iPhone and ISailGPS (free) has been great for me.
Roger
Tranquility 30c 240
Port Aransas TX
I thought it looked very interesting.
I don’t think we are looking at a future where one or the other wins. I think we are looking at a future with more and more choices and options. And where unexpected fusions occur. I think the Axiom displays are already running Android down inside them - or so it appears. You can even run certain Android apps on it, though the idjits are still trying to control which ones. It’s got wifi, though its software download algorithms are not very robust. And bluetooth. They have the ability to configure just about any marine electronic setup you wish, plug and play. And pay. You can even use Navionics charts from their competitor, Garmin.
But I’m not pushing Raymarine, I’m just using them as the only example I know. I think you are right that tablets might be the future (and now!) for simpler setups. That tablet that Mark suggested sure looks interesting. If you really want to go full-on geek I’m sure you can interface just about anything to a tablet through wifi and/or bluetooth adapters. I think there are even wireless radar units, though I’m not sure they play with anything other than their own name-brand MFDs. But then you are reliant on various apps which may or may not be supported over the years. And you would need to do your own systems engineering, which means you would spend even more time fussing with it than with a name-brand setup. Some people like that, some don’t.
Here’s another option for tablet users: if you remain within cellphone range, marinetraffic.com now offers navigational charts with their AIS date already layered on to it. I haven’t used them and have no idea how accurate they are or how easy to use, but it’s something to consider. If anyone has used their charts I’d be interested to know what you thought of 'em.
Hi,
If your iPad etc does not have cell or gps capability but does have bluetooth you can get very good gps connection from a device called Badelf. It is used by aircraft as well.
Rob Powers
Respite 26C #50
Sidney BC
Agua Map on a tablet, mounted on the binnacle. You get a life time map license with updates good for 5 devices. So we have a Samsung Active Tab 2 mounted off the bimini rail so everyone can see where we are.. It’s also on the iphone.
As well I have for a long time used a Garmin 76 with Blue Charts mounted on the binnacle. Water proof and small so it does not get in the way. I use it to keep track of the situation , zoom in and out… as we sail… and it does VMG which 90% of the other applications do nlot do. The charts are well out of date but all I need is the depths and land… the Agua `Map has the current charts. Garmin makes a bike mount that the GPS 76 sits on and I have wired it to the house side battery bank.
Arkon make a line of mounts for just about any need.
You are right about the interfacing possibilities. I am looking at an AIS wifi connection so that I can get an AIS overlay on the tablet.
Mark Nerenhausen
N26C Penguin
Washington Island, WI
I am trying an i pad with the Garman version of Badelf (less expensive). It seems to work well. I have just added a power bundle to extend the iPad battery so I don’t have to run a cable to the iPad and I made an adjustable shade. I don’t have the iPad in a protective sleeve (yet).
Mike Jennings.
NSC 5 Chancy.
Port Moody, BC.
Following up on Thor Powell’s and my earlier posts on the AquaMap software 30% discount for International Nonsuch Association Members…
The link which I’d said was broken is now fixed. You can find it at www.Nonsuch.org by opening the MEMBERS tab, clicking MEMBERS SERVICES & DEALS, and scrolling down to it.
If you’d like to take a closer look at what they offer, the best source of information is: https://www.aquamap.app/support
Features include: charts, routes, tides and currents, weather, AIS, …
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233