FAQs Does the XGPS150 work with Surface Tablets or Windows 8? Windows 8.0: Yes. Windows 8.1: No. The XGPS150 will pair over Bluetooth to a Surface Tablet, using the “Add Device” option from the Control Panels. However, Windows does not know how to pull GPS information from the device. So only programs which understand what to do with NMEA-formatted GPS data will work properly (e.g. VisualGPSView, Google Earth). There is a bug in Windows 8.1 which prevents it from properly communicating with many Bluetooth devices, including the XGPS150A. Hopefully this will be fixed in an upcoming update of Windows. Help! My Dual GPS used to work fine with my iPad, but now sometimes it doesn’t – what’s wrong?!? Unfortunately, there’s a bug in iOS versions 6.1.2, 6.1.3 and 6.1.4 which affects Bluetooth-connected GPS accessories (from any manufacturer). The symptom is that apps don’t display GPS information even though the GPS appears to be paired and connected properly to the iOS device. Confusingly, if you open the Dual GPS Status Tool, the GPS looks like it is working properly – it shows a position, an altitude, and lots of satellites in view.The fix is to upgrade to iOS 7. But if you’re holding off doing that, there are some things which you can do if you are experiencing the problem. Additionally, Dual has been working with app companies including ForeFlight and WingX to provide a workaround.If you aren’t using ForeFlight or WingX, or want to try a workaround, try one of the following options. These won’t permanently solve the issue, but they can temporarily restore GPS information to your apps: Stop any apps which are running in the background. Double click the Home button on the iPad to open the background menu. Touch and hold any icon on the bottom of the screen, waiting until the icons start to jiggle. Tap the red circle on the upper left of each icon. (This will not delete the app from your iPad, just stop it from running in the background).< Touch the upper part of the screen to close the background menu and reopen the app you want to use. OR Toggle Location Settings. On the iPad, go to Settings->Privacy and toggle Location Services off and then back on. OR Unpair the GPS, reboot the iPad and re-pair the GPS Turn off the XGPS150. On the iPad, go to Settings->Bluetooth. Find the device named XGPS150-xxxxxx in the list shown and then tap the blue arrow button to the right of the name. Select “Forget this device” and confirm you wanted to do this. Press and hold the power button on the iPad until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider button to shut down the iPad When the spinning cursor disappears and the screen goes dark, hit the power button on the iPad to restart it. Turn the XGPS150 back on. Once the iPad has rebooted, go to Settings->Bluetooth Look for the XGPS150 in the list of devices, and tap the name to pair it again OR Reset the network settings on the iPad On the iPad, go to General->Settings->Reset CAUTION: the next step will erase any WiFi passwords stored on your iPad/iPhone/iPod touch Tap Reset Network Settings. The iPad will reboot itself. If you are a user of ForeFlight, WingX Pro 7 or eKneeboard, we recommend that you do two things: Check the firmware in your XGPS150 using the free Status Tool app from Dual. If the firmware installed in the device is version 1.0.34 or lower, please update the firmware in your GPS. If you have firmware version higher than 1.0.34 (e.g. 1.1.6, 1.2.6 or 1.3.1) you don’t need to do anything to your XGPS150. Download the latest update of the EFB app. These apps include code to communicate specifically with your GPS which bypasses the bug in the iOS. I get an error message when trying to download a GPS-enabled app onto my Wi-Fi only iPad or cannot download a GPS-enabled app onto my Wi-Fi only iPad. While this is an uncommon issue, some developers do restrict their apps from being downloaded to devices which don’t have the GPS feature, not taking into consideration the fact that an external GPS will allow their app to work. We suggest that you either ask the app developer to remove the restriction or choose a different app. The vast majority of app developers do not put these restrictions in place, and there is a very large number of GPS-enabled apps which can be downloaded to non-3G/WiFi-only iPad devices, allowing them to be used for navigation (car, boat, plane), hiking, golfing, geocaching, etc. My iPad 3 is not pairing with the XGPS150. The blue light just keeps blinking on the XGPS150. The solution is to reset the Bluetooth settings on the iPad: go to Settings->General->Reset->Reset Network Settings. (CAUTION: this will cause the iPad to forget all paired Bluetooth devices and previously used WiFi networks. However, you will only need to do this procedure once.) Once the Bluetooth settings are reset to the factory defaults, the iPad will recognize and pair with the XGPS150 correctly. How do I make the GPS Receiver work with my Android tablet? Android tablet owners will need a “helper app” which connects the GPS data from the XGPS150 to all apps on the tablet. We recommend using one of two apps which are available for free on the Google Play store: Bluetooth GPS or Bluetooth GPS Provider.Instructions for making the XGPS150 work with Android devices:• On the XGPS150, move the mode switch to the left (towards the USB connector). Then turn on the device.