SparkFun Forums

[flamingBurrito]

Hey all. I'm looking to install an ipad mini into my car, and since my wifi ipad doesn't have a gps, i'm looking into external gps modules. I found a few bluetooth gpses that work, (http://bad-elf.com/products/be-gps-2200/ is one) but I haven't found one that is exactly one I'm looking for.

I would want the gps to be permanently installed in my car, so that it turns on/off with my car. All of the gpses I've found have rechargeable batteries, so they would require me to manually turn them on or off every time i get in my car. So I figured I would look into building one of my own.

From what I understand, there is a relatively new Bluetooth profile, GNSS, that is for sharing gps data. How difficult would it be to build something like this?

[Gsm Man]

The problem with Bluetooth and Apple iOS devices is that Apple requires authentication of your device for any Bluetooth connection other than hands-free and headset accessories. Bluetooth data connections with iOS devices requires a discovery/pairing sequence that involves an Apple authentication co-processor on your device. You can purchase Bluetooth devices that include this (http://www.rovingnetworks.com/Apple_iOS_Support) but you need to become a member of Apple's Made for iPod (MFi) program first.

[flamingBurrito]

Does that make a difference if my ipad is jailbroken? I know you can use a difference bluetooth stack if you are jailbroken.

[Gsm Man]

If your ipad is jailbroken you can bypass the IAP by using another bluetooth stack

[flamingBurrito]

So i skimmed the Bluetooth Spec for the GNSS profile, and from what i can understand i can just use an SPSS connection to send the gps data as long as the data is compliant with the NMEA-0183 standard. Is there anything else that I'm missing?

If not, i think this shouldnt be too difficult to implement using an arduino. (Then again, everything is way easier in theory).