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Recharge an iPad safely outdoors
How do you keep your iPad charged, even in the wettest conditions? Answers in this dossier!
1/ Equip yourself with a fixed or nomadic waterproof charger
A useful reminder: smartphones and tablets recharge using a 5V USB or USB-C power supply! So you need to have such sockets on board. Some boats have a cigarette-lighter-type socket near the helm, but it's hard to find a cigar-lighter charger that's resistant to humidity and corrosion. It is therefore preferable to fit a dedicated cockpit socket.
We offer a range of waterproof plugs for all types of boats and vehicles.
However, if you don't want to install a fixed socket on the boat (for example, when chartering), there are more mobile solutions, such as :
2/ Charging the iPad with a waterproof cable
Of all the protective cases currently on the market, only aiShells allow recharging with a 100% waterproof cable.
These cables are available in Lightning or USB-C versions (depending on iPad model - see our compatibility guide). They are fitted with a special end cap that hugs the opening of the waterproof case, with a gasket ensuring IP68 watertightness: recharging is even possible when submerged!
At the other end, the cable has a standard USB or USB-C connector that can be plugged into any USB/USB-C charger, including of course the two waterproof sockets mentioned above!
3/ Charging the iPad with a powered clamp
AiShells are also the only ones to offer an extremely original and practical device for the boat: theCar Cradle powered clamp.
The system consists of an iPad holder equipped with its own power cable, to be plugged into any USB charger. It comes with an end cap to be mounted on the aiShell in place of the usual power socket. This end cap is 100% waterproof (IP68).
When the iPad is placed in its Car Cradle-powered clamp, the end cap comes into contact with the clamp's gold contactors, allowing the charging current to pass through.
The advantage of this system is that you retain total freedom of movement with the iPad, which can be unhooked at will without worrying about the cable and without risk to the waterproofing. The Car Cradle is resistant to humidity and salty atmospheres, and is available for all iPad sizes.
4/ Protect connectors from corrosion
As previously mentioned, both the waterproof cable and the Car Cradle feature a standard USB or USB-C plug. This has the advantage of being able to connect to any USB charger, and to accept any USB extension lead to adapt the length needed to suit the installation.
Using a 100% waterproof cockpit plug will ensure a long life for these cables. To further extend their life, we recommend protecting the connectors from corrosion with an anti-moisture spray.
Additional protection is provided by purchasing a small USB extension cable and installing a heat-shrink sleeve where the cable and extension cable connect. This way, the plug on the aiShell cable will remain protected, and the extension cable can be replaced at the end of the season if necessary.
Happy sailing!