• If you have Android version 2.x or 3.x installed on your tablet: • Configure the tablet to use mock locations: go to Settings->Applications->Development and enable the Allow mock locations option. • Next, pair the XGPS150 with your tablet: • On the tablet go to Settings->Wireless & networks->Bluetooth Settings. Look for XGPS150-xxxxxx in the list of devices. • If it does not appear, tap the “Find nearby devices” button and wait a few moments. • Once the XGPS150 appears in the list of devices, tap the device name in the list. The tablet with think for a few moments and then say “Paired but not connected.”• If you have Android version 4.x installed on your tablet: • Configure the tablet to use mock locations: go to Settings->Developer options and enable the Allow mock locations option. • Next, pair the XGPS150 with your tablet: • On the tablet go to Settings->Bluetooth. Look for the XGPS150-xxxxxx in the list of devices. • If it does not appear, tap the “SEARCH FOR DEVICES” button in the upper right corner of the screen and wait a few moments. • Once the XGPS150 appears in the list of devices, tap the device name in the list.If you are using Bluetooth GPS: • Download, install and open the app on the tablet • Open the Settings screen by clicking the Overflow icon (the three dot icon) in the upper right and check the options for Reconnect and Use Unsecure Connection. • Exit the Settings screen and go to the Main tab: • Make sure that Enable Mock GPS Provider is checked. • Select the XGPS150 from the pulldown menu at the top of the screen. • Click the Connect button. • The app will begin to communicate with the XGPS150 and show you information about the connection. If you are using Bluetooth GPS Provider: • Download, install and open the app on the tablet • Open the Preferences screen by clicking the Overflow icon (the three dot icon) in the upper right corner.. • In the Choose GPS receiver popup menu, select the XGPS150. • In the GPS Connection Method popup menu, select Insecure (Reflection). • Exit the Preferences screen and go to the Main tab. • Click the Start button. • The app will begin to communicate with the XGPS150 and show you information about the connection. The tablet will now be connected to the XGPS150, and apps on the tablet can use the data from the XGPS150. To use the XGPS150 subsequently, just make sure that “Bluetooth GPS” is open and running on the tablet. Where can I get the 5Hz update to use with racing apps like Harry’s Lap Timer? The firmware update is available here. I’m a pilot. Can I use the GPS Receiver in the cockpit? Yes. The GPS Receiver works with all EFB apps on the iPad including Garmin Pilot, ForeFlight, and WingX Pro7. It will also work with EFB on the Android platform include AviationMaps and Naviator. If you are a commercial or corporate pilot, please contact customer support for some helpful tips on using the XGPS150 in aircraft with heated windshields and at high cruising altitudes. What is the difference between the XGPS150 and other Bluetooth GPS receivers on the market? In short: the number of devices it works with. The GPS Receiver brings GPS capability to your Apple iPad/iPod touch/iPhone, Android phones and tablets, Blackberry phones, Windows devices and laptops running Windows, OS X or Linux. If you have several phones/tablets/laptops in your household, and you’re looking for one GPS to work with them all, the GPS Receiver is an excellent choice: The GPS Receiver is completely portable Slip the GPS Receiver into the included non-slip pad and use it for navigation in a car or on a boat. When you get to your destination, insert the adjustable armband and tie the GPS Receiver around your arm or the shoulder strap on your backpack. The GPS Receiver has a built in rechargeable battery The battery powers the GPS for up to 8.5 hours of continuous use. The GPS Receiver does not use battery power from the device it supplies the GPS signal to, so you won’ t drain your phone/iPod or iPad battery. The GPS Receiver works with a huge number of apps Most every app for the iPod touch/iPad/iPhone will work. The same is true for Android, Blackberry and Windows. The GPS Receiver turns your