Bluetooth GPS - fact or fiction?

CaptKermie · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

I recently heard a rumor about the existence of a GPS that sends data via bluetooth and that the theory goes, one can position this GPS on their boat and receive coordinates on their iPod through the bluetooth. This would mimick the same navigation abilities of the iPhone using Navionics but the iPod would receive data through bluetooth whereas the iPhone has its' own built in GPS. Has anyone else heard of this new technology and believe it is doable? It would certainly make the iPod more functional.

SlowButSteady · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Here's the one I have:

It's an Ambicom BT-GPS. It's about the size of a box of Tic-Tacs, or slightly larger. I don't know it it's still available, but it works fine with my Mac PowerBook. If you do a Google search for "BT GPS" you'll get dozens of hits for various newer models.

Minnewaska · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

While my Ipad does have a built in GPS receiver (some models do not), I bought this bluetooth receiver as I was concerned about signal reliability if I was using it below deck. In particular, I wanted to be sure the anchor alarm would work, as running this device instead of the anchor alarm on the chartplotter, would not drain my house batts all night long.

So far, I've been impressed with how unnecessary it has been given the reception of the built in receiver.

Amazon.com: GNS 5870 MFI GPS Bt Receiver "WAAS" Enabled: Electronics

DRFerron · #4 (**permalink**) 06-28-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptKermie

I recently heard a rumor about the existence of a GPS that sends data via bluetooth ... Has anyone else heard of this new technology and believe it is doable? It would certainly make the iPod more functional.

As noted above, it's not so new. About 6 years ago I bought a Garmin software package for our laptop and a bluetooth GPS puck came with it. Since the Iphone, the laptop navigation (it was for the car) is no longer used and we use the bluetooth GPS puck on the boat with our netbook for navigating. I set it on the nav station below when it started raining and it still picked up signals. Normally it sits on the cabin top under the dodger.

I think now you can get a GPS puck from Best Buy for about $40 (or less, it's been a year since I last looked).