Using iPhone as a plotter

[lockieboi]

I'm toying with the idea of using my phone as a plotter on the SIB and wondered if anyone else does this as I've seen apps out there for this.

My other thought was about keeping the phone charged whilst out at sea, now I have an AC output on my OB and was wondering if I can use this in someway to charge the phone.

Any ideas or does anyone do something similar?

[A1an]

I've got the Navionics app on my iPhone, purely for back up should my main plotter fail. I also use it to plot fishing marks whilst out on another boat.

Your AC output should be through a rectifier/regulator to give you a clean DCsupply.

[lockieboi]

Thanks for that, I've downloaded the Navionics app and it looks good.
With regard to charging, is it as simple as connecting a rectifier to the output to give me DC, then connecting the 12v charger straight to that? I thought a battery may be needed?

[A1an]

Yep, a battery would be required.

Failing that you could just buy a power pack that has a 12v outlet.

[lockieboi]

Ok so, rectifier connects to output, battery connects to rectifier, load connects straight to the battery as well as the supply from the OB?

Thanks for your help.

[willk]

I've done this thing. The really simple and cheap solution is to buy a basic AA battery powered USB charger on Fleabay, get a pack of Lithium AAs and Bob's yer close family member.
This kinda thing (mine uses 4xAAs): AA External Battery Emergency USB Charger For iPod iPhone 4 4S Ipad 2 3 D1 | eBay

Apply a couple of rubber bands to hold it together and wrap the whole thing in a freezer bag. I set mine into a matt black sun shade box and it made a very useful micro plotter for Sibbing.

[lockieboi]

That does look like an easier solution, thank Willk.

Im still intrigued as to how you connect a battery to an outboard, then a load to the battery just for future reference.

I keep putting more and more on my SIB, maybe nav lights next.

[Peter_C]

When I set my boat up to receive electronics, I had to add a rectifier that changes the voltage from AC to DC, and the same unit also regulated the voltage to keep the battery from burning up. That depends on what YOUR motor currently has. The outputs just get connected directly to the battery, although I would recommend a fuse. Definitely fuse the battery connection going out to any load as close to the battery as possible. I prefer blade fuses.

As suggested a battery case for the iPhone or a cheap external battery pack is probably a better option. Far more than I use my GPS functions I use my depth meter almost continually. If I could only have one it would be depth. If fishing the fish finder function sure is handy. If you are going to use an iPhone get something like an Otter Case or the other waterproof case for it. The iPhone marine apps work well.

You can get battery power LED nav lights even. I went with battery powered off my electronics tower. To turn them on, I plug them in.

[dave3235]

Originally Posted by lockieboi

I'm toying with the idea of using my phone as a plotter on the SIB and wondered if anyone else does this as I've seen apps out there for this.

My other thought was about keeping the phone charged whilst out at sea, now I have an AC output on my OB and was wondering if I can use this in someway to charge the phone.

Any ideas or does anyone do something similar?

Hi All
I use Polaris Navigation for way points etc.There is an old thread and they recomended MX Mariner chart plotter ment to be pretty good for under a £10 in the app store with map download.

[Harrys Game]

Willk, "and Bob's yer close family member" does that mean that Roberts your relation?
Just checking. Regards Jim

[Bigtalljv]

Can you see the screen ok out in the daylight?

Jason

[Bigmuz7]

Are you guys just using the free app ? or has anyone paid the £40 for the UK & Holland Maps ?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Are you guys just using the free app ? or has anyone paid the £40 for the UK & Holland Maps ?

I've got the "full" app, had it a couple of years & it keeps updating to the latest version. When it first came out, every so often it would be on special offer, I paid £4.99 for it I then downloaded the complete chartset for the UK & northern France, result I didn't realise it was now £40quid Still cheap when you think about it though.

[RIK]

I've got the Garmin bluechart which I used on holiday in skiathos
It worked really well,


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by RIK

I've got the Garmin bluechart which I used on holiday in skiathos
It worked really well,


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

Is that on your iphone? I didn't know you could do that......Googles Garmin Iphone app.

[RIK]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Is that on your iphone? I didn't know you could do that......Googles Garmin Iphone app.

Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[RIK]

Yes it's on my iPhone had it about three years and updates


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[lockieboi]

Thanks for all the responses.

I quite fancy a project so I think I'm going to do this.

I've sourced a 7 amp hour Yuasa battery which should be sufficient.

I still have a few questions for all the experts in this field.

Firstly, what size fuses would be required or does it depend on the load?

The output from my OB looks as though there is a plug that should fit it? Ive attached a picture of the output.

[Bigmuz7]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

I've got the "full" app, had it a couple of years & it keeps updating to the latest version. When it first came out, every so often it would be on special offer, I paid £4.99 for it I then downloaded the complete chartset for the UK & northern France, result I didn't realise it was now £40quid Still cheap when you think about it though.

Cool just downloaded it for my ipad ... yet another use for the ipad intil it gets wet ... looks pretty good

[A1an]

I've got mine on my iPad too, I mainly use it for passage planning, it also calculates the fuel I need for any particular journey. I don't bother taking the iPad on the RIB.

Unfortunately I coughed up £32 for the app, I never find a bargain.