Garmin Blue Chart App

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GAJ

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I purchased the blue chart App for my IPad. I'm not computer savy at all. I thought I could use this like a GPS on the boat as a backup. The charts are great and very usefull but I can't get it to work like a chart plotter. The IPad is a couple of years old and I do have an external Mifi so when I travail I can use it. It's asking for an external GPS but I don't no what that means or how I would hook it up. The question is can I use my IPhone or handheld GPS.

Thanks

Gary
 
What external MiFi did you get and exactly which iPad do you have? You will need either the cellular-ready iPad or an external GPS. It's not the cellular part you need - you do not have to pay for the cellular service. You need the cellular option to get the built in GPS chip. With the external GPS, you will not be able to use your MiFi at the same time. If you check with the Garmin Blue Chart app, I'd be surprised if it didn't list the need for one of these options. On a related note, I do have the cellular-ready iPad and use the MotionX HD GPS app. I'm very happy with it.
 
After reading about the app, it's not clear if you can or cannot take advantage of the GPS chip in an iPhone if you're connected via a Hotspot. Link them up and see if the iPad recognizes the GPS off of the iPhone (if you also happen to have an iPhone).
 
Do you also have a Garmin primary network?
You'll need a BAD ELF GPS if you have an i=Pad without a cellular internal modem.
Only the units with built in cellular have built in GPS chip sets.
Bill
 
The boats GPS can only be used if you have a Garmin network and also purchase the Garmin WiFi add on kit.
These are actually two separate subjects and topics but related.
Bill
 
Thanks Stephen for your input but I really not sure what u mean. My IPad is just a regular IPad with no thrills. Not sure about the mifi. If I have no service I turn it on and it works but a lot slower. As for the phone (iPhone ) it's a company phone and I don't think it has a GPS chip. Blue chart is still a great program even if I can't use it as a chart plotter. I have an old garmin handheld unit but the cable I don't think will hookup to the IPad.
 
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/prod129410.html Garmins WiFi add on lit.
 
If you have a spare router with a built in WiFi access point I can tell you how to set up the router to rebroadcast a Garmin network to the i-PAD over WiFi so you can use it like a secondary chart plotter. You can't broadcast the Garmin network's Radar or Sonar they will overwhelm the routers processor and possibly even crash the entire Garmin network.
Bill
 
I haven't open the other topic yet and c if it helps me understand all this electronic lingo. I don't even no what a router is or if I even one. So bear with me
 
Is that Garmin wifi adapter kit the same is my mifi that I use when I'm on the boat? If not is there a monthly charge for there service so my IPad can be used as a chart plotter? Boy I'm I getting confused
 
quote:
Originally posted by GAJ

Is that Garmin wifi adapter kit the same is my mifi that I use when I'm on the boat? If not is there a monthly charge for there service so my IPad can be used as a chart plotter? Boy I'm I getting confused

Click to expand...
No the router is not the same as a MiFi. The MiFi only connects your basic i-PAD to the internet via a cellular system. The router that I am talking about connects assuming you have one your boat's Garmin network to any WiFi enabled i-PAD or other data device (a tablet etc...) to the Garmin network.
Basic i-PAD's have no internal way of getting a GPS signal this is another issue when one wants to use an i-PAD for navigation. Since the i-PAD has no way of knowing where it is without GPS signaling. It's usually done with a BAD ELF external dongle (device) which is in the BoaterEd thread link I posted.
Bill
 
Ok now I'm starting to understand. That garmin device that I need is 199.00 and do I need to pay a monthly service like my mifi that I have. Is there a problem that I don't have a garmin chart plotter on the boat? If I could attach a cable from my garmin handheld GPS to the IPad will that work or do I still need Internet service for it to work. It's still a valuable tool to have on the boat. Thanks for all your help

Gary
 
I use the dual xgps150. Works great. Very accurate. That with ipad is pretty much my main chart plotter now.
 
quote:
Originally posted by GAJ

Thanks Stephen for your input but I really not sure what u mean. My IPad is just a regular IPad with no thrills.

Click to expand...


Open your settings app. If it has a "cellular data" option that you can turn on/off, you have the GPS chip.

Your company iPhone has a GPS chip in it. Even my wife's old vers 3 iPhone has a GPS in it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by GAJ

Ok now I'm starting to understand. That garmin device that I need is 199.00 and do I need to pay a monthly service like my mifi that I have. Is there a problem that I don't have a garmin chart plotter on the boat? If I could attach a cable from my garmin handheld GPS to the IPad will that work or do I still need Internet service for it to work. It's still a valuable tool to have on the boat. Thanks for all your help

Gary

Click to expand...
Since you have no real chart plotter forget the Garmin WiFi network adapter it will be of no value to your i-PAD.
Determine if your basic i-PAD ever had cellular capability if not then either the XGate GPS or the BAD ELF GPS is needed. No other handheld GPS will interface to your i-PAD.
CurrentSea gave good advice he can help more if you have additional questions.
Bill
 
quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

If you have a spare router with a built in WiFi access point I can tell you how to set up the router to rebroadcast a Garmin network to the i-PAD over WiFi so you can use it like a secondary chart plotter. You can't broadcast the Garmin network's Radar or Sonar they will overwhelm the routers processor and possibly even crash the entire Garmin network.
Bill

Click to expand...


Hey Bill, I'd be interested in that info. In the very near future we are putting on all new Garmin large screen touch pad plotters on the boat I'm on now. And being able to see the plotter on an iPad in my room would be great. So please drop me an Email when you get a chance.
 
Capt Bill if your putting in the new 8000 series plotters the WiFi will be built in you will simply need to name the network and give it a password. Then the WiFi enabled devices will be able to see the plotters if they have the password.
Bill
 
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