Bad Elf GPS

[Bob Pisani]

Am considering buying a "Bad Elf GPS for Lightning Connector" to use with my I-Pad as a back-up. Have any of you folks had experience with this set up? Would appreciate input good or bad. Thanks.

-Bob P. R-21 "Hercules"

 

[HRowland]

I use a Dual electronics XGPS150 with my WiFi only iPad mini. It provides GPS data via Bluetooth and works well. I previously used it with a first gen WiFi iPad where it also worked well. I use it with iNavX, Garmin Bluechart mobile, Drag Queen, Boat Beacon, and Navimatics Charts & Tides. It should also work with other apps that use the standard iOS position services.

A disadvantage is power, since it is external it is not powered by the iPad. It has an internal rechargeable battery but I leave it connected to a USB power jack installed in the passenger side overhead storage compartment. I use the XGPS150 in this compartment.

Howard

 

[Ard]

Also consider that if you have NMEA 0183 out of your chart-plotter then this device http://vyacht.net/products/nmea-wifi for as little as $125 delivered will get that job and more done.

 

[Levitation]

I have the bad Elf GPS (the wired version) on my IPAD
I use it mainly for flying - with a program called ForeFlight. . http://www.foreflight.com/
Works like gang busters

 

[avpilot]

As an external GPS, we use a Garmin GLO. It connects to the iPad (or other device) via Bluetooth. It has worked great. We use it in conjunction with Garmin BlueCharts and Garmin N. America (ie, nav for both on the water and roads.) It is not required to pair with Garmin software. That is just what we chose.

It should work the same as Bad Elf, except Bad Elf is plugged into the iPad. We thought there would be the potential for the Bad Elf getting inadvertently snapped off when inserted into the iPad, thus causing a problem.

The choice of having an external GPS in conjunction with the iPad provides terrific back-up to the chart plotter.

Gregg and Kathy Dohrer
Santolina, R25SC

 

[captainmike]

Just finished a 2 month cruise southern Florida on my new to me pocket trawler a Nimble Nomad a great boat with a lot of interior space using the Dual unit and ipad 2 running Navionics had to turn off and on the bluetooth sometimes when starting for the days cruise but very happy overall pd $79 for the unit and $5000 for the boat Google Nimble Nomad project Tiny house blog if you want to take a look at the boat

 

[JamesTXSD]

Just a note to point out that no external GPS is necessary if you buy the cellular capable iPad instead of the wifi only models. The cost will be about the same as the lesser expensive iPad + an external GPS, AND you won't have the drain on the battery of the external GPS or bluetooth. No, you don't have to be connected to the internet or cellular service for the iPad to have fully functional GPS (as long as you buy one of the cellular capable iPad models).

 

[Bob Pisani]

Thanks to all who responded. I think I now have enough info to consider so that I can make a practical decision. This is certainly a great forum.

Bob P. - R-21. "Hercules"

 

[Barry Cohen]

I just received the Bad Elf GPS for my iPad Air.

I downloaded and installed the free Bad Elf and Garmin Blue Chart Mobile apps. I then purchased the Garmin US Coastal chart package for $29.95. Everything is working seamlessly. The ability to pre-plan prior to departure is awesome.

I do have one issue: When you launch the Garmin app, you get a message saying that there is a chart update available and you have to pay $29.95. I think this is low rent. I believe that when you initially download a package from the Garmin website, it should be the most up-to-date.

Thoughts?