Dish finder app for IPod...

[GWinger]

My daughter got me an IPod for Christmas. The main reason I wanted one was to be able to locate satellites from my position,... to be able to see if they were behind trees or a building.

I know this app works for the IPhone but from what I'm able to determine, it doesn't work for a IPod. Do I understand that right? They SAY it does but the fine print says, it doesn't.

Anyone with this app for their IPod?
Thanks.

[mrcandml]

Hi...I'm not sure about the ipod but would really like to know how to get the iphone app....Merry Christmas!!!!
Thank you!!!!

[jillie]

What's the exact name of the app?

[YC1]

It needs the camera for the app to work. I have it on my Droid.

It also uses gps I belive.

