The Dual XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Receiver adds GPS location to many Bluetooth-enabled devices without a built-in GPS, including the iPod Touch, iPad, many Android smart phones, and laptops. Or it can add more accurate and faster GPS positioning to devices that do have GPS built in. With it your device or computer can run location-specific apps for marine navigation, tides, street mapping, and other functions.
Key Features
- Works with Apple Bluetooth-enabled devices that otherwise cannot be paired with third-party Bluetooth GPS receivers
- The battery lasts up to 8.5 hours
- Charges with a USB cable connected to an AC adaptor, a 12-volt charger, or computer
- Comes with nonslip rubber pad for boat or car (upper left in photo)
- Includes adjustable strap for arm or other mounting
- Spray-resistant (not waterproof)
- Small portable design (shown in photo beside an iPhone running a navigation app)
- Widely available online (about $80 as of this writing)
Technical Specs
- 65-channel for accuracy to 2.5 meters
- Location acquisition times under 30 seconds
- Position updates minimally every second
- Bluetooth range up to 33 feet
- WAAS compatible
- Supports NMEA and Apple protocols (almost all devices)
- Battery charges in 2.5 hours
- Operating temperature 14 to 140 degrees F.
Review
My testing of the Dual XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Receiver shows it performs exactly as promised and is a great solution for those who want to use marine navigation apps that turn your laptop, smart phone, or other device into a chartplotter.
Ultimately the only downside is that most of these cost-effective alternatives to a dedicated marine chartplotter are not waterproof. In wet conditions you'll want a waterproof case like the Magellan ToughCase, which while more expensive also has a built-in connected GPS receiver so that a Bluetooth device is not needed.
The Dual XGPS150 Bluetooth GPS Receiver also comes with an app that provides additional useful technical information, as shown on the next page.
