Subject: Using Garmin's built-in hosted local Wi-Fi network
The other day I started for the 2nd time to explore using my Garmin 7612's hosted local Wi-Fi network. For the most part is was easy to setup and use and being able to view the 7612's display on my Majestic 19" TV screen was useful.
However, one thing that seemed to be a bit problematic was that the connection between my iPhone/Garmin Helm App and the 7612 would drop off whenever I switched from the Garmin Helm display on the iPhone to another iPhone application and back again. When returning to Garmin Helm application the "Connection dropped" msg would appear momentarily and then without me doing anything, would reconnect to the 7612's Wi-Fi network. Not a big deal/issue but a bit disturbing.
Using the iPhone's Garmin Helm application to have full control of what the Garmin 7612's unit provides is quite useful and works kind of AOK. When I select a new display on the iPhone's Garmin Helm display there's a slight click and maybe a second later the selected display appears. That is, there's a slight lag with the iPhone telling and communicating with the 7612 to switch displays. Again, not a big deal/issue but something to be aware of.
I have my Apple ATV4 connected to the Majestic 19" TV's HDMI port and by AirPlay-ing my iPhone's display to the ATV4 and hence the TV screen, I find it works extremely well. This aspect is a real bonus for anyone in the forward saloon/stateroom on our R-27/OB and is very beneficial IMO. People can therefore see exactly what is being displayed on the 7612's screen and for following and knowing where the boat is and where it's heading to, along with other stuff such as ETA at the configured destination when on Autopilot and following a safe course to the destination.... and of course, the speed the boat is making as well. 😀
I also have my Garmin Quatix 5 watch connected to the 7612 and this provides me with Autopilot control and displays various boat's data/information (barometer history over past 6 hrs, compass setting, temp over past 4 hrs, weather state, Tides, Instant MOD setting along with distance from and direction to the MOB point, etc) at a glance while in the cockpit with someone else at the helm controlling the boat. There's a learning curve to be negotiated using the Quatix 5 watch knowing what the 5 side buttons control and operate. However, I'm finding the watch quite useful and enjoyable to use. I had thought I'd try it for the initial 30-day free trail, but now after some 2 weeks I'm thinking of keeping it. 🙂
Overall, I'm happy with the Garmin's locally hosted Wi-Fi, the Quatix 5, and the Apple iPhone, ATV4 and the Majestic TV usage.
If you have an Apple laptop this can also be thrown into the mix plus it will allow the TV to serve as an extended 2nd display.
When underway of course one has to use the Inverter to power the Apple ATV4 with 120v.... it's a shame Apple does not provide a 12v unit to avoid having to need the 120v.
The other day I started for the 2nd time to explore using my Garmin 7612's hosted local Wi-Fi network. For the most part is was easy to setup and use and being able to view the 7612's display on my Majestic 19" TV screen was useful.
However, one thing that seemed to be a bit problematic was that the connection between my iPhone/Garmin Helm App and the 7612 would drop off whenever I switched from the Garmin Helm display on the iPhone to another iPhone application and back again. When returning to Garmin Helm application the "Connection dropped" msg would appear momentarily and then without me doing anything, would reconnect to the 7612's Wi-Fi network. Not a big deal/issue but a bit disturbing.
Using the iPhone's Garmin Helm application to have full control of what the Garmin 7612's unit provides is quite useful and works kind of AOK. When I select a new display on the iPhone's Garmin Helm display there's a slight click and maybe a second later the selected display appears. That is, there's a slight lag with the iPhone telling and communicating with the 7612 to switch displays. Again, not a big deal/issue but something to be aware of.
I have my Apple ATV4 connected to the Majestic 19" TV's HDMI port and by AirPlay-ing my iPhone's display to the ATV4 and hence the TV screen, I find it works extremely well. This aspect is a real bonus for anyone in the forward saloon/stateroom on our R-27/OB and is very beneficial IMO. People can therefore see exactly what is being displayed on the 7612's screen and for following and knowing where the boat is and where it's heading to, along with other stuff such as ETA at the configured destination when on Autopilot and following a safe course to the destination.... and of course, the speed the boat is making as well. 😀
I also have my Garmin Quatix 5 watch connected to the 7612 and this provides me with Autopilot control and displays various boat's data/information (barometer history over past 6 hrs, compass setting, temp over past 4 hrs, weather state, Tides, Instant MOD setting along with distance from and direction to the MOB point, etc) at a glance while in the cockpit with someone else at the helm controlling the boat. There's a learning curve to be negotiated using the Quatix 5 watch knowing what the 5 side buttons control and operate. However, I'm finding the watch quite useful and enjoyable to use. I had thought I'd try it for the initial 30-day free trail, but now after some 2 weeks I'm thinking of keeping it. 🙂
Overall, I'm happy with the Garmin's locally hosted Wi-Fi, the Quatix 5, and the Apple iPhone, ATV4 and the Majestic TV usage.
If you have an Apple laptop this can also be thrown into the mix plus it will allow the TV to serve as an extended 2nd display.
When underway of course one has to use the Inverter to power the Apple ATV4 with 120v.... it's a shame Apple does not provide a 12v unit to avoid having to need the 120v.