Adding GPS functionality to Wi-Fi only iPads and Windows 11 computers?

[jymbee]

My past efforts to add wifi functionality to a Windows 11 computer were not successful. Tried a number of Bluetooth options such as the one from Garmin etc. None seemed to worked.

Latest effort will be to try and add *GPS* to a new wifi only iPad tablet. Anyone have experience, hopefully successful, with doing this? Just starting to do some searches re. the systems that claim they can do this. Seeing is believing...

 

[DonTom]

My past efforts to add wifi functionality to a Windows 11 computer were not successful. Tried a number of Bluetooth options such as the one from Garmin etc. None seemed to worked.

Are you confusing Bluetooth with Wi-Fi?

Which are you trying to add?

I am using Win 11 here on a computer that has both, but I never use the Bluetooth on this computer. But I always use Wi-Fi, as I am doing now.

And it works perfectly with my Garmin GPS (RV-890 MT-S)

To add Wi-Fi to your computer, use something like this.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Tom_M1]

I use a "WWZMDiB VK-172 USB GPS Dongle" on my Windows laptop to add GPS. It works well with Microsoft Streets & Trips. It's supposedly compatible with Android and Linux.

Amazon: GPS Dongle

 

[jymbee]

Are you confusing Bluetooth with Wi-Fi?

Which are you trying to add?

I am using Win 11 here on a computer that has both, but I never use the Bluetooth on this computer. But I always use Wi-Fi, as I am doing now.

And it works perfectly with my Garmin GPS (RV-890 MT-S)

To add Wi-Fi to your computer, use something like this.

-Don- Auburn, CA

Yikes, brain dead typo I guess... (I edited my initial post)

I'm wanting to add *GPS* to wifi only devices such as PC computer & Apple iPad.

 

[jymbee]

To add Wi-Fi to your computer, use something like this.

-Don- Auburn, CA

Yep, I have a couple similar devices to add to some PCs that don't have an ethernet connection.

 

[UTTransplant]

It depends on what you want the device with GPS to do. We got a GPS dongle for a wifi only android tablet, hoping that would allow us to use some purchased side by side nav apps. While the dongle worked fine with the built in nav apps, it wouldn’t work with the outside apps. We ended up getting a GPS-enabled Android tablet, and the purchased apps run perfectly well on it.

 

[John From Detroit]

Well first you said you could not add wi-fi via bluetooth.. They are different systrems so that makes sense. I assume someone could make a converter but .. alas Never felt the need.

https://www.amazon.com/gps-receiver-tablet/s?k=gps+receiver+for+tablet

 

[Larry N.]

My past efforts to add wifi functionality to a Windows 11 computer were not successful. Tried a number of Bluetooth options such as the one from Garmin etc. None seemed to worked.

Latest effort will be to try and add *GPS* to a new wifi only iPad tablet. Anyone have experience, hopefully successful, with doing this? Just starting to do some searches re. the systems that claim they can do this. Seeing is believing...

There is a device called a Bad Elf that I picked up sometime back, and it plugs in to an iPad via a lightning connector. Later iPads changed port types and I've not explored what might be available for the newer iPads but I'd expect something similar to be out there.

The small device worked well for me.

Bad Elf High Performance GPS u0026 GLONASS Receiver f/Lightning Connector - Saasforge

Bad Elf High Performance GPS u0026 GLONASS Receiver f/Lightning Connector

a.saas-forge.com

 

[TheBar]

What is *GPS* for? Navigation software? Navigation software that allows you to download maps in advance to your iPad or phone works without any wifi or cellular connection.

 

[jymbee]

What is *GPS* for? Navigation software? Navigation software that allows you to download maps in advance to your iPad or phone works without any wifi or cellular connection.

Mainly Google Maps on the iPad. (the asterisks were added when I edited my original post where I mistakenly typed I was trying to add wifi, instead of what I intended to type, GPS)

 

[John From Detroit]

Oh one comment.
When I got "Streets and Trips" back in the 200xs I think 2005, it came with a dongloe and a short extension.. IF I plugged it in direct the computer caused enough electronic noise (Called RFI or Radio Frequency Interference) it would never find the sat's.. Moving it just a short distance ( think the extension was about 3 " ) worked great. Found many campgrounds using that program.

Today I use Google maps on my phone mostly.. Or my Jeep's nave aid.

 

[TheBar]

How new is the iPad? Can you return your WiFi Only iPad for a WiFi+Cellular model? It would work without a cellular plan and be a lot less hassle than a GPS attachment.

 

[jymbee]

How new is the iPad? Can you return your WiFi Only iPad for a WiFi+Cellular model? It would work without a cellular plan and be a lot less hassle than a GPS attachment.

Bought the iPad a few weeks ago on Amazon as a Xmas present. Still unopened in the box. Past the normal return timeframe with Amazon but I may call them and, considering it's unopened, may be able to talk them into an exchange.

Not being an Apple guy in the least it's only recently that I became aware of the "WiFi+Cellular" you mentioned. Good to know-- thanks for the input.

 

[Fyrflie]

When I travel, I use a Garmin Glo 2.
I connect it to my IPad via Bluetooth then use whatever navigation app you want.
Is it the best, I don’t know but it works for me.

I just re-read your post, if the Garmin product used was the same one I suggested then disregard my post.