iNavX can't find the iPad's location when not on Wifi

[mattt]

iNavX seems unable to locate the iPad when there's no wifi available (e.g., when I'm sailing.)

There's a connection unavailable message on the screen. I haven't really ever been able to use the app underway because of this.

Hopefully I'm doing something wrong.

iOS 7.0.4
Model MD532LL/A non-cellular ipad mini

Thanks!

[4arch]

The non-cellular iPads don't have built-in GPS. You can do one of three things: 1.) get a cellular iPad; 2.) get an iPad compatible GPS "puck" such as a Bad Elf; or 3.) get a WiFi "mux" device that would transmit NMEA GPS data from an on-board GPS receiver or chartplotter.

[GPSNavX]

Unfortunately Apple does a poor job of educating buyers that only the cellular iPads (including the Mini) have an internal GPS. A GPS is needed for any navigation app when away from a WiFi connection. The iPad cellular models have a GPS receiver that works independently of a cell or WiFi service/subscription/connection. An iPad cellular model can be verified by launching "Settings" app, and seeing if "Cellular Data" is an available choice on the left hand column.

So the best choice is to get a cellular model, otherwise I recommend the Bad Elf GPS receiver which connects to the iPad dock/lightining connector..

Bad Elf

Note: iPhone 4/5 models do have an internal GPS that works the same as the iPad cellular models.

[mattt]

Thanks for the quick response!

[raymill2]

Hi, I'd be interested to know what you eventually did to resolve this. I want to use my Wi-Fi only iPad for some nav-track apps I am looking at. I thought the bluetooth GPS receiver would be a good idea. I also went to use the Co-Pilot Nav app in my car and they recommend the Dual XGPS 150, do you know of this one? Not sure my wife wants me to buy another iPad, she wants me to use the one she gave me for christmas.

[mattt]

I started using my Android tablet and another app.

[raymill2]

That's one solution, thanks!

[taildragerdrive]

I have used the Dual gps and love it. I'm also a pilot and it works at 120 mph and my brother-in-law is an American Airlines pilot and it work in the 777 on international flights just fine.

I'm heading off to the Caribbean starting this next month to the Bahamas. I have used the SeaNav US for the last year and it has worked well for me on the east coast.

It looks like the leading candidate for non US is charts and use on the iPad is the NavX app which I believe costs $49.99. Are there choices of charts that can be used with that app or are the Navionics charts for $54.99. Are they updated without charge and if you get the AIS is that an additional cost and dose it work without wi-fi?

Thanks

[timor-bound]

I have a WiFi Multiplexor on board. My wifi only iPad logs into its signal and gets all of the data that I run through it. So I can see position, AIS targets, ect...

I think if you have a GPS puck in a laptop on board you could also create a network from that computer that would work .