iPod touch, iPad or iPhone into a global navigation device When traveling in different countries, use the XGPS150 with local navigation apps containing local maps. No need to rent or buy another device for car navigation. Does the iPod touch/iPad/iPhone have to be jail broken in order to work with the GPS Receiver? No, the GPS Receiver has been certified to work with iPod touch, iPad and iPhone. Do I have to be in a WiFi hotspot in order to be able to use the GPS Receiver for turn-by-turn navigation? Yes and no. The GPS Receiver itself does not require a WiFi or cellular connection in order to determine your location. However, some apps do require a network connection in order to download map data. Check the list of apps for examples of navigation apps that have built-in maps and do not require an Internet or a WiFi connection to work. Will the XGPS150 work with a navigation application from another company? Most likely. First, look to see if that navigation application is available for your device (iPod touch, iPad or iPhone). Second, make sure that the application does not require a cellular connection in order to download map data or retrieve navigation instructions. The XGPS150 does not provide a cellular connection to the Internet. How do I know if a particular app will work with the XGPS150? The GPS Receiver, by design, will provide GPS coordinates to any app that requests it, and the vast majority of apps on the iTunes App Store will work with the GPS Receiver. (A partial list of apps we’ve tested with the GPS Receiver is here.) If you have a question about a specific app, here is a simple checklist you can follow to determine whether or not an app will work with the XGPS150:Step 1: Make sure that the app you are considering is available for download onto your specific device (iPod touch/iPad/iPhone). For example, not all apps on the iTunes App Store work with the iPod touch or the iPad. Read the app description before downloading it onto your device.??Step 2: Read the entire app description carefully to determine whether the app requires a network connection. If it does, and you are looking to use it on an iPod touch or an iPad without the 3G service, most of the time it means that you will only be able to fully enjoy the app when in a WiFi hotspot. It doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use the app, but it could be that some features, which rely on the network connection will not be available when you are not in a WiFi hotspot. Many location-based apps do not?require a network connection, and you can fully enjoy them with the help of the XGPS150 on the devices that do not have a network connection. How much battery life should I expect? The battery in the GPS Receiver lasts about 8.5 hours of continuous use. How long does it take to charge the GPS Receiver? About 4 hours. Will the GPS Receiver provide my location anywhere in the world? Yes. Will it work with the iPod touch/iPad/iPhone that my sister/brother/father/daughter/boyfriend has? Yes. Just like with any other Bluetooth device, you will have to pair the XGPS150 with the device you intend to use it with. The set up takes less than a minute and then you can use the device with the GPS Receiver. I have an iPad. Why would I need this? The WiFi-only model of the iPad does not have a GPS receiver. If you would like to use a navigation app on this iPad – or any other app that needs to know your location – you will need the GPS Receiver. I have an Android phone with GPS built in. Why would I need the GPS Receiver? Using an external GPS, like the GPS Receiver, dramatically reduces the battery drain on your phone: that means more talking & texting for you & less time being tied to a power outlet. I have a Blackberry phone with GPS built in. Why would I need the GPS Receiver? Using an external GPS, like the GPS Receiver, dramatically reduces the battery drain on your phone: that means more talking & texting for you & less time being tied to a power outlet. I have an iPhone with GPS built in. Why would I need the GPS Receiver? The GPS Receiver will give you an improved GPS accuracy. Also, using an external GPS, like the XGPS150, dramatically reduces the battery drain on your phone: that means more talking & texting for you & less time being tied to a power outlet. I’m a wardriving junkie. Will the GPS Receiver work with my laptop? Yes. Tips & Troubleshooting Download the Apple iOS 6 bug fix here. The blue light on the GPS Receiver is blinking and it won’t connect to my iPod/iPad/iPhone. Look at the blue light on the GPS Receiver: If the light is blinking on & off in a regular once-on, once-off fashion, go into Settings>General>Bluetooth on the iPod/iPad/iPhone. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on and the GPS Receiver is listed as a device. Tap the device name to connect the two devices. If the light is in a continuous regular pattern of blinking several times followed by a pause, turn off the GPS Receiver, wait about 30 seconds for the iPod/iPad/iPhone to recognize the device is disconnected, and then turn the XGPS150 back on. If this happens again, you may need to turn the iPod/iPhone/iPad off and back on. The blue light on the GPS Receiver is on and not blinking, but my iPod/iPad/iPhone is not getting location information. This could be a couple of things: Is the green GPS light blinking on the XGPS150? If so, the GPS Receiver cannot pick up satellite signals in its current position – move it closer to an open view of the sky. Are Location Services enabled on your iPod/iPad/iPhone? Go to Settings>Location Services and make sure that Location Services is set to ON and the setting for your particular app is also set to ON. Is the mode switch on the XGPS150 set to the correct location? It should be moved to the right. Did the XGPS150 connect with a different device that is nearby? Go into Settings>General>Bluetooth on the iPod/iPad/iPhone. Make sure that Bluetooth is turned on and the XGPS150 is listed as a device. If none of that helps, unpair the GPS from your iOS device, reboot the iOS device, and re-pair the GPS with your iOS device again. To do this: Turn off the GPS Receiver. In Settings>Bluetooth on the iPod/iPad/iPhone, find you XGPS150 by looking for XGPS150-xxxxxx in the device list. Tap the blue arrow next to the device name and select “Forget This Device”. Push and hold the power button on the iOS device until the “swipe to power off” slider appears. Use the slider to power down the device. After the screen goes dark, reboot the iOS device by pressing the power button until the Apple icon appears on the screen. Wait for the device to finish booting up. Turn the GPS Receiver back on. Go back to Settings>Bluetooth on the iOS device. When the XGPS150 appears in the device list, tap the device name to reconnect. When I turn on the XGPS150, I get a message on the iPod/iPad/iPhone that says “This accessory is not supported by iPod/iPad/iPhone.” Turn the GPS Receiver off, wait about 30 seconds for the iPod/iPad/iPhone to recognize the device is disconnected, and then turn the XGPS150 back on. If the message repeats, turn the iPod/iPhone/iPad off and back on. I turned the GPS Receiver off, but the iPod/iPad/iPhone shows that it is still connected for a long time. The iPod/iPhone/iPad takes about 30 seconds to recognize that the GPS Receiver is no longer available. This is normal. Sometimes my iPod touch/iPad/iPhone freezes for a few moments when I’m using the GPS Receiver. What’s happening? The iPod/iPad/iPhone was in the middle of communicating with the GPS Receiver when the GPS Receiver was turned off or went out of range. When this happens, the iPod/iPad/iPhone keeps trying for up to 30 seconds to reach the GPS Receiver. When it can’t find it, it gives up and comes back to normal operation. You can avoid this by exiting the active app before shutting down the GPS Receiver. My Android phone connects to the GPS Receiver, but the GPS light on the GPS Receiver never comes on. You need a serial port “helper app” installed on your phone. (We recommend downloading the free “Bluetooth GPS” app) Contact Us: Dual Electronics: Regarding the XGPS150A: 866-382-5476 cs@dualav.com Regarding the XGPS160: 866-382-5476 cs@dualav.com Regarding the XGPS170: 855-936-0129 xgps170@dualav.com Site Map: Home Aviation Marine Outdoor Racing Car Explore FAQ XGPS150 FAQ XGPS160 FAQ XGPS170 Press Room Email SignUp: Sign up to receive product updates and special offers Home Explore By Lifestyle Aviation XGPS150A for EFB apps XGPS160 for EFB apps NEW XGPS170 for EFB apps with Weather & Traffic Marine XGPS150 for Chart Plotter apps XGPS160 for Chart Plotter apps NEW Car XGPS150 for Navigation apps XGPS160 for Navigation apps NEW Outdoor XGPS150 for Golfing, Geocaching, Hiking, etc. XGPS160 for Golfing, Geocaching, Hiking, etc. NEW Racing XGPS150 for Car Racing apps XGPS160 for Car Racing apps NEW Explore by Product XGPS150A Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS160 NEW Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS170 GPS + ADS-B Weather & Traffic Receiver for iPad and Android tablets FAQ XGPS150, 150A & 150E Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS160 NEW Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS170 GPS + ADS-B Weather & Traffic Receiver for iPad and Android tablets Where to Buy XGPS150, 150A & 150E Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS160 NEW Universal Bluetooth GPS Receiver for iPad and Android tablets XGPS170 GPS + ADS-B Weather & Traffic Receiver for iPad and Android tablets Press Room