Ipad for Garmin Bluechart mobile

D

davecook

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 1, 2014
Messages
88
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Hull Identification Number
FMLT2721A313
A question from a computer dummy , how much storage capacity will i need for bluecharts mobile ? I need to buy the cellular version to get the built in GPS ( which works without being on cellular data internet ? ) ? bigger screen size the better ? I would like to use it as a back up chart plotter . What is required to transfer a route from the Ipad to the boats Garmin built in Chart plotter ? what should i buy ? thanks in advance .
 
Dave,
I have a i pad mini that I have software for flying (Fly Q) as well as Garmin BlueChart as a backup to the chart plotter. It is a 64 GB with cellular, and built in GPS. I also have a Dual XGPS 150 remote GPS which I use in one airplane that I have which has limited view of the sky. The built in GPS works well in the boat and in the other plane with good view of the sky. I have never had a problem with it dropping out but I did have an inaccuracy with it - showed us on dry land when we were rounding an island in Isle Royale National Park. I did not have the remote GPS operating at the time.This was the only time I had a problem. I do not have a cellular data plan, but will probably add it in the future. When flying, I can update the weather and flight info at each fuel stop, because most every airport has WIFI. The same when cruising - most every marina has WIFI. The Active Captain feature is very useful. I'm happy with this combination. I can't help you with uploading to your Garmin plotter - I have Raymarine. I bought the mini due to limited space in one of my airplanes. If I were buying for the boat I would by the larger unit.

Rick
 
It kind of depends on the area you will be using it and what software you use. Most chart software on iPad allows you to download sections and areas to the unit. A 32gb iPad will be sufficient unless you want the whole world in detail

The maps on my garmin 7612 for the entire west coast seems to fit into 16gb if I recall and that includes the blue chart vision

I am not in favor of using cell versions on iPad as you lock that link to the unit. Of course you could get tehtering enabled to share bandwidth but you can do this with your phone and picky back on that. Or, get a get a mifi from sprint

A boat is not that fast that you would not have time to update maps in a harbor while stopping there where plenty of wifi is located

However cellular is needed to provide positions if the internal gps is not accurate


I thought using the iPad pro as nav system but then changed my mind when I saw and used the garmin 7612. Yes they are more expensive. But they are marinated (my way of saying deigned for marine use). Some consumer electronics is NOT suitable for lengthy use in a marine environment. I used to have a ham transceiver on my sailboat for a few years tugged away from harm. When I removed it it had mildew growing in it. Marine electronics are sealed and often filled with nitrogen to prevent harm to electronics. Not sure how well an iPad would do in a salt environment where your fingers have salt residue. Given, on a sailboat that is more likely then on our tugs.

If I were to have a backup gps it would have to be a marine version and tied into the system ready to take over. Kind of depends if you do long distance ocean cruises or coastal

an ipad is a nice addition as a planning tool but data will be difficult to get in and out between your on board system and the iPad. Garmin has a tool to run on a pc which allows just that. Perhaps some type of surface tablet might serve you better. If you restrict it what you do on the internet there is little chance of invasion and that unit would allow you to upload map and route data. With a wireless gps puck you get accurate positions as well


Carefully look at how you plan on using it and then decide what fits the task
 
Thank you for the help
 
iKommunicate Gateway, enabling the Internet of Things Afloat

iKommunicate Gateway is being developed to integrate devices with NMEA 2000 marine systems and simplify developers ability to expand capabilities into new applications without having to go through difficult NMEA certification. Below are two sites which will explain it's possibilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72ZzyI8cFuA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8ASeSZxs7g

Not long before this capability is available.

Enjoy, Wayne
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top