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Joined: Aug 2006
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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,010 |
Is anyone using a Tablet as a GPS?
I would like to use a Tablet as a GPS where there is no WiFi. Is this possible?
Not talking about a city street type GPS, but a wilderness type GPS with a map back ground, such as OnX.
Will I need an external antenna or other stuff?
When the tailgate drops the BS stops.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 208
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 208 |
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 17,907 Likes: 7
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 17,907 Likes: 7 |
iPad or iphone, must have cellular capability. Yes, it works in areas without cell coverage. Have been using an iPad as a backup chart plotter in remote waters for several years.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,173
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,173 |
My son was doing some crazy col stuff on his Android phone here in AK.
If you have no cell service you need to preload topo maps and aerials ahead of time.
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 30
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 30 |
I use the Samsung SM-T380 with Backcountry Navigator when riding the RZR in the WV hills. Works pretty good.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,554
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,554 |
Can be done. Google "usb gps module" and see what you think. I didn't read past the first page. Mapping software I wouldn't even guess.
The key elements in human thinking are not numbers but labels of fuzzy sets. -- L. Zadeh
Which explains a lot.
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,262 Likes: 4
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,262 Likes: 4 |
Until you said "not as a road thing" I had a suggestion. I have a car GPS that also doubles as a minimal tablet. It's very useful at times because I can use it to find things like a hotel, and then use it to make a reservation. Android-based. It's a Rand McNally (the maps are great) OverDryve 7c.
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,150
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,150 |
You can use an IPad with OnX provided you download maps of your region, preferably using wifi, before you go. With good cell reception you can access maps on the fly but if your reception is not 4 bars + you will struggle. I sometimes use my IPad on local hunts where I have maps permanently loaded but in remote areas where you have not previously downloaded maps, it is not a very good option.
Last edited by OregonCoot; 06/09/20.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,796
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,796 |
Yeah it’s easy. Most (all?) android tablets, iPad with cellular (you have to have the cellular version to get the built in GPS) , or WiFi only iPad with external antenna. You don’t need reception.
I used an old Samsung $200 tablet years ago, now I’m using an iPad with an external Garmin GLO gps reciever. I used the old Samsung tablet For street navigation for a month in Europe through a ton of different countries with no cellular reception, just downloaded maps on the HERE app was awesome. I use it in my boat as a chart plotter, and in my truck for mapping and navigation in hunt units with roads with GAIA.
Lots of guys do this, truck, boat, and airplane.
Last edited by SeanD; 06/09/20.
Sean
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,796
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,796 |
About the chart plotter, it’s kind of funny.
Cost is proportional to screen size, so a real chart plotter with a good size screen is big bucks.
The navionics app for my tablet was $10.
Sean
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,554
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 16,554 |
One thing about external receivers, the GPS standard for communications is asynchronous serial which means a serial computer port. Make sure the ports match. For a long time now USB has been replacing serial com ports. My old Garmin handheld interfaces with my old computer easily enough but I would need a serial to USB dongle for this computer.
The key elements in human thinking are not numbers but labels of fuzzy sets. -- L. Zadeh
Which explains a lot.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,477
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,477 |
I have been wanting to do this for awhile but have not pulled the trigger on a new iPad. My brothers both have garmins with onX which work okay but are battery sucks. The iPad with an extra cordless tool battery should last all day.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 69,390 Likes: 4 |
I've used our old Samsung Galaxy Tab A with Onx while 4 wheeling. The program works fine offline but this tablet is sooo slow. A faster tablet would be much less frustrating. Also, it has poor screen resolution so smaller roads and trails will disappear when you zoom out for bigger look at the country. A newer model would likely work very well.
You don't need any kind of antenna. With OnX, download the maps you want at home with WIFI. Then switch Onx to offline. The maps work great with no cell service or wifi. Your only limiting factor is battery life.
“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell
It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,967
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 5,967 |
My mini ipad is what I use for GPS when flying and it works great off line.
The only concern I would have is power. You're going to need an external battery source or ability to charge.
Don't just be a survivor, be a competitor.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
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On X told me I could use a tablet or cellphone for the same cost.
When the tailgate drops the BS stops.
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