How to charge your tablet (iPad/Android) outside (in a waterproof case)

[marcok]

Hi all,
We have 2 helm stations on our catamaran and both are open to the elements.
On the starboard side we have a chartplotter (Raymarine Axiom), i70, throttle controls and autopilot controls. On the port side, we only have an i70 multifunctional display (not a chart plotter, it only show data like SOG, wind, AWS, TWS etc etc) and a secondary autopilot control.

We would like to use a (gps enabled) iPad in a waterproof casing on the port side mounted on (for example) a Scanstrut mount. This way we can use the iPad (if charged) elsewhere on the boat. However it's 'main position' would be on the port helmstation, outside. We're not yet sure if we will use the Raymarine app to mirror the primary plotter OR if we would only use the Navionics app and the built-in GPS.

The question is: 1) how do you charge your iPad outside 2) what kind of mount do you use and 3) what kind of case do you use? We're also considering Android tablets btw if that would make life easier.

Pictures of any install are much appreciated and will be rewarded a cold beer in somewhere in the Med next year

[bensolomon]

I use an ipad with a RAM mount in a Lifeproof case. I installed a 12 volt receptacle and use a 3amp 12 volt receptacle usb adaptor. This ipad is my only source of electronic navigation. I use iSailor for nav,and run the Logbook app for my log entries.

Here's a video to see my set up:
https://youtu.be/UvCBRjzVkNk

Go to 3:24 to see it. Sorry for the long video. I have another one there with the CPT where you can see the ipad, as well.

Ben

[marcok]

Hi Ben, thanks for the info and the video. I see you mounted the iPad vertical with the connector on the bottom. Did you do this because you wanted the charging port on the iPad to be less exposed?

Also; how do you connect your USB side (so not the iPad side) to the boat's power? I've seen quite some USB socket but they are far from waterproof once an USB cable is actually inserted as the cover then remains open.


ps. look like your taking very good care of her looking at you flake your sails

[bensolomon]

Marco,

The RAM mount allows me to rotate the iPad 360 degrees. It's a ball and socket on the back of the part that connects to the ipad. If I'm on a long trip, I typically keep it portrait so I can see a greater distance. When getting close, I'll just rotate the iPad to landscape orientation. Also, in portrait orientation, water won't run into the hole where the power cord is.

My 12 volt receptacle is on the port side just above the engine controls, and I use a flush mount usb adapter that I bought on amazon because I wanted a 3 v charger or I can't run the ipad 24/7 while on passage.

I run a 10 foot usb lightning cable under my teak cockpit flooring to connect the charger to the ipad. I have bent a few charging cables because it sticks out a little, but no water ingress.

[PJHoffnet]

I installed several of these waterproof USB socket chargers topside, no issues.
https://www.rokkstore.com/collection...cts/rokkcharge

[zemurray]

There is no way I know of to charge an ipad in a downpour. The USB lightning connector is not waterproof. I’ve had issues with leaving it connected on a motorcycle with the waterproof iphone. Apple specifically calls out the lightning connector is not to be used in wet conditions. Water shorts out the contacts on the lightning connector.

That being said, Our ipad last 24 hours easy without being charged navigating if you have the screen set to sleep when your not using it. we will charge our ipad inside the boat if raining. Otherwise we just plug it in when needed. I suppose you could orient the ipad in landscape mode and put something around the connector to help with water ingress, but I’m not sure it would be a good idea regardless. Just dont charge it in rain or rough conditions.

[sv_pelagia]

In terrible conditions (wet), I have a small battery pack inside a waterproof pouch/case with my android tablet. No wires need to be outside in the wet.

[cpisz]

I was looking into this a short time ago for android tablets. It may still apply. You can charge wirelessly. Glue or use mounting tape to attach a Qi charger to the back of your waterproof case. That way there are no wires going into the tablet, so it is safe. With some digging I was able to find waterproof USB ports as well to mount at the helm. So it can be done.

[marcok]

Thanks all for you feedback. I think I'll install the Rokk mount and 4.2amp double USB charger. I'll use that except when the weather is really bad; I'll then fast charge the iPad inside a 40 watt 220 charger.

Thanks!

[coriobay]

Have a look at these, https://www.railblaza.com/products/screengrabba-r-lock/

[Cool Hand Luke]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

I use an ipad with a RAM mount in a Lifeproof case. I installed a 12 volt receptacle and use a 3amp 12 volt receptacle usb adaptor. This ipad is my only source of electronic navigation. I use iSailor for nav,and run the Logbook app for my log entries.

Here's a video to see my set up:
https://youtu.be/UvCBRjzVkNk

Go to 3:24 to see it. Sorry for the long video. I have another one there with the CPT where you can see the ipad, as well.

Ben

Just watched your video... cool!!! Which RAM mount and which Lifeproof case do you use? I want your setup, too!!!

Great job

[bensolomon]

Luke,
Did the pm go through?

[TLMoody]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

Luke,
Did the pm go through?

I'm also interested in which mount and case you are using specificially. Great set up!

[bensolomon]

Thanks for looking at the video. I have been using this Ipad setup for 10 years. I have no other instrumentation aboard. The Ipad is my knot meter, weather station, tide charts, and I use iSailor as my nav software. I do have paper charts for everywhere I go though. What you will need for the setup is:

RAM Handlebar U-Bolt Base for Rails 0.5" to 1.25" in Diameter

RAM Double Socket Arm

RAM Tab-Tite Holder for 9"-10.5" Tablets with Heavy Duty Cases

Make sure everything is socket size B, and DON'T get composite. Get the metal. No rust after 10 years.

Lifeproof doesn't make the case I have anymore (Ipad Air2), so get some other waterproof case, like otterbox.

Let me know how it goes!!

Ben

[smith8273]

Originally Posted by bensolomon

I use an ipad with a RAM mount in a Lifeproof case. I installed a 12 volt receptacle and use a 3amp 12 volt receptacle usb adaptor. This ipad is my only source of electronic navigation. I use iSailor for nav,and run the Logbook app for my log entries.

Here's a video to see my set up:
https://youtu.be/UvCBRjzVkNk

Go to 3:24 to see it. Sorry for the long video. I have another one there with the CPT where you can see the ipad, as well.

Ben

What is the Logbook?