Use external GPS antenna with iPad Air?

[MSWAMY]

Is it possible to connect an external GPS antenna to the Lightning port of an iPad Air and get better GPS position reception? Would it "make" the physical connection to the internal GPS by plugging it into the Lightning port? Would doing this damage the iPad in any way? The internal GPS on my iPad works fine on the ground, but when I use it in the air (with my aviation app) it does not work reliably in aircraft with heated cockpit windows. Wondering if any of you Hi Tech folks can address this issue!

 

[twerppoet]

There is no connection between the Lightning port and the built in GPS antenna. Hooking up an antenna would either do nothing, or short out and damage the port, depending on what pins were connected.

There used to be some GPS devices that could be paired with iOS devices using Bluetooth. ELF GPS or Bad ELF GPS I think; made primarily for pilots. It’s possible they still exist. I’d go snooping in that direction if I were you. Read up carefully so you understand what the limitations are.

I did a brief search, and at least a few articles popped up.

 

[MSWAMY]

There is no connection between the Lightning port and the built in GPS antenna. Hooking up an antenna would either do nothing, or short out and damage the port, depending on what pins were connected.

There used to be some GPS devices that could be paired with iOS devices using Bluetooth. ELF GPS or Bad ELF GPS I think; made primarily for pilots. It’s possible they still exist. I’d go snooping in that direction if I were you. Read up carefully so you understand what the limitations are.

I did a brief search, and at least a few articles popped up.

 

[MSWAMY]

Yes, there are GPS receivers available that can be paired to aviation software on the iPad, like the Bad Elf. I guess it was wishful thinking that an external antenna could be used via the Lightning port to get better reception from the iPad's internal GPS receiver. Thanks for that info.

 

[twerppoet]

No problem.