XGPS160 FAQS

Answers to commonly asked XGPS160 questions. Still have questions? Contact Customer Support.

Will this GPS Receiver work with my device?

Please see this list of compatible devices for reference. If your device isn’t listed, or if you have any additional questions, please contact us at cs@dualav.com.

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 XGPS160 to all apps on the tablet. Please download the free Skypro 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 XGPS160 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 XGPS160 and wait for it to appear in the list of devices. Tap the XGPS160 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 XGPS160. 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 XGPS160. There is a workaround, but you must have administrator privileges on your Windows machine. Follow these instructions to make your XGPS160 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 XGPS160 will now work properly.

How do I find the XGPS160 app?

The Skypro app is on iTunes here and the Google Play store here.

Can I use the Bluetooth GPS Status Tool app with the XGPS160?

You can…but that app is designed for the XGPS150. It will only show you partial information from the XGPS160. So you should really use the SkyPro app (and it’s free).

On my XGPS160, how do I turn route recording on or off?

There are two ways to do this:

  1. Triple click the power button on the XGPS160. The “Log” light on the top of the GPS will be on or off to indicate the status of recording.Or:

  2. Open the SkyPro app, and tap the Settings icon in the upper right corner. Then choose “Yes” or “No” under “Always record position when turned on”.

How do I get the recorded trip data off the XGPS160?

You can access the recorded route data in the XGPS160 using the SkyPro app:

  1. Make sure the XGPS160 is on and paired to your iPad.

  2. Open the SkyPro app.

  3. Select the Trips tab.

  4. The app will download the list of routes the GPS has recorded, listing them by date and time the trip started.

  5. Tap on a route you are interested in. The app will download the complete route from the XGPS160, and allow you to view, share or delete that route.

  6. Tapping the Map button will show you the recorded route on a street map. You will need internet access for this feature to work.

  7. Tapping the Share button will allow you to email the route in a KML format.

I go to the Trips tab in the SkyPro app, and it says I must update my firmware. How do I do that?

See “How do I update my firmware” below.

What format is the recorded trip data in?

Trip data is exported in a KML format, readable by many apps, including Google Earth.

How do I delete a recorded route from the XGPS160?

Open the SkyPro app, select the Trips tab. Then select the route you want to delete from the list of trips. After selecting the route, touch the “Delete from SkyPro” button.

What firmware do I need to have in my XGPS160 in order to download recorded trips?

You will need firmware version 1.2.0 or above.

How to I check my firmware version?

Open the SkyPro app. The firmware version is shown on the Status tab at the top of the screen right underneath the battery level.

How do I update the firmware in my XGPS160?

You can do it through the SkyPro app:

  1. Plug in the XGPS160, or make sure it is at least 50% charged.

  2. Make sure the XGPS160 is on, and paired to your iPad.

  3. Open the SkyPro app, and touch the Settings icon in the upper right corner.

  4. Before proceeding, it’s very important to know that you should not exit the SkyPro app nor turn off the device during the update.

  5. Tap the Check Update button at the bottom of the Settings popup menu. This begins the update process.

  6. When the update is complete (about 4 minutes), turn off the XGPS160 and turn it back on again.

How long does the update process take?

It takes about 4 minutes.

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.

Will the XGPS160 work with racing apps like Harry’s Lap Timer or TrackAddict?

Yes.

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 XGPS160 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, Microsoft Surface tablets 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 an aircraft, in a car or on a boat.

  • The GPS Receiver has a built in rechargeable battery
    The battery powers the GPS for up to 10 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 and Windows.

  • The GPS Receiver turns your iPod touch, iPad or iPhone into a global navigation device
    When traveling in different countries, use the XGPS160 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 XGPS160 work with a navigation application from another company?

Yes, typically. 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 XGPS160 does not provide a cellular connection to the Internet.

How do I know if a particular app will work with the XGPS160?

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 XGPS160:

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 XGPS160 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 10 hours of continuous use.

How long does it take to charge the GPS Receiver?

About 3 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 XGPS160 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 XGPS160, dramatically reduces the battery drain on your phone: that means more talking & texting for you & less time being tied to a power outlet.

Tips & Troubleshooting

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 XGPS160 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:

  1. Is the green GPS light blinking on the XGPS160? If so, the GPS Receiver cannot pick up satellite signals in its current position – move it closer to an open view of the sky.

  2. 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.

  3. Is the mode switch on the XGPS160 set to the correct location? It should be moved to the right.

  4. Did the XGPS160 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 XGPS160 is listed as a device.

  5. If none of that helps, then turn off the GPS Receiver. In Settings>General>Bluetooth on the iPod/iPad/iPhone, find the GPS Receiver in the device list and select “Forget This Device”. Turn the GPS Receiver back on. When it appears in the device list, tap the device name to reconnect.

When I turn on the XGPS160, 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 XGPS160 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. See the second entry in this FAQ list for detailed instructions.