iPhone/iPad at the helm

[Alexandria452]

I have been looking for a way to mount my iPhone at the helm for few months and finally made the decision to go with a bicycle handle bar mount. It is not fully water proof, but water resistant (ok in the rain and mild splashes) which should work ok for my intended uses for the iPhone. With iNavX and my racing apps, I am all set!!!

iPad is next ... I haven't been able to find a reliable waterproof case that can be mounted other than the $400+ Tank case by Moxiware (http://www.moxiware.com/collections/ipad-waterproof-cases/products/ipad-tank-case)

Any clever ideas out there?

Joe

[stack]

More and more people will be looking to do just the same thing in the near future, having iPads, and phones in the cockpit. I also am looking to do the same think as you. This coming weekend is the Strictly Sail Boat Show in Chicago. If I see anything that may work, I will let you know. Spring is around the corner.

[MartyB]

If and WHEN I do this, I 'm going to be getting one of these that is "ruggedized" ie somewhat dropproof, water proof etc like my Verizon GZ one Rock phone. Had the original version, last me some 4 maybe 5 years before the constant drops, water hitting etc, it finally was giving out, turned in for the current one.

I do not believe the Iphones or Droids have this option, ie waterproof etc. First time a wave crashes/sprays into the cockpit, rains, you take an accidental swim.....bye bye phone!

Marty

[MalcolmP]

When I was at the METS show in November I saw the ScanStrut ipad case - very smart

scanstrutblog.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/scanstrut-dame-nomination-for-new-product/

Think the problem they all have though is that they do not allow for external charging, so you are stuck with a relatively short battery life

Apparently they are not out until next month but at around $130 look relatively good value. More pics at:

www.panbo.com/archives/2011/11/scanstrut_waterproof_ipad_case_adjustable_mount.html

[Tafika II]

Try this link. Great for both iPhone and iPAD & iPad2. Make sure you answer the questionnaire when you register it as it increases the warrantee from 30 days to 1 year free. Like is...http://www.lifeproof.com/

[hoppy]

I just went to the Moxiware website to see what it is all about and was VERY surprised to see my photos of my iPad setup on the site.

I cannot remember off hand what the brand of my case was, but it was not Moxiware. The photos of the case itself show some differences to the back of my case. Maybe it is the 2nd generation rebranded version of my case or a modified chinese ripoff.

I think that the iPad sucks at the helm. My case has an anti-reflective film when just makes the poor to see in sunlight even worse.

In spring I used the iPad as seen on the Moxiware site and just got fustrated not being able to see. Then during my 6 week summer sail my iPad was mostly naked and when needed at the helm I just left it on the seat cushion or on the table. I also added a mount at my nav table and left it there a lot.

I'm planning to remove my starboard compass and fill the gap with a Raymarine E7 and relegate the iPad to the navi station as a repeater for the E7 display

[hoppy]

I saw the Scanstrut at the London boat show. It was good that it had a clear film but I was unclear about how to best mount it (not that I will buy it)

[deandavis1]

If you use your compass at all be careful mounting any electronics near it. I went to mount a small MFD close to it only to find the spec said that it had to be 400mm away from any compass. Sure enough when I turned it on anything less than 400mm away the compass moved.

As for iPad mounts. I use my iPad for 99% of my sailing year round. I find I spend very little time at the wheel with the boat on autopilot most of the time. The idea of mounting the ipad where you have the iphone sounded good to me at first, but portability is really the key (in my case). So the table is the best place for me to have it.

I have now had all three ipads. The first I used I rubber case around to protect, which worked well but was unnecessary and added bulk. If I'm on any close hall I have some anti-skid mat on the table and the ipad has never moved at any angle. Also a piece of string works just as well as seen in the picture... it also doubles as a wine glass holder ;o)