DocRon Report post Posted January 20, 2016 In the February 2016 edition of AOPA Pilot is an article titled "On Fire" (page 41). It describes how for about $200 you can have a good back-up GPS using the Amazon Fire tablet with WingX software. While I love my Garmin 696 it would be better to have an inexpensive and effective GPS back-up unit. What the article does not cover is a recommendation for a good GPS receiver/antenna to hook up to the Amazon Fire. An initial search on-line shows units from $30+ to over $100. My question is, do any of our forum members have a recommendation on a good GPS receiver for this tablet? I'd appreciate your input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flying Bozo Report post Posted January 20, 2016 Don Ron, For $69 a year you can have a full fledged EFB on your smart phone, either Android or I Phone. It makes a great backup with all charts etc and exactly emulates the full sized I Fly unit in every respect. And the GPS is already in the phone. It also receives traffic from my ADSB in receiver so traffic is also presented. Larry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flying Bozo Report post Posted January 20, 2016 Doc Ron, You can download the software for your phone for free and use it for 30 days to try it out on your phone. Larry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Cesnalis Report post Posted January 20, 2016 When I got a new samsung phone it came with a free 8" tablet. Awesome for EFB apps and it has GPS and G4. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doug G. Report post Posted January 21, 2016 You missed the question. Ron is asking about a GPS receiver/antenna for the Amazon Fire. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flying Bozo Report post Posted January 21, 2016 Doug, no I did not miss the question. His query implies that he does not have the "fire" yet. I pointed out that if he has a smart phone he needs nothing more than the download for a 30 day free trial and if he likes it then $69 a year for a fully functioning unit since he already has the antenna in the smart phone. Larry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DocRon Report post Posted January 21, 2016 Gentlemen. I certainly appreciate the input. I do really want a GPS antenna to add to a Amazon Fire tablet. It would certainly have a larger (and in my case: more readable) screen than my smartphone. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Doug G. Report post Posted January 21, 2016 Doug, no I did not miss the question. His query implies that he does not have the "fire" yet. I pointed out that if he has a smart phone he needs nothing more than the download for a 30 day free trial and if he likes it then $69 a year for a fully functioning unit since he already has the antenna in the smart phone. Larry I was going by the "My question is..." and the question mark.???? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CT4ME Report post Posted January 21, 2016 I'd suggest that you spend the money on a tablet with GPS built-in. Having the separate GPS is just another battery to charge and another connection to go wrong. If you use a cabled gps connection it becomes an awkward mess and I've seen them get broke. My 2 cents... yes it's possible.... but. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Cesnalis Report post Posted January 21, 2016 I'd suggest that you spend the money on a tablet with GPS built-in. Having the separate GPS is just another battery to charge and another connection to go wrong. If you use a cabled gps connection it becomes an awkward mess and I've seen them get broke. My 2 cents... yes it's possible.... but. I went from a tablet with built in GPS (Nexus 7) to a tablet that has built in GPS and G4 (Samsung Tab8), much more convenient then depending on WIFI all the time. Very bright tablet offered to me for free by AT&T Mobility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DocRon Report post Posted January 22, 2016 Gentlemen, I really appreciate the suggestions. I have a larger Samsung tablet with GPS but won't keep the signal, even in the plane. A smaller screen with a good GPS signal is exactly what I need. (I do have it on my phone but the screen is too small for detail.) I need a Goldilocks unit. Your suggestions should solve the problem. Thanks very much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eyeflygps Report post Posted January 22, 2016 IMHO, the IPad Mini 4 is perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingMonkey Report post Posted January 23, 2016 I use a full sized iPad Air 2. There is plenty of room in the CT, and my eyes enjoy the larger screen. I also like having a full sized tablet when I'm sitting around an FBO or hotel room. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites