewildering as I'm quite sure more people have AIS receivers than have ridiculously expensive front scanning sonar systems.

Anyway, given Navionics is a superior chart plotter to memory map (in my opinion thus far), I'll run with that and use a separate AIS app.

So to answer your question... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acer-B1-7...219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27f11cecc3

I'd recommend that.
 
I never use anything but free WiFi to access the internet. These days there are outlets everywhere, coffee shops, cafes, pubs and some banks and you don't n3ed to update all that often. How often do you update paper charts?
Do get the navigation add on - its only a couple of quid.
 
Memory map
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Navionics
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Navionics zoomed in
0b37eee03636122dfa4151f50c930c8a_zpsokfmhbdw.jpg
 
Last edited:
nathanlee said:
I bought one off ebay. A refurbished 7" Acer from the official Argos ebay outlet. Came as new in box with all wrappings and accessories and has a warranty, and cost me £39 delivered.

I'm currently running Memory Map on it as I wanted AIS (via a NMEA to wifi adaptor I'm building), but having paid for MM and the UK raster charts, I'm a little disappointed. The software itself seems unfinished and chart transition is utterly dire, and to be quite frank I just wouldn't want to trust it.

I got myself a copy of Navionics yesterday and I must say it seems a LOT better, but there's no AIS support. They bothered to support sonar overlays via NMEA, but not AIS so far as I can see. Bewildering as I'm quite sure more people have AIS receivers than have ridiculously expensive front scanning sonar systems.

Anyway, given Navionics is a superior chart plotter to memory map (in my opinion thus far), I'll run with that and use a separate AIS app.

So to answer your question... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acer-B1-7...219?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27f11cecc3

I'd recommend that.
Click to expand...

Does the Acer have built in GPS? Or do you need to add a Bad Elf or similar?
 
gdallas said:
Does the Acer have built in GPS? Or do you need to add a Bad Elf or similar?
Click to expand...

It has GPS built in, however, I'm going to try to use the Standard Horizon GX2200e's NMEA out to give position information so I can turn GPS off to save battery. The only shortfall in this plan might be the chart plotting software as they're all a bit simple and might not accept an external position feed.

There's doesn't seem to be anybody out there doing grown up software for chart plotting, apart from perhaps openCPN, but then criminal licensing rules from UKHO mean it's impossible to legally buy charts for it. It's really quite annoying. OpenCPN would suit my needs perfectly, but it ain't any good without charts, and I can't seem to find any reasonably up to date ones to download. If UKHO insist on being greedy megalomaniacs then I care not one jot about ripping them off.
 
Personally I find the Hudl screen is just too small. I would prefer a 10" screen having tested one out.

I find a bluetooth mini mouse keyboard is great for operating the Hudl from the helm with it fixed under the spray hood.

I am yet to fully water proof the Hudl and it survived some green ones over the bow this weekend without any case.

It is power hungry and eats its battery in GPS mode so you need to sort a power cable wherever you intend to use it.
 
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