Ipad internal GPS reliability
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
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Does the app need a "GPS library"? It should merely need to call the IOS API. But maybe for a bluetooth GPS it can communicate with it directly. The Dual GPS app which shows the satellite constellation is obviously not talking to it via the API because that info is blocked by Apple.
On the plus side, the Dual GPS is doing a good battery life - I am at 15hrs now and it is showing 30% left.
On the plus side, the Dual GPS is doing a good battery life - I am at 15hrs now and it is showing 30% left.
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: UK,Twighlight Zone
I think the ANP talks directly to the GPS along with being able to share the GPS data by Bluetooth. I can choose between my Bluetooth GPS and internal from within the app.
In answer to your question about maps, no you can't use your own, you buy through the store. Which is simpler for my needs. It does include loads of free maps as well though.
In answer to your question about maps, no you can't use your own, you buy through the store. Which is simpler for my needs. It does include loads of free maps as well though.
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 643
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From: Glasgow
Does the app need a "GPS library"? It should merely need to call the IOS API. But maybe for a bluetooth GPS it can communicate with it directly. The Dual GPS app which shows the satellite constellation is obviously not talking to it via the API because that info is blocked by Apple.
On the plus side, the Dual GPS is doing a good battery life - I am at 15hrs now and it is showing 30% left.
On the plus side, the Dual GPS is doing a good battery life - I am at 15hrs now and it is showing 30% left.
To get more detailed, and controllable information (such as being able to select a GPS device), a developer has to use code libraries from else where or write the code himself to communicate to the GPS (internal or external) devices.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,460
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To get more detailed, and controllable information (such as being able to select a GPS device), a developer has to use code libraries from else where or write the code himself to communicate to the GPS (internal or external) devices.
What I don't know is whether it will ever be possible to use any normal bluetooth / NMEA GPS with the Ipad, because under Settings none of them show up at all. Jobs seems to have banned the support of a normal "serial" bluetooth device. But evidently units like the Dual do somehow deliver a full-featured data stream over bluetooth, into which they can stick any data they want, and presumably this could be straight NMEA again (anything else would be totally illogical in marketing terms).
I do hope that Oziexplorer does this correctly and not just uses the stupid IOS GPS API...
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
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From: Iran
Ipad in flight
With all do respect
My dear feiend i found ipad realy useful and oprational in flight i have checked its accuracy with nav sys of aircraft ( fokker 100) several time and its realy reliable the only thing needs to mention is that avoid using it contineously since desply on cause ipad warm up and heat up which cause to battry loss ...
Using it in short intervall is a good remedy and avoid direct sun light but overally its a problem you have not to deal with in night flight .
Wish you all safe and sound flights .
My dear feiend i found ipad realy useful and oprational in flight i have checked its accuracy with nav sys of aircraft ( fokker 100) several time and its realy reliable the only thing needs to mention is that avoid using it contineously since desply on cause ipad warm up and heat up which cause to battry loss ...
Using it in short intervall is a good remedy and avoid direct sun light but overally its a problem you have not to deal with in night flight .
Wish you all safe and sound flights .
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 57
From: Surrey, UK ;
Can confirm I have had far more reliable GPS from my iPad both in the DA-40 and as SLF on BA or easy than I ever got from my Pilot III or Garmin 196.
Bought an external bluetooth GPS but have never used it in anger.
Bought an external bluetooth GPS but have never used it in anger.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 555
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From: Western USA
As an update on Bluetooth GPS', the Bad Elf GPS Pro drives six units with a 16 hour battery life. You can get one on amazon.com for about $100US. I've had it on 11 hour flights driving two iPads and an iPhone and the battery charge indicator doesn't move one bar.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 555
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From: Western USA
You need a cellular iPad for an internal GPS, so yes, you have to buy an external GPS. I have, and recommend, a Bad Elf GPS Pro Bluetooth. They also now make a plug-in GPS for the Lightning connector.
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 412
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From: Unna, Germany
What concerns me is how fragile the Bad Elf Lightning connector appears to be, knock it whilst it's in situ and you have a broken Bad Elf, I'd ALWAYS go for a Bluetooth system (I have the GNS 5870 but rarely use it as the GPS reception of my Tabs / iPad is more than adequate)
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Cilboldentune, Britannia
I've been using the Garmin GLO GPS/GLONASS product with an iPad Mini and it apparently works just fine. I initially tried with the Airspace Avoid FREE app and NAVFREE the car sat-nav system both work extremely well.
