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Navigating with an iPad: the guide to getting equipped
We're often asked about the most common accessories for equipping your boat with an iPad. Here are a few recommendations to help you make your selection.
1/ To create an outdoor navigation station
AiShell cases are very popular with boaters and racers. Available in a range of sizes, they should be carefully selected according to the iPad model you own (if you're not sure about your iPad model, the easiest way is to use our guide to waterproof cases and accessories). Suction cup mounting is the most common, and adheres perfectly to a smooth gel-coat surface. Tube mounting is often preferred for mounting the iPad close to the steering wheel.
To simplify your choice, we offer promotional packs for both types of mounting (see each aiShell product sheet).
To find out more :
2/ Charging the iPad from the helm station
The most common method is to install a waterproof USB socket in the cockpit, where you can connect a cable, preferably also waterproof! For this purpose, we offer two power supply+cable sets (pack1 - pack2) that can be used to create a complete waterproof circuit with aiShell hulls.
For absolute freedom of movement, we also offer the powered Car Cradle (available in different sizes), which lets you carry your iPad without having to connect or disconnect a cable: the iPad charges automatically as soon as it's placed in its holder!
And if you don't have a power source on board, our solar panel and waterproof portable battery may prove indispensable!
To find out more :
3/ Connecting iPad to instruments and AIS
For the collection and transmission of instrumentation data via wifi to an iPad, we offer a range of pre-validated devices. The most frequently used devices include the Miniplex 3wi-N2K for complex or diversified configurations, and the YDWG-02 for simple NMEA2000 systems.
To facilitate your selection, a comparison table is also available.
To find out more :
4/ For e-mail and weather off the coast
Although a little dated, theIridium Go! is an ingenious device that lets you use your smartphone or tablet to make calls and send/receive data (weather forecasts, emails, SMS). A revolution in satellite telephony, it was the first Iridium device to offer unlimited data plans without commitment. It allows you to keep your weather forecast up to date at all times during a crossing, and to stay in touch with loved ones.
Introduced more recently, theIridium Go! Exec is an enhanced version of the Go, offering 40 times the connection speed, enabling a user experience closer to that on land, including for applications such as WhatsApp. Unlimited data plans are also available for this device.
5/ For Internet access at ports of call
We offer various wifi kits designed to locate and amplify a hotspot remotely, whether in the harbor master's office or elsewhere.
Another advantage is that the established connection benefits the whole crew, regardless of the device used (smartphone, tablet, PC, etc.), just like at home!
To find out more :
6/ If you don't have NMEA instruments on board
If you don't have any electronics on board (small dinghies, RIBs etc.), there are now sensors that can communicate directly with an iPad, including depth sounders and anemometers.
Ultrasonic Portable wind sensors are a perfect example of this innovation: completely wireless and self-powered (or battery-powered), they are easy to attach and provide all the data of a traditional electronic wind vane-anemometer.
Sonarphone or Deeper are also autonomous (provided you have a 12V battery for the Sonarphone)
In the same spirit, the Nomad2 from Digital Yacht is an ingenious stand-alone AIS transponder that can be mounted on your boat in a matter of moments: simply plug it into a USB socket and deploy its antenna outside, and voilà, the AIS is operational on your iPad!
To find out more :