I thought I read somewhere on this site that you could use it as a GPS in the BWCA. How does that work? Wouldn't it need to be able to access cell towers? As I recall, someone may have made a comment about it receiving satellite information, which could be used with the Google maps on the IPhone (4S, at least). Any info? Non-urban myth???

Thanks,

Tomster

An Iphone or other smartphone has a GPS chip in it so they do not need a cell tower for location. They can act like a stand alone GPS. You do need some type of map downloaded though beucase without an internet from 3g or 4g you don't have access to maps.

I have used navionics but there are other apps too. You have to access and download the maps before you go on your trip.

The toughest part is battery life is bad compared to a regular GPS.

T

Tom, you might send Ragged an e-mail for info, I know he uses his, and a charging setup for the battery.
Personally I prefer a stand alone unit for the memory (mapsets), function, ruggedness, battery life, and all day tracking of my route, which I map out latter after I get back home.

butthead

I have had good luck with my Mophie for recharging in the woods.

iPhone might be okay for the occasional 'power-up and check location,' but 'all-day use' would equal 'one-day use,' unless some external recharging is available. And, yes, there are multiple satellites in the sky at all times available for iPhones and other gps devices to use for positioning from anywhere in the world. Me? I'll stick with my Garmin 62st.

PK, what model Mophie and how many full charges available?

quote schweady: "iPhone might be okay for the occasional 'power-up and check location,' but 'all-day use' would equal 'one-day use,' unless some external recharging is available. And, yes, there are multiple satellites in the sky at all times available for iPhones and other gps devices to use for positioning from anywhere in the world. Me? I'll stick with my Garmin 62st.

PK, what model Mophie and how many full charges available?
"

For my older model 3G, I had one that was likely equal to the now mophie juice pack air. I'd get 1.5 charges out of it. Not a lot but usually enough to bail you out. When you use them, they charge most of the way on the first charge, half the way on the second and so on, until the charger is dead. This is if you charge from dead.
If you charge from half, it will easily top off the battery several times.
Now, I'll likely get the mophie juice pack powerstation for my 4S, as it can also charge other items.

I'm unsure if IOS will allow you to, but my Android will allow you to be in airplane mode while still having the GPS activated. Significantly boosts battery life by not trying to get a cell signal. I use the app called Backcountry Navigator Pro. That app allows you to pre-store maps that way you don't need a data signal for downloading maps, only need your GPS active to show location on the pre-stored map.

iOS shuts down everything in airplane mode. Good point on battery life though, shutting down cell data, wi-if will help with battery drain.

T

link
Check out my post about using google earth BWCA kmz file with my Samsung Galaxy Note 2.

Also I purchased a Zero Lemon extended battery that I can get 4 days of regular use with 16 hours of screen time on one charge!

Otherwise here is a great external power for electronics link