XGPS150A FAQS

Answers to commonly asked XGPS150A questions. Still have questions? Contact Customer Support.

  • Will this GPS Receiver work with my device?

  • 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. Please download the free Bluetooth GPS Status Tool app from Dual on the Google Play store. This app provides the “helper app” functionality. You will want to make sure this app is always running in the background. Alternatively, this app can also be used: Bluetooth GPS.

  • Does the XGPS150 work with Surface Tablets or Windows 8?

    • Yes. To pair: open the Charms menu (swipe left from the right edge of the screen), then select Settings->Change PC Settings->PC and devices->Bluetooth. Turn on the XGPS150A and wait for it to appear in the list of devices. (Make sure the mode switch on the XGPS150A is in the “other” position!) Tap the XGPS150A when it appears in the list, and Windows will pair with the GPS. NOTE: the blue Bluetooth light on the GPS will continue to flash, even after pairing is complete. This is normal. The Bluetooth light will glow solidly as soon as a GPS-enabled program starts requesting GPS data.

      Once pairing is complete, it is a good idea to see which COM port Windows assigned to the GPS because your GPS program will probably ask you for this. To find the COM port number, go back to the Charms menu and select Settings->Change PC Settings->Control Panel. Under the Hardware and Sound section, select View devices and printers. Scroll down to the bottom of the window and find the XGPS150A. Right click on the device icon and select Properties. Select the Hardware tab. In the Name column will be an item named Standard Serial over Bluetook link, followed by a COM number. Make note of this COM number for future reference.

      Important note for Windows 8.1 users: Windows 8.1 has a bug which prevents it from properly communicating with many Bluetooth devices, including the XGPS150A. There is a workaround, but you must have administrator privileges on your Windows machine. Follow these instructions to make your XGPS150A work with Windows 8.1:
      1) Open the Registry Editor. (Press the Win + R keys and type “regedit”, or open a command prompt and type “regedit”.)
      2) Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows NT/CurrentVersion.
      3) In the right pane of the window, double-click on CurrentVersion and change the value from 6.3 to 6.2
      4) Restart your machine.
      The registry value will actually change itself back to 6.3 after the reboot, but the XGPS150A will now work properly.

  • 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.

  • Where can I get the updated firmware to use with racing apps like Harry’s Lap Timer?

    • All devices currently being sold already have the necessary firmware to run at the faster refresh rates. You only need an update if your device firmware is version 1.0.34 or lower. The free Android or iOS Status Tool app will display the firmware version in your device. Please contact customer support (cs@dualav.com or 866-382-5476) for more information.

  • 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, Jeppesen Mobile FlightDeck, and WingX Pro7. It will also work with EFB apps on the Android platform (remember to have the SkyPro app running in the background). If you are a commercial or corporate pilot, we recommend putting the device in a side cockpit window to avoid the GPS signal attenuation caused by the heating screens in the front windows.

  • 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 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.