Using the iPad as a satnav

[John]

Original post coordinated


We found having an iPad really helpful in the Cali we hired, as we could use it to play music, watch films, browse the web ... and read this forum! (and it fits in the safe nicely)

In case you've got an iPad, or are thinking about getting one for Christmas , I've just found another good use for ours...

Now that the TomTom iPhone app also works with the iPad, I decided to use the iPad as a huge GPS.

I'm using:



TomTom Europe (all of Europe available off-line; same app can be shared between iPhone and iPad; free map updates; optional traffic subscription) - I bought this for 60GBP a year ago, but it's now 80GBP, though smaller maps cost less (price variations can be seen here: http://appshopper.com/navigation/tomtom-europe)

A Bluetooth GPS for our wifi-only iPad 2 (90GBP, as below)

A RouteBuddy Atlas 1:50k LandRanger map of all GB (80GBP with a voucher code, as below) - which can be shared with the OS-X application, but not between iDevices


Adding an external GPS to a wifi-only iPad is cheaper than buying a 3G iPad, doesn't need a contract, and allows you to put the GPS receiver in the windscreen whilst keeping the iPad where you want it.

I haven't tried it in a Cali yet (ours is on order!) so I'm not sure how easy it'll be to mount the iPad, but I'm sure we'll think of something!

Once trivlally Bluetooth-paired, the GPS Just Works with TomTom, RouteBuddy Atlas, Maps etc. I haven't been able to to test it much so far, but am really happy with it.

Steve


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dual XGPS150:



Homepage: http://xgps150.dualav.com/

Buy in UK for 80GBP: http://proviationshop.co.uk/shop/articl ... eiver.html


Maps and apps:



Whole of GB at 1:50k: http://store.routebuddy.com/maps/topo/os/regions/50k plus 1:25k maps - currently with 20% off with code AUTMAPS12 - requires free RouteBuddy Atlas app: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/routebud ... 61751?mt=8

TomTom Europe: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/tomtom-e ... 80531?mt=8

 

[John]

Original post mkrw

I use a Samsung Galaxy S running Android with the free google maps feature.

With the in built GPS running it also integrates live traffic data and calculates the fastest route based on your preferences.

I use it most days when travelling for work and on long journeys can be great avoiding traffic.

 

[John]

Original post Calikev

I thought also of using the I pad but can't figure out how to mount it
Wife's not going to sit with it on her lap.hopefully someone will have an idea.

 

[John]

Original post Calitess

Internet search reveals:- APPLE IPAD CUSTOM MOLDED MOUNT WITH WINDSCREEN SUCTION ARM

http://www.easydevices.co.uk/pp/iPhone_A....CTION _ARM.html

No personal experience of!

 

[John]

Original post californiaman

Interesting.. this will potentially open up some new wasy to use GPS/iPad!

I've used RAM mounts on motorbikes over the years and they are very good. They're doing some iPad stuff that could potentially be adapted:

http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/apple-ipad-i ... ab=Basekit

A lot of pro photographers are using iPads tethered to their cameras - perhaps some of the tripod mounts could be adapted?

http://www.shop.tethertools.com/Connect ... N-BNDL.htm

http://delkin.com/search.html?q=ipad&go=Search

 

[John]

Original post mickyblue

We used our iPad2 to as a sat nav to great effect in our previous Fiat Ducato based MH. We used the CoPilot Live Truck Europe app as it was a large coach-built.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/copilot- ... 01277?mt=8

Having used them for phone mounts I used a Brodit holder & Pro clip like these;

Proclip for T5 - http://www.dsldevelopments.com/brodit/p ... roclip.asp

Various Brodit iPad2 holders here - http://www.dsldevelopments.com/search.a ... playPage=1

The only issues we faced in the Ducato MH was that I had to use a long extension piece to move the iPad holder away from the Proclip as it was too close to the radio on the dash, this induced a little 'waggle' which in the end I never got to solve as we sold the MH.

The T5 one looks a lot better as they do an extra strength version. However I don't know whether this is a T5 facelift dash version as I don't have the Cali yet

I have used the Proclips' as they are a no drill design which leave no marks when you change vehicle.

DSL developments are very helpful if you ring them they will tell you what fits. I have used them many times in the past.

 

[C&HinNorwich]

We use Navfree on the ipad2 which is well, err free!
After the latest updates it's really good now and the tomtom has to go and it's much better than the one built in the Cali which cost a fortune, obviously have to apply a bit if common sense as with any satnav

Not tried it on the continent yet but hopefully will next year

 

[Anonymous]

I use my iPad with TomTom all of the time - albeit in a BMW 5 series where it is an easy and convenient fit.
Easier to see than a normal TomTom device and very useful to play all of my music through.

 

[Andy]

much better than the one built in the Cali which cost a fortune

That's your personal opinion of course.

Reason I bought RNS510 was as I have a £43K Cali I did not want wires / leads trailing over the dash & I get directions on the MFD in the dash & stereo volume is automatically reduced so I can hear spoken directions.

obviously have to apply a bit if common sense as with any satnav

Yes agree there I check the route first.

What is the mapping like ??

 

[lth]

Got to agree about the rns 510.

I had one in my golf before the cali.

Expensive? yes but a terrific bit of kit and easy to use.

 

[Riversides]

Ive just tried "navfree" today and for a free app, its excellent. I have it on my iPad2 3G ( which incidently is without a sim card in it for now). The iPad picked up the GPS signal almost immediately and I have to say Im very impressed.

I just pulled out the drinks holder and rested it on the edge and against the dash. I will figure out some way of clipping it onto the tray to make it secure.

I see there is also a little storage holder just under the drinks holder. Maybe a custom grip could be wedged in there somehow?

 

[calikev]

I would be interested if you do come up with a way of holding the I pad. I bought a windscreen mount but it's too
Big and blocks my view. Keep us posted.

 

[Andy]

Some ipad mounts here...

http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/advanced...escription=1&gclid=COyUmYKxh64CFQ8gfAodVismwQ

Video of various ram-mount ipad mounts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sffKYxCrkeM&feature=player_detailpage

 

[coordinated]

Some ipad mounts here...

Thanks, Andy. I've been thinking on similar lines

By the time you've added up all of the components, the RAM stuff's not cheap, but it looks good quality.

I'm going to wait until we get our Cali, then work out the best place to suspend the iPad from (and still allow it to be pushed out of the way, if it blocks the stereo or aircon controls).

My current guess for a component list is:

£25 for iPad Holder
£14 for AMPS base to connect to holder
£41 for Long Socket Arm (and maybe a short one too, to pull it further forward)
£52 for 3 suction base (to fix to the top of the dash)
=£132. Ouch!

Steve

 

[Andy]

Yes the Ram-mount systems soon add up in price but for a bespoke mount for ones needs are good.
Quality is good, had one on my motorbike for a while.

 

[BerndRos]

My SatNav is not working out here in Tunisia due to not having any mapping on it.

I know I can use Google maps to look at and set directions, but does anyone know if when moving it will give spoken directions ?

 

[Californiaman]

You can probably rent a local guide for a week for a few € !!

 

[coordinated]

Yes the Ram-mount systems soon add up in price but for a bespoke mount for ones needs are good.

Finally worked out a (RAM-based) solution to this :clap