Yeah, as far as I know the GPS function for smartphones with GPS doesn't depend on cell (voice/text/data transmission) signal - no reason it should. The navigation app I have seen in use on an Android was on a Hilo-Maui passage and I am pretty sure there was no cell signal in the middle of the Alenuihaha channel! cheers, John S. On 09/21/2012 04:52 PM, Joe Murphy wrote:
Do the smart phones work off of cell towers and then the gps app work on it's own??? Joe SeaFrog M17
----- Original Message ----- *From:* John Schinnerer <mailto:john@eco-living.net> *To:* For and about Montgomery Sailboats <mailto:montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> *Sent:* Friday, September 21, 2012 1:09 PM *Subject:* Re: M_Boats: new member needing info for GPS systems
Aloha,
If you just want position and speed, don't need a full GPS, you can get handheld VHFs with basic GPS functionality of position and speed.
Also as recently mentioned, smartphones (Android and iPhone) can be used as GPS with chart/plot/course-tracking apps.
cheers, John S.
On 09/21/2012 09:20 AM, Joe Murphy wrote: > Hi Gordon, > Welcome to the group. > Determining what type of GPS to get goes back to the basic question of where do you sail. Like Bill says, if you sail where every destination is within sight and you don't have to worry about depths you probably don't need a GPS but it's nice to check your speed. Having a GPS really helps out when you are testing different options to improve your skills and speed while you sail... pull that line... let out that one, etc. > I sail in the outer banks of NC. Everything is line of sight but just because you can see it doesn't mean to can sail straight to it. So my GPS is useful for keeping me in deeper waters, finding 'local knowledge' channels, and keep me away from other hazzards. > I use a Garmin 276C. I had it on my previous 27' boat. I can charge it up at home and it will last 7-8 hours. If I'm out longer than that I can run it off the 12V battery on board. It's 8 years old and there are probably more state of the art units available. But it works for me. But as I said, what works for me may not be the optimal solution for you. I think if you figure out what you'll be doing and then try and find another similar sailor who's one part sailor and one part geek, you'll get your answer. Hmm, I think you may have come to the right group!! > Good luck and enjoy your Monty. > Joe > SeaFrog M17 > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Karen Saville > To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com <mailto:montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> > Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 9:56 AM > Subject: M_Boats: new member needing info for GPS systems > > > Hi, my name is Gordon Saville and have just joined. I have a M-17 would like to get more information on GPS sysems. Any information you might have would be appreciated. >
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net <mailto:john@eco-living.net> http://eco-living.net
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net http://eco-living.net