[Rhodes22-list] Bluetooth depth finder for Navionics

[Allyn Baskerville]

Thank you, Jesse! Your email contains a lot of great info, and I appreciate all you said. I’m a bit confused about bathymetry charts - I’m not intending on making multiple runs in one area, so I don’t think so.  Bathymetry charts are for created as you’re cruising  in one particular area, correct? 

I’m looking at using an iPad, and I’m looking for a swing arm mounted in the cabin that extends to the cockpit without dismounting it. I like the idea of a separate GPS received such as Bad Elf, because I think it’ll be more reliable in receiving a signal.  I did see the T-Box prior to sending in the email, but that was about all I could find, and I wasn’t sure if something was better. I may do the stand alone for the altering. Seems like a very good idea, as that’s why I want one. 

Thanks again

Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 10, 2020, at 9:14 AM, Jesse Shumaker <jesse.laten.shumaker at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi Allyn,
> 
> Are you looking to get a depth finder to incorporate with Navionics for
> purposes of their SonarChart functionality that allows you to create
> bathymetry maps?  If so, it appears you can use SonarPhone T-BOX with
> Navionics for that purpose.  More info is available at the links below:
> https://www.navionics.com/usa/company/supported-manufacturers/sonarphone
> https://www.navionics.com/usa/support/compatibility-guides/sonarchart-live
> 
> I just got Navionics before our trip to Michigan and found it very
> helpful.  I was using it on my phone (Samsung Galaxy Active S8 running
> Android).  About a year ago, my phone took a significant drop and I think
> that may have damaged the GPS receiver inside since it sometimes
> loses connection.  For that reason, and also because I'm a bit nervous
> about having my phone out in the cockpit since I don't want it to go
> overboard, I just got an iPod Touch that I'll pair with a Bad Elf Pro via
> Bluetooth to catch the GPS signal.  I ordered a waterproof case for the
> iPod touch and a wristband ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Z76ZB8G)
> to hold the iPod.  I found myself moving around and zooming, etc. so it's
> nice to have the iPod immediately available.  Since the Navionics
> subscription extends to all of your devices, I also loaded it on a tablet
> which I use when planning navigation but I didn't actually have it mounted
> in the cockpit.  I might try to add a mount for the tablet in the cockpit
> of my R22 next summer.
> 
> Of course the depth finder on the charter boat was not integrated with
> Navionics on my phone, but I don't think that would have added much value.
> I'm always keeping an eye on the depth finder in any shallow area anyway
> and you can set alarms on depth finders so it will go off once you reach a
> specified depth.
> 
> Regarding the iPad setup, if you want a GPS receiver built in, you'll need
> to get an IPad with Cellular (from what I have read, that also includes a
> GPS chip).  If you go for the wifi only model, then you can pair that with
> a GPS receiver such as one of the versions of Bad Elf or Garmin GLO.  You
> can download the charts while still on wifi and they are available for use
> when you're out on the water without wifi/cell connection.
> 
> While I really like the digital charts on Navionics, I found the OpenCPN
> preferable when I want to look at NOAA charts in digital format, so I have
> both apps loaded.  The learning curve is steeper for OpenCPN.
> 
> Perhaps you already know most of this.  I just researched this recently for
> my own purposes so I figured I might as well share.
> 
> It would be great if you can let us know what setup you end up going with.
> 
> Jesse Shumaker
> S/V Zephyr
> 
>>> On Thu, Oct 8, 2020 at 7:56 PM Allyn Baskerville <allynb at adsne.com> wrote:
>> I’m looking at doing some coastal sailing next year, and I’m leaning
>> towards installing the Navionics app on an iPad. I’ve bred searching around
>> for a depth finder that will integrate with this setup. I’ve been looking
>> around but not really sure what works well. Any suggestions? Thanks
>> Sent from my iPhone