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06-04-2013, 07:25 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Roy, Utah
Posts: 1,144
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Ipad mini - wifi only or 4g?
I'm in the early research stages to use an Ipad in the -9A. I'm leaning toward the Ipad mini with Foreflight. I've used the Foreflight app on an Ipad 2 and liked it.
Q1 - I know the 4g Ipads have the internal gps chip but the FAQs on Sportys site recommends an external GPS unit (Dual or Bad elf) be used in all Ipads to insure no loss of signal. My friend has the Anywheremap Freedom app on his 4g mini without an add-on gps and never lost reception. Discuss.
Q2 - Are there benefits of the 4g Ipad over the wifi only devices while in flight? On the ground? I'm a T-mobile subscriber so I wouldn't activate any cell data provider plans. Pros and cons?
Thanks all.
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Five Sierra Fox
RV-9A
Utah
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06-04-2013, 07:38 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 397
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I had thought about going the same route - Getting an IPad Mini WIFI, and using a bad elf or external GPS.
I've heard mixed reviews about the GPS coverage with strait 4g coverage. Some never lose signal, some seems innacurate.
I'd also get a GPS unit that plugs in and uses the IPad power supply... One less device to worry if its charged or not.
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Brad Brensing
RV-10 Emp/Tailcone - Complete, QB Wings - Building, Fuse - Building
Never judge a man by his trim tabs.
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06-04-2013, 08:02 PM
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Leander, TX
Posts: 166
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I have n iPad 4 and an iPhone 4S. Both work well in my C172. I'd rather have the internal GPS than another unit I need to carry around and remember to keep charged. My original iPad lost satellite lock a couple of times, but the current generation has been rock solid.
The only external GPS that could be powered by the iPad is the original Bad Elf (not the current wireless one). That one connects to the 30 pin connector on the older iPads. You'd need a special converter for the mini or new iPad with Retina Display (iPad 4). I don't think it is very convenient.
I use my iPad for car navigation too. I travel a lot and use rental cars. Many years ago I had a bluetooth phone with an external GPS. While I liked it at the time, I would not want to deal with a GPS puck again. Just not worth the hassle of keeping track of it and making sure that it is charged for infrequent use. I have never read of any significant difference in performance between the various external GPS units on the market right now. You can't go worng with any of them. I happen to know people at Dual, so I'd probably get one of those if I went that way. Actually, I'm considering a Sagetech Clarity ADS-B unit with WAAS GPS and AHRS. It is much more expensive than an external GPS, but also provides much more functionality.
Another consideration is whether you will dedicate the iPad to the plane and navigation, or whether you will end up using it for other things. I actually use mine much more outside the plane, having almost replaced my laptop for most e-mail and web browsing. I also don't buy printed books or magazine subscriptions anymore. For that reason, I went with the full size iPad. I'm happy with that decision, but I was really tempted by the smaller size and lighter weight of the mini. It was almost a coin toss which one to get.
I really like having the LTE modem, which is faster than my broadband internet connection. I've clocked it at 26 Mbps up and down speeds. It doesn't matter that you are with Verizon for your phone. You can activate a data plan on AT&T or Verizon just for your iPad. You can turn the plan on and off from month to month, so you can use it only when you need it. I am not always close to a WiFi hot spot. My home airport has very poor WiFi. AT&T's LTE has been very good for me.
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Henry
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06-04-2013, 10:15 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,646
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve
I'm in the early research stages to use an Ipad in the -9A. I'm leaning toward the Ipad mini with Foreflight.
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I just ordered an Ipad mini for the same primary purposes--mostly as a digital flight bag plus the ability to check weather easily whenever wifi is available. Figured an external GPS was not too much of a hassle if I want to use it as a moving map. The alternative would have been one of the 4g plans, but I'm too attached to my $8.00/month pay-as-you-go cell phone to convert to an expensive cell plan. Too much avgas potential lost!
Quote:
Originally Posted by emuyshondt
You can activate a data plan on AT&T or Verizon just for your iPad. You can turn the plan on and off from month to month, so you can use it only when you need it.
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What's the minimum this might cost per month (assuming I had no phone numbers attached to it)?
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Steve M.
Ellensburg WA
RV-9 Flying, 0-320, Catto
Donation reminder: Jan. 2021
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06-04-2013, 10:46 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,125
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Get the 4G
It's something like $15 a month for AT&T and $20 a month for Verizon for 4g. I chose the Verizon plan for my Mini because you get a lot more data for just a little more money.
I don't turn my 4g on much. I usually get what I need via wifi.
I would, and did, spent the bucks for the 4g version of the Mini. There are so many non-aviation uses for it. The built in GPS works very well. It's way better than my iPad I.
Get the 4g version. You won't regret it.
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Kelly Johnson
San Jose, CA
RV-9A
Pink slip issued: 5/7/12
First flight: 5/28/12, Memorial Day.
Phase I Complete: 8/18/12!
2020 donation: complete
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06-05-2013, 07:22 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 3,932
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Just in case this isn't clear to everyone: you do NOT need a data plan for your iPad to use the GPS. My iPad 3 has never had a sim and in it, but has worked perfectly from sea level to 40000' (on a US Airways flight... Not in the RV!).
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Rob Prior
1996 RV-6 "Tweety" C-FRBP (formerly N196RV)
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06-05-2013, 07:23 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Stuart, FL /Hartford, CT/Virgin Gorda,BVI
Posts: 3,122
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my ipad mini with internal gps even works in the house. now that is great reception. i move it from 2 aircraft and the car, i like the on board gps feature. the less 'stuff' i need the better.  
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TURBO YES =VAF= Payed Jan2019
Ed D'Arcy
RV6-A 5,200+ hrs, R-44 1,600 hrs, Helicycle 320 hrs, gyro sold,35,000 miles flown in 2015 
Stuart, Fl / S WINDSOR,Ct / Virgin Gorda, BVI - under major repair from hurricane damage
VAF #840 EAA AOPA FAC FABA QB SPA
addicted pickle ball player
https://i.postimg.cc/tn3h4svg/IMG-3101.jpg
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06-05-2013, 07:54 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Picton, Ont., Ft. Myers, Fl
Posts: 294
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mini 4G
Bought a mini when they first arrived without 4G and used a BadElf... not happy with the performance (slow and awkward... need an adapter, very fragile looking). Sold my mini and BadElf and bought one with 4G, very happy with this setup.
It locks on very quickly, stays connected (GPS), and have not seen the need for an external GPS.
I use it with Skychartspro... very nice little app ($20) and get monthly updates free.
When in the States I activate my Verizon account and for $20 per month, I have 1G of data.
All and all, couldn't be happier with this setup.   
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Dave Main
Membership due Oct., 2020
RV-4 0-360-188 Catto 3-blade C-FTDQ...
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06-05-2013, 08:42 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: 57AZ - NW Tucson area
Posts: 10,011
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If you intend to get a Stratus unit for a mere $800 to get in-flight weather and other goodies, then you don't need the iPad built-in GPS. The Stratus has WAAS built in.
I gues you could look at the $100 or so iPad cost difference as a discount on the Stratus... 
__________________
Gil Alexander
EAA Technical Counselor, Airframe Mechanic
Half completed RV-10 QB purchased
RV-6A N61GX - finally flying
Grumman Tiger N12GA - flying
La Cholla Airpark (57AZ) Tucson AZ
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06-05-2013, 10:11 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: fort myers fl
Posts: 949
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IF you are going with a bad elf get the bad elf pro, it is bluetooth. I just hang it from the canopy handle.
I like the bad elf because I can use it for data logging other things without having to take the ipad . I just turn on the bad elf data logger and throw it in the jet ski and can log where I ride when I get home. same for a bike ride or run.
bob burns
RV-4 N82RB
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