Using GPS2IP to get a GPS signal to my open CPN on macbook, but only works with wifi

[rkarakai21]

Using GPS2IP on my Iphone to get a GPS signal to my open CPN on macbook, but only works with wifi, am I missing something here? What use is this app if you can't use it once you've left the harbour and out of wifi?

[nohal]

Originally Posted by rkarakai21

Using GPS2IP on my Iphone to get a GPS signal to my open CPN on macbook, but only works with wifi, am I missing something here? What use is this app if you can't use it once you've left the harbour and out of wifi?

What you are maybe missing is that wi-fi is not the same thing as access to the internet. Local wi-fi connection between your iphone and other devices is something you can have on board in the middle of the ocean.

[rkarakai21]

Hmm, ok, I ran through the setup as they said on the website for the app, and I only get the signal when I'm logged into the local wifi at the marina. I have more messing around to do.

[PippaB]

Your Mac and your iPhone need to be on the same WiFi network if the position sharing is via WiFi (I’d be surprised if there aren’t other options in the Apple world to share location between devices, but I don’t know them). Easiest way, turn on your phone’s hotspot (which is a WiFi network), then connect your Mac to the hotspot. We have used our iDevices in this mode offshore even though the “hotspot” has no cell service and thus no internet.

[rkarakai21]

Interesting, I thought you needed cell data/towers to create a hotspot, ill try it.

[PippaB]

That’s my recollection, but memory is fallible. If not the hotspot feature then use the WiFi on the Mac to create an ad hoc network. Last resort, you use some WiFi router to create the network.

[zGerman]

Either set up your own Wifi router on board or get a GPS Puck that your Macbook can connect to. Those come in USB and Bluetooth flavor.

[rgleason]

I've found that use of your cell phones gps via bluetooth or wifi runs the cell phone battery down pretty fast, and a more robust installation uses a dedicated gps puck which can be obtained for $15-20 nowadays.

Use your cell gps only for a backup emergency.