Another iDevice gps dongle...

[OffTrack]

Just came across a rather nice looking iDevice dock connector, the UltiMate GPS (https://www.emprum.com/index.php) - it's tempting to deduct points for the cheesy name.

It is similar in style/packaging to the Bad Elf, but claims to have a faster (5hz) update rate as detailed in their FAQ (https://www.emprum.com/faq.php). It's probably not a big deal for 4x4 navigation.

Two features that sold this device over the bad elf for me were;

- the ability to use the dongle with win/mac/linux computers using the usb cable. I wanted a gps receiver I could use with MacGPS Pro on my laptop, but didn't want yet another device running off a cigarette lighter power adapter as with the bluetooth receivers.

- a quick release locking mini-usb connector on the gps dongle. A complaint that came up in a number of Bad Elf reviews was that the usb connector was a fairly sloppy fit, causing recharging problems in some instances. The locking cable should hopefully avoid this problem.

I have one on order and will update once I have a chance to try it out.

cheers
Paul

[djhampson]

Have you received it yet? Which iDevice are you running it on?

I'd be interested to hear from anyone with an iPad or iPhone as to why you need it over the built in GPS?

Or is it just for the wifi only iPads?

Cheers,

[OffTrack]

Have you received it yet? Which iDevice are you running it on?

I'd be interested to hear from anyone with an iPad or iPhone as to why you need it over the built in GPS?

Or is it just for the wifi only iPads?

Cheers,

Yes, I have received and have used it a couple of times. My intention is to use it with a wifi-only iPad, but I need to address the mount. I've found the iPad creates too much of an obstruction when mounted on the windscreen.

The package:
49067

Plugged into an iPad for scale:
49068

I also given it a run with my iPhone 3GS and have found it works very well.

The main advantage seems to be a faster, more robust lock than with the built in gps. The iPhone/iPad app for the UltiMate allows you to upload satellite position data for two weeks which makes acquiring a lock far faster if you are in an area without 3g/4g reception.

The higher update rate is a bit of mixed blessing. The majority of apps work fine, but MotionX seems to be very jittery if there isn'tt a solid lock and the gps module switches between a lock on 2 and 3 satellites. Memory-map was comparatively solid.

This shows MotionX displaying my location as on the fence line, while I was actually standing on the top balcony of flats about 5 metres to the west.

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Positional accuracy seems to be excellent once you get out on the road. I was seeing sub-3 metre 3-D readings in open countryside, but this isn't particularly testing.

I've posted a short track I recorded last weekend using a wifi-only iPad, the Ultimate GPS and Memory-Map. As you can see it's accuracy is pretty good, and follows the roads/tracks pretty closely with default settings.

WTP-Ultimate - Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/mYwO)

cheers
Paul

[Blknight.aus]

isnt the I pad and I phone ment to have a GPS in it?

[OffTrack]

isnt the I pad and I phone ment to have a GPS in it?

The 3g/4g versions have assisted-gps, the wifi-only models don't have gps of any kind.

One of the main advantages is that you are not relying on assisted-gps so the external modules are far faster to lock when you don't have phone coverage. The external modules are reported to work far better with tree cover.

The other benefit is the external units have better vertical accuracy than the internal gps, so you get more accurate 3d positioning. Probably not a big deal really.

Having used the iPhone internal gps in areas without phone reception the fast unassisted lock is the big selling point for me.

[djhampson]

I haven't noticed any issues with my iPad finding an inital position (its the 3g version but I don't have a sim card for it).

If you are looking for a good mount I can recommend the iPad RAM mount (RAM Mount Holder for Apple Ipad and Ipad2 Part# RAM-HOL-AP8U | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RAM-Mount-Holder-Apple-Ipad-and-Ipad2-Part-RAM-HOL-AP8U-/290734429969?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item43b11f5711#ht_500wt_922)). Holds the iPad nicely and its easy to get in and out.

I use it on the boat and it never moves.

[OffTrack]

I haven't noticed any issues with my iPad finding an inital position (its the 3g version but I don't have a sim card for it).

If you are looking for a good mount I can recommend the iPad RAM mount (RAM Mount Holder for Apple Ipad and Ipad2 Part# RAM-HOL-AP8U | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/RAM-Mount-Holder-Apple-Ipad-and-Ipad2-Part-RAM-HOL-AP8U-/290734429969?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item43b11f5711#ht_500wt_922)). Holds the iPad nicely and its easy to get in and out.

I use it on the boat and it never moves.

I had quite a few issues with the iPhone gps not locking. It's usually when there is tree cover and there isn't 100% clear view of the sky.

[djhampson]

I just saw you had a 3GS. I've got a 4S and it behaves well but my parents both have 3GSs and the GPS isn't that reliable on either device. I might get one of these for them.

[OffTrack]

I just saw you had a 3GS. I've got a 4S and it behaves well but my parents both have 3GSs and the GPS isn't that reliable on either device. I might get one of these for them.

That would make a difference. :)

Just did a bit of a test with an app called GPS Device Data, which accesses the Core Location data directly. This shows the information a GPS app would access. I let the gps settle for a couple of minutes in each case.

iPhone 3GS showing 17 metre horizontal accuracy.
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iPhone 3GS with Ultimate GPS showing 10 metre horizontal accuracy.
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The Ultimate GPS app which directly accesses the gps module shows sub 5 metre horizontal accuracy.
49097

Satellite reception for the Ultimate GPS.

49098

[OffTrack]

After using the UltiMate for a couple of weeks while on holiday in NT I'm happy with the way the unit performs.

The main issue I have had is that the locking usb connector is really flimsy and is very easily bent out of shape just by moving the cable around. After two weeks the power connector no longer locked and was extremely touchy about positioning, or the iPad would not charge. Unfortunately the locking usb cable is not a common item and I'd suggest getting a couple of spares if you decide to order an UltiMate.