iPad: WiFi or Cellular

[wabislander]

Based on Forum feedback, I am going to get an iPad for supporting nav apps. Have not been able to determine if I need cellular in order to get GPS capability. Appreciate feedback from those in the know. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[KlaassyC]

You either need cellular or an external GPS antennae to make it work.


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[Irish Mist]

You will need an iPad that is cell capable. They come with GPS.. you can always add a GPS adaptor if you were to get one with no SIM card capability.. but nice when it is built in. If you have maps downloaded you do not need to connect to cell service for it to function .. GPS works from satellite signals not cell service, but they only included GPS in the ones that take SIM cards.. Hope this makes sense.

 

[scross]

I have the iPad Mini 5 which I really like. At the time I bought it in late 2019, only the WiFi+Cellular models had the built in GPS. Three reasons to go for the WiFi+Cellular models:
1. Cellular plan is cheap to add on to your existing phone service. I pay $10/month for my iPad on Verizon.
2. Built in GPS
3. Much more useful range. Don’t have to depend on spotty or non-existent marina WiFi. We are out of WiFi range about 70% of the days on our cruises.

 

[wabislander]

All makes sense. I was leaning toward getting a cellular capable. Feedback makes the decision easier as as didn't want to have to rely on connection to hotspot or GPS device for quick use. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

You need the cellular capacity in order to get a gps chip. You do not need to get a cellular SIM card. They all come with wifi capability

 

[Cutwater28GG]

even with a GPS chip, you might want to add the yacht devices wifi gateway so your NMEA data including GPS data appears on the IPad navigation apps. its the same cost as getting a GPS ipad..

 

[FlyMeAway]

even with a GPS chip, you might want to add the yacht devices wifi gateway so your NMEA data including GPS data appears on the IPad navigation apps. its the same cost as getting a GPS ipad..

Question: do the newer plotters with wifi not output NMEA 2000 over that Wifi connection?

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i dont believe the garmin chartplotter acts as NMEA Gateway.

more details on yacht devices
https://www.yachtd.com/products/wifi_gateway.html

 

[TugScout]

My preference is the WiFi model with a Bad Elf GPS receiver. Works great and connects up to four devices via Bluetooth.


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[CaspersCruiser]

As has been said, only cell-enabled iPads have GPS. But here is a caveat: If you go with the iPad Pro 12.9” cell-enabled model, it has a flaw that prevents consistent operation of the onboard GPS. Apple knows about it, but they’ve never fixed it so it must be a hardware problem.

I have two iPad Pro 12.9” models, one cell-enabled and one not, one is primary, one is back up (I do not carry paper charts). The non-functioning GPS is not a factor because I use a Dual 160 Bluetooth GPS that is WAAS enabled and connects with up to five devices simultaneously. It is extremely accurate.

 

[wabislander]

As has been said, only cell-enabled iPads have GPS. But here is a caveat: If you go with the iPad Pro 12.9” cell-enabled model, it has a flaw that prevents consistent operation of the onboard GPS. Apple knows about it, but they’ve never fixed it so it must be a hardware problem.

I have two iPad Pro 12.9” models, one cell-enabled and one not, one is primary, one is back up (I do not carry paper charts). The non-functioning GPS is not a factor because I use a Dual 160 Bluetooth GPS that is WAAS enabled and connects with up to five devices simultaneously. It is extremely accurate.

What is your experience with battery life on the dual 160?

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[CaspersCruiser]

What is your experience with battery life on the dual 160?

I always keep both the iPad and Dual 160 on ship’s power via 12V power plugs. Then there’s no worry about battery life. The few times I’ve not, the Dual 160 battery is good for 6-8 hours. The iPad depends on how much time the screen is on. If you keep it on constantly, it’s good for about 4 hours.