Thread: Ipad & Memory Map

If you have a Wi-Fi only iPad then there's 2 approaches that I know of to add GPS capability:

Bluetooth GPS Receiver
You can get an external GPS receiver that connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, such as the GNS 5870 MFI. These are available on eBay for about $120. I don't have personal experience with one, so I can't give you an opinion on the actual device. There's also an advertising video on youtube.

From personal experience I can tell you that not all bluetooth GPS receivers are recognised by the iPad/iPhone unless you're prepared to jail break it (I'm not).

Tethering with an iPhone
There are conflicting reports about GPS performance when a wi-fi only iPad is tethered to an iPhone. One source says it works and another says it doesn't work.. Either way, the reported refresh rate (or patchy performance as reported by Roadrunner) is no better than one update per minute which IMO isn't good enough for navigation purposes in a car.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KySkvE63DSs"]advertising video on youtube[/ame]

For me tethering to an iphone4 had very bad results. I've tried it twice with good GPS reception on the iphone and it would load google maps fine on the ipad so tethering was working. Tried google maps and memory map and had about 20KM with no gps update. Sometimes you get an update and the map jumps again. All devices are on the latest iOS. I've read about the one minute update as well. Might work for some but not me.
Hope the tests are correct that you just need a 3G model and even with no sim inserted the GPS works as the functionality is in the same chip as the 3G.

Matt

As you say Symo , horses for courses. My lot are nearly all grown up so movies and stacks of memory probably isn't such an issue. The capacity to store a map software and say 16MB of music for sending to a digital radio via bluetooth would be good thing though.
I think my ideal would be to have a 3-4" built in display GPS for using in the small car around town with the ability to bluetooth connect up the iPAd in the 4WD when necessary.
I get a 3G Android phone through work but don't often need internet access


Pete

Originally Posted by Roadrunner

Hope the tests are correct that you just need a 3G model and even with no sim inserted the GPS works as the functionality is in the same chip as the 3G.

Hi Matt,
Mine is a 3G iPad2. I've used it on several trips now and have been happy enough with the performance of the built-in GPS chip in off-road situations that I am no longer thinking of adding an external receiver. The absence of a sim shouldn't make any difference in this respect.

Having watched the video , does the GNS hook up to android phones like HTC?

The phone would obviously be the display unit around town then

That would be okay I guess so long as the phone can connect to 2 Bluetooth devices at once.

Originally Posted by Symo

I have an Ipad and just loaded memory map onto it and i must say that i am impressed. I run memory map on my VMS 500S so I am fimiliar with it - not overly powerful but very simple.

As I own the Vic Itops 1:25K maps I "thought" i could load them onto the memory map for the ipdad but alas, this licence for the maps was locked to the VMS. The good news is that it cost me only $66.00 USD to buy the licence for all of Victoria 1:25k for the ipad.

The Ipdad GPS is fast and accurate (not sure what chipset it runs), the ipad MCU is fast and pwerful so the app runs smoothy and I have heaps of memory. Better yet, the 10" screen is beautiful, zoom in and out and plot routs so easily.

Also, as my ipad is 3G, i can surf the web, get emails and the kids play games and watch movies etc when camping. I have a defender and the Ipad cover slips into the dash next to the winsdcean and holds there well.

I sill have the VMS and its fine for when i sort of know where Im going - as soon as i get lost or whan to look at more arround me - out comes the ipdad.

There is my 2c

Cheers

Hey mate, I'm doing something similar at the moment. I've got all the VMS maps and such, though in my car i'll have a carputer running. Which is essentially just a desktop computer built for a car. I was going to build a mirror for all the OpenStreetMap.org maps so I have them locally available in my car. They are fairly comprehensive for what it is and will work without 3G coverage. The entire set up is costing my under $200 so it may be worth a look :P

It would be nice if VMS had a little more trail detail :/ Ahh well.

Originally Posted by alexturner

Hey mate, I'm doing something similar at the moment. I've got all the VMS maps and such, though in my car i'll have a carputer running. Which is essentially just a desktop computer built for a car. I was going to build a mirror for all the OpenStreetMap.org maps so I have them locally available in my car. They are fairly comprehensive for what it is and will work without 3G coverage. The entire set up is costing my under $200 so it may be worth a look :P

It would be nice if VMS had a little more trail detail :/ Ahh well.

Tell us more about your carputer please.

Originally Posted by RVR110

Hi Matt,
Mine is a 3G iPad2. I've used it on several trips now and have been happy enough with the performance of the built-in GPS chip in off-road situations that I am no longer thinking of adding an external receiver. The absence of a sim shouldn't make any difference in this respect.

Any chance you could show us how you mount it? Pics?