GPS via USB to Samsung A8 tablet

[SkipperJer]

Can someone recommend a GPS device that will work with a Samsung A8 tablet running Android and connects via USB? I found the installation instructions for an USB GPS module and one of the steps is to disconnect the platform components then "mock" the USB gps. My other question is does this installation remove the WiFi component?

[sv_pelagia]

Question: why not use the tablet's internal GPS?

[SkipperJer]

It is my understanding that the tablet does not have an internal GPS. Even if it did it would be augmented by cell tower transmission and therefore won't work when sailing far offshore.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by SkipperJer

It is my understanding that the tablet does not have an internal GPS. Even if it did it would be augmented by cell tower transmission and therefore won't work when sailing far offshore.

Every Samsung Tab A8 I've seen has an internal GPS. Couldn't find a non-gps model on internet.

TAB A8 GPS does NOT need cell transmission. Indeed, most do not have SIM card capability.

Don't confuse Tab A8 with ipad or cheapie "android" (such as "Fire").

[kmacdonald]

I use a Garmin GLO 2 bluetooth GPS. It works great and is about $100.

They make a USB one also.

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

Every Samsung Tab A8 I've seen has an internal GPS. Couldn't find a non-gps model on internet.

TAB A8 GPS does NOT need cell transmission. Indeed, most do not have SIM card capability.

Don't confuse Tab A8 with ipad or cheapie "android" (such as "Fire").

Searched the manual for "GPS" nothing found.

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

I use a Garmin GLO 2 bluetooth GPS. It works great and is about $100.

They make a USB one also.

Do you use it on a boat in the cabin with the display in the cockpit? Any idea what is the Bluetooth range?

[kmacdonald]

Originally Posted by SkipperJer

Do you use it on a boat in the cabin with the display in the cockpit? Any idea what is the Bluetooth range?

Id guess the range is 15 or 20 feet. Could be more. I use ipad in cockpit and GPS in cabin.

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by kmacdonald

Id guess the range is 15 or 20 feet. Could be more. I use ipad in cockpit and GPS in cabin.

The Garmin GLO 2 is a candidate now. I want to keep the GPS down below plugged into house power. And with bluetooth no cables to mess with.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by SkipperJer

Searched the manual for "GPS" nothing found.

a manual for Tab. never seen one... just a quick start guide. And on Androids it is not referred to as "GPS"; rather, it's referrred to as "location".

Again, I doubt it doesn't have gps. Have you tried turning on "location"??

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

a manual for Tab. never seen one... just a quick start guide. And on Androids it is not referred to as "GPS"; rather, it's referrred to as "location".

Again, I doubt it doesn't have gps. Have you tried turning on "location"??

went to Settings, Location, and under Improve Accuracy there are two options, Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth scanning.

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by SkipperJer

went to Settings, Location, and under Improve Accuracy there are two options, Wi-Fi Scanning and Bluetooth scanning.

yes, improve accuracy (usually termed "precise location") adds info from wifi/cell internet. BUT it is not needed for gps location.

Are you sure your TabA even has a sim card slot?

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

yes, improve accuracy (usually termed "precise location") adds info from wifi/cell internet. BUT it is not needed for gps location.

Are you sure your TabA even has a sim card slot?

it does not have a sim card slot.

[sv_pelagia]

I'm still willing to bet that your Samsung Tab A does indeed have internal GPS.

(You're likely wasting your time searching around for an external gps. No need.)

Turn tablet's "location" on, turn off wifi, bluetooth, etc and go out doors to get GPS signal. (Also, turn a mapping app such as Google Maps, to start search for location. OpenCPN too.)

[SkipperJer]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

I'm still willing to bet that your Samsung Tab A does indeed have internal GPS.

(You're likely wasting your time searching around for an external gps. No need.)

Turn tablet's "location" on, turn off wifi, bluetooth, etc and go out doors to get GPS signal. (Also, turn a mapping app such as Google Maps, to start search for location. OpenCPN too.)

I will give that a try and report back.