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+--- Forum: iNavX (https://macsailing.net/mybb/forum-15.html)
+--- Thread: Is the ipad/mac really a viable alternative to gps (/thread-1040.html)
- dfok - April 26, 2010
I have a new ipad and a new old sailboat (1991 Catalina 28). It certainly will be cool and cheaper to use what I already have for navigation, I'm just not sure it will work and seek the advice of all who have gone the path before me.
My plan is to sail the northern Chesapeake, but in Rock Hall on Saturday my verizon mifi could not get a signal, so the ipad had no connectivity.
I spent money on the Charts and Tides app which just doesn't seem all that impressive, but I'm hesitant to buy anything else knowing something better will come out weeks later.
I have a hackintosh I can dedicate to the boat, does it make sense to get a gps usb antenna and use that, maybe networked to the ipad.
Also, is there a way to output the mac gps signal to my VHF radio?
- GPSNavX - April 26, 2010
Yes you can output (repeat to a VHF or autopilot or ???) the NMEA from a GPS interfaced to a Mac using GPSNavX or MacENC. One could use this cable/adapter to achieve that..
http://www.gpsnavx.com/html/datacable.html
iNavX has the ability to be a client to a Mac (running MacENC) and use what ever NMEA data the Mac can provide for real-time data...
http://www.inavx.com/images/screenshots/iPad/screentcpip.png
http://www.inavx.com/images/screenshots/iPad/screenchart.png
iNavX lets one use the most current and up to date charts available in both raster and vector formats. Furthermore only the charts that are desired need be downloaded. Once downloaded the charts can be used indefinitely.
I am sure in the coming months we will see exciting marine navigation applications giving the user many ways to use an iPhone and iPad aboard.
- dfok - April 26, 2010
It is my lot in life to often be on the "bleeding edge". Of course thing will get way better in the coming months, I'm trying to do it all now. The forces seem to know this (all the time).
This sounds promising. Put gpsnavx on the mac, inavx on the ipad, then link the two. Right?
I appreciate the tip about the wire, time to get out the soldering iron for that.
My understanding is that wifi is not necessary for the gpsnavx to function, but for other apps or programs do you have a suggestion for getting the wifi signal on the Chesapeake Bay? I assumed pretty good coverage but realize now that may not be the case.
- GPSNavX - April 26, 2010
Actually you need MacENC to be the NMEA server (GPSNavX does not have the TCP/IP support). You can then create an AdHoc Network that your Mac, iPhone and/or iPad can all share. No need to wait for this solution. It's available now..
http://www.gpsnavx.com/iNavX/help/macenc.htm
- dfok - April 26, 2010
Perhaps I've jumped too fast, I just downloaded gpsnavx, and was thinking of one of the screen sharing programs via bonjour or internet.
I realize now I need to buy the charts separately. I don't need all the US charts, can I just download the ones I need from NOAA? I get the impression that with the inavx app I can download what I need when I need it.
- GPSNavX - April 26, 2010
Never tried the screen sharing apps. Might not be a bad idea on iPad.
iNavX allows you to download what you need when you want it, or download an entire region.
You can download charts to your Mac from the NOAA RNC website, but the zip files expand such that every RNC (raster chart) is in a separate folder. So one can use Spotlight to move all the .KAP files into one "Charts" folder that GPSNavX or MacENC can use. If you don't want to work on that then we offer a DVD with all the charts already downloaded and ready to use.
- ActiveCaptain - April 26, 2010
There are other solutions too...
There are other NMEA servers that can repeat all of your helm data to your iPad without the need to have it "tethered" to the Mac. One negative about using the Mac as the server is that you need to keep the Mac powered up and running just to use the iPad for navigation. The beauty of the iPad is that it allows you to NOT have to use the laptop for many functions. Using the Mac as the server is sort of defeating this major purpose.
I'd also expect other GPS solutions to appear - again, solutions that are apart from having to lug out the Mac, plug it in, run software on it, and connect.
Using MacENC to serve the NMEA/GPS data to the iPad is a great idea if you're actively using MacENC for navigation and would like a second display in another location, etc. Just beware of getting locked into a set of products - flexibility is usually more important.
One last negative about the idea of using MacENC is that I'm unaware whether it can be used to serve data to apps other than iNavX. There are other apps out there and all of them should be evaluated. Practical Sailor, as just one data point, did a pretty thorough review of three iPhone apps in this month's issue. You certainly should read that before spending money on anything.
- GPSNavX - April 26, 2010
Unfortunately Practical sailor missed the Navimatics and Flytomap marine navigation apps.
FWIW MacENC just sends out raw NMEA-0183 data over TCP/IP. Nothing proprietary. Besides for iNavX: MacENC, iNavX, XGate, GPSGate, Expedition, and Coastal Explorer can all receive that raw NMEA-0183 data via WiFi. WiFi allows a one to many client configuration.
Another option is to have a Wireless Serial Server (instead of a Mac)..
http://www.digi.com/products/serialservers/digiconnectwisp.jsp
Connect an AIS transponder to the above and iNavX will plot own position and other AIS targets. Dozens of pilots using this configuration.
I do hope we see Apple open up their Bluetooth profile to BT GPS receivers and/or BT Multiplexers. That will be the cheapest/easiest solution. iNavX already has support for this.
- AugustH - April 30, 2010
GPSNavX Wrote:FWIW MacENC just sends out raw NMEA-0183 data over TCP/IP. Nothing proprietary. Besides for iNavX: MacENC, iNavX, XGate, GPSGate, Expedition, and Coastal Explorer can all receive that raw NMEA-0183 data via WiFi.
Do any of the other programs send out data or are they just receivers? If they don't repeat the data stream out, then that's another plus for MacENC.
- GPSNavX - April 30, 2010
As far as I know GPSGate is the only other that broadcasts.
- GPSNavX - May 15, 2010
I have confirmation that this Windows application will broadcast NMEA over WiFi and work with iNavX. In addition it can take NMEA 2K input (via Actisense NGT-1) and convert to NMEA-0183 before broadcast.
http://aviasail.com/