GPS on wifi only iPad

Hi,

I have an WiFi only iPad 4, is it possible to get the GPS data, by bluetooth, from my iPhone 5c when it s connected to the networks for voice/txt but with no data or WiFi connection. I have obviously tried connecting the iPhone to iPad via bluetooth but no GPS data seems to come across. I need this functionality when travelling in Europe where I have phone/txt access but no data roaming.

If this is not possible then is there a GPS dongle which will connect via bluetooth to the iPad? I have tried connecting an old Dell GPS dongle, which works with Windows XP systems, but it is not recognised by the iPad, I rather suspect the Dell Dongle has a rather ancient bluetooth version

Thanks

Chris

According to this:

http://support.motionx.com/motionx-...ure-will-my-wifi-ipad-receive-a-gps-signal-2/

No.

- Nick

Hi Nick,

Wow, that was a quick answer!

Oh well there goes that idea! do you know anything about other dongles which may work?

Thanks,

Chris

I'm not an expert in this area…but I think that the device in question (WiFi only iPad) needs to have built-in GPS hardware to get GPS data. And as we discussed above…tethering a WiFi only iPad to an iPhone doesn't seem to be a solution.

Here's another link for an app (which is NOT a solution for this situation)…but it contained an important statement that may apply here:

How to Get GPS Directions on the Go Without Using Your Data Plan | CIO

"Your device must have built-in GPS, of course. Apple’s iPod touch and Wi-Fi-only iPads lack GPS, for instance, so they won't work.

Like I said…I'm not an expert in this area…so maybe there is a solution. But from the searching I've done…I'm not finding one.

- Nick

Thanks Nick,

I'll do some more searching for a GPS dongle that ill work with the iPad.

Chris

You piqued my interest . Looks like there are a small number of dongles available.

Here's an old page which discusses GPS adapters: Aviation Mentor: GNS 5870 Bluetooth GPS for iPad

Here's one manufacturer they mention: Plug-in GPS - Bad Elf

The other gives a 404 now.

Thanks dbm,

Yes, I've managed to find 3 here on Amazon UK, the Bad Elf (rather expensive), The Garmin GLO and the GNS 2000, all claim to be iPad/phone compatible. So I think I'll probably go for either the Garmin or GNS, a great deal cheaper than upgrading to a 4G iPad!!

Chris

I have bow purchased the GNS2000 from Amazon for £62.00. It's a dual GPS / GLONASS unit. It works. I am using it with Maps.Me and Motion X.
You can also use it as a track logger with myTracks, but I haven't tried this yet.
I find that Maps.Me is far simpler to use than Motion x and the mapping is very similar other than Motion X gives the option of topographical mapping rather than just roads on the Maps.Me.

Chris

Thanks for the update, very interesting.

I have used the Bad Elf ~ GPS Pro (wasn't called that 3 yrs ago) now for 3 yrs, and hasn't missed a beat. Actually the battery life is unbelievably amazing, as I have only had to recharge it twice in this time.
Its accurate to within a Meter (my discovery) and works flawlessly with my iPad Mini, and the Mad Maps App. It also works with all other Mapping Apps too. They are one the only GPS Units to be Apple Approved.
To me, its well worth the current price.