Its time for me to replace my GPS unit, but I'd like to explore using my iPhone instead of a GPS.
Has anyone tried and successfully used a waterproof iPhone cover and a stopwatch app for racing?
I sail raceboards and accurate timing at the start is critical for me.
I used my mobile phone Nexus 4 in waterproof case for logging .
Android application : GPS Logger.
Good enough for most records like max speed etc but not for alpha- is not very precise.
So could not complete replace GT31 but still much better then nothing and allow to compete on Ka72 and GPSTC
I Use my iPhone, but the timing accuracy is not the greatest. Only really good for distance travelled.
Plastic covers are available form Anaconda for $12. I use Cyclometer iphone app.
few good covers out there.. I have one that is pretty hard core 'clips together etc, (Australian Brand?) then stick that in an Aqaua pack..dry as..including surf sessions.
Boat tracker..is not a bad App , live map, time, speed average etc..Or check out 'yacht bot'.. as used in big boat races, your data is tracked live onto the internet!
Watch out though the Mrs might set if off on your phone when you least expect and track your every move!
Select to expand quoteMacroscien said..
Android application : GPS Logger.
So could not complete replace GT31 but still much better then nothing and allow to compete on Ka72 and GPSTC
Is it really allowed ? Have you been approved on GPSTC ?
Thanks for the feedback. Clearly there are a number of options for waterproof iPhone covers. And I thought they wouldn't be able to withstand the rigours of windsurfing. Thanks everyone.
Yagon,
I'd be reluctant to do what your proposing, if the water proof container fails then you have to replace a $800 smart phone, instead of a $150 GPS or $90 yatch timer.
Perhaps a cheapo $80 Android phone is worth the risk? I tracked one windsurfing session with an Android phone and GT-11. The results were very similar. I'll see if I can track down that session as I documented the differences. Also wrote about it on Seabreeze.
Future belongs anyway to mobile phone. I still could not understand what prevent mobile phone manufactures to upgrade their GPS phones accuracy.
At price tag $500 extra $20 for the best GPS chipset should solve the problem once forever.
Advantage of mobile is obvious
-instant transfer to email or website
-emergency phone always at hand - in the case of equipment brake down or injury
-no need for extra device
-incomparable processor power in the mobile phone
-Bluetooth and WiFi
-unlimited software
I guess that extra accuracy for mobile could be also useful for GPS navigation by car, bike and walking.
