OzRunways - need help getting started

[cleggs]

I'm considering getting a tablet to use OzRunways. After a bit of research, I gather an ipad is looking like the way to go over an android tablet of some sort.
I know the wifi + 3g version is need to get optimal gps function but I wonder if anyone can give me an idea of what sort of data requirement I'll be looking at. I currently have a large data allowance with my Telstra home account so the initial download and updates won't be an issue. I'm also not overly concerned with getting weather or other real-time updates enroute and, for the moment, I'm really only looking at it as a supplement for vfr navigation. Basically, I don't want to commit to a paying for a data plan if I don't have to. If I get a Telstra prepaid sim, can I let the data expire and still get the gps to function properly or is that thinking completely along the wrong track?

Any advice is appreciated as I'm really not very tech-savvy.

[Dawn Patrol]

From what I understand, you don't need a data pack for your iPad. Particularly if you have no plan to download weather etc. Downloading updates/ charts on your home network is what I do on mine.
Apparently you will still need a 3 g version due to GPS. Not sure if that has changed with the latest iPads.

[TrimSet]

You definitely don't need to buy a sim card for your iPad. I have been running avplan for 2 years now without it. If you really need to you can tether your phone's internet to your iPad but it's really not necessary.

With regards to which iPad to get? You definitely need one that has 3G/Cellular capabilities purely because the GPS chip which you need is (in a very basic sense) part of the same unit that reads the sim card. If it doesn't have the sim card unit it doesn't have a GPS.

Cellular devices use their reception from phone towers to triangulate your rough position very quickly until the GPS is locked on however from experience this is totally pointless as my GPS kicks in pretty quickly usually.

The other thing to note is that even if you did have a sim card, half the time you would have no reception flying along anyway up at a few thousand feet.

Hope this helps,
TS.

[fujii]

You do not need a SIM card or data package. I am on my second iPad with Oz Runways. I use a Dual 150 GPS receiver linked by Bluetooth. It sits above the instrument panel on a piece of Velcro where it gets a good view of the GPS constellation. An iPad with inbuilt GPS on your knee may not get as good a view.

[Squawk7700]

Cleggs,

If you have wireless data at home you are pretty much set.

You will need a CELLULAR / 3-4G model of iPad, be it full sized or mini. I wouldn't waste my time with a NON-cellular model as you'll end up spending more on an external GPS receiver, plus if you want to bluetooth your headset to the iPad, you don't want it also connecting to a GPS device as I don't think you can bluteooth to more than 1 device at the one time? (not sure) I have the issue with my iPads as I only have 1 cellular model and I find myself using bluetooth to connect to my AHRS unit, but then this upsets the personal hotspot feature.

Don't go buying an older second hand one as the app won't run as the new operating systems are not always compatible with the older models.

If you DO want coverage when out and about for weather or for a map you forgot to download before you left home, the best value you can get is a new 5 GB pre-paid SIM from Telstra for only $50 for the year - NO monthly fees :ok:

If you don't have WIFI at home, you'll need more GB on your Telstra plan. To give you an idea on bandwidth requirements:

WAC is 200mb.
Each VNC is less than 2mb.
250k tpo map is 1.65 GB.
TAC's < 5mb each.
VTC's < 12mb each
ERSA - not sure...

[Paul O'Rourke]

That's interesting Squawky. I just updated my Telstra app and it has the old pricing structure in it but the online web page has the hew price structure.
has anyone else found this?

Ignore last. It seems to have self corrected

[Squawk7700]

I think I posted all about the $50 plan in the OZRunways thread before it went the way of the Do-Do bird.

TO PURCHASE THE $50 5GB 12 MONTH TELSTRA PLAN

- Visit a Telstra shop or JB Hifi or similar and buy a $2 Telstra pre-paid SIM card
- Get them to activate it for you before you leave
- Jump online and "top-up" your card with the $50 5 GB 12 month plan
https://www.telstra.com.au/my-account/prepaid-recharge

Go flying!

Don't forget to head into the "traffic" settings of OZ-Runways, enter in your callsign and turn on tracking so we can all see what you are up to and when you are about to run into us :ok: It's very accurate and real-time. On my recent return from Narromine to Melbourne we watched a few aircraf coming towards us on the iPad in real time, then watched them fly by our window on queue. It does make you wonder how many are out there though WITHOUT OZRunways though.

[mustafagander]

Cleggs,
As others have said, you must have the cellular version of the iPad to get on board GPS but don't purchase a data plan. Do your updates & flight planning at home/office using WiFi, then tether your mobile phone to the iPad for last minute updates and NAIPS. Ensure that your phone plan has adequate data or purchase an extra data pack as and when.
Home WiFi is easy. If you don't have it but have Ethernet around the house/office, a cheap WiFi hotspot will solve the problem. Actually, to digress a bit, I use a hotspot to limit the kids internet access - when I say your time is over, it's over because I unplug the hotspot.
I would try things first with just the iPad and no add on GPS hanging around getting in the way and chewing up battery. I use an old iPad 2 as well as an iPad air and both give me moving map all by themselves.
Believe me, this scenario is simple to do - I'm no electronics wizz and it works very well for me.
Good luck!

[cleggs]

Thank you all for the great advice. It was all very helpful. I decided to go with the iPad Air 32gb. Loaded OzRunways and it looks good, from the ground at least. I'll get a chance to test it in the air this weekend.