NOHUHU wrote:
angusisthedevil - I thing the navionics HD on an iPad 3G would be an amazing nav tool on a small boat. But it would not survive long on my AI.
There may be a smaller version of the iPad out soon that could fit the AI/TI and be very readable. We'll see.
Am interested in hearing more of your impressions of the iPad as a marine charting device.as
I orignally used my iphone as a backup running Navionics for my stink boat and value for money was excellent and it was good. When I got sick of trying to figure out what to press next on the main GPS on my boat I went to MacEnc on my laptop and used it as a backup. But to import/export waypoints, name them, etc I had to go to iNavx.
I now have the phone in an overboard waterproof pouch and it hangs around my neck so it can get wet.
On my big boat I am nowhere near the water so no problems but I do use it in the tender.
Navionics on iphone is value for money you cant go past it. You can even email google earth tracks and take reference pics. (for AUD15 if you already have an iphone it is cheaper than buying a standard GPS unit)
As we all use smart phones and computers every day it becomes second nature what to press. On my Furuno system I am never sure what to press next!!!
Problem is with all these devices is entering in data, etc, etc, etc and in reality the only way to do this is (in my opinion) by a computer. Try to name a waypoint on a GPS or iphone (not jut WP052)
Whilst I found Navionics quite good it is limited....hence I went to iNavx on both iphone and ipad. This allows me to import and export waypoints, etc, etc, etc but it is more expensive and you need to buy charts for it. It works great though and I can overlay Google Earth maps at the press of a button. This is where a phone is handy compared to a standard gps.
From a chart book at home I enter in waypoints with names, etc on MacENC (I am on Mac and it directly links to INavx over the internet by simple click of import and export way points, routes, tracks, etc meaning I can plan my route at home and send it to my phone or ipad.
I can also request tides and weather (wind, waves, etc) straight into the phone and overlay on charts. This requires a data connection (Moreton Bay I get service almost everywhere) and a x-traverse subscription ($10)
Charts are required for each device ie ipad, iphone but you get 2 activations from xtraverse. I think about $80 for 2 years for all of Australia for Navionics gold charts. I think iNavx was the same price??? so $160 all up (free upgrades to software of course)
There are also other items like emailing position, etc (handy to send to your mate to let him know exactly where you are)
I was looking at a combined GPS fishfinder but they are all a compromise when you need a small one for a AI/TI. (not enough detail on screen, by the time you buy link up kits, etc, etc it adds up) I have the phone, know how to use it so I will!
My plan on the TI is...use iphone as GPS in water proof pouch around my neck with a solar recharger and extended battery pack using iNavx (if you want basic go to Navionics but I do recommend the jump to iNavx if you want to plan earlier and connect to computer) There is some support on Navionics for tides but you can always get another programme to do this ($5-$10)
As the iphone is too small to enter data, etc then I will stow below my ipad. At the end of the day I can check daily tides, wind, etc, etc and re-plan my route and send to iphone as required. I also use the ipad to check bom.gov.au for forecast, etc.
Now tell me how you do all that with a standard boat gps!!!
PS -even when the iphone goes in sleep mode it records track. This is how when I download my tracks I always see my drive home as well.
To test using the iphone buy the standard Navionics (for iphone3G) for AUD15 and give it a go. I think you will find however going straight to iNavx will be worth it however.
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