3G coverage on Lake Michigan

[jllepper]

I have some friends who have purchased Ipads (Wifi and 3G) to use for navigational purposes. Won't you lose your connection at some point when crossing the lake (i.e. mid-lake marker)?

I rather upgrade my existing equipment if the Ipads are not guaranteed a connection when traveling on the lake. I need something the I can depend on throughout the trip.

 

[saxrulez]

Re: 3G coverage on Lake Michigan

There are some apps that only use the GPS connection. However the battery life always is an issue. I would always recommend a real gps rather than an app. I use my phone often for this, but I wouldn't use it solely as a means of navigation on the water ever.

It works and nothing completely wrong about it, but I definitely would prefer a real gps for navigating.

 

[relocyo]

Re: 3G coverage on Lake Michigan

Eh, I would assume 3g isnt as required as a solid gps signal... Thats how my smart phone works anyways (htc evo 4g) I dl'd a gps speedo and advanced compass... My google maps works also... I think as long as they have gps they will be ok and thats assuming the apps work on gps, which they should...

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: 3G coverage on Lake Michigan

That's also why a real radio is also needed. I wouldn't want to rely solely on a cell phone or iPad for an emergency. I'm too old to go early because of no bars. Can you hear me now?

 

[jllepper]

Re: 3G coverage on Lake Michigan

I have a 2-way radio and use it all the time. The GPS equipment on our boat is outdated and the manuals might as well be written in German. The scary thing is that there are boaters out there who plan on using an Ipad and 3g technology to get them across the lake. I don't care to throw $1000 into something that may not work for me at the midlake marker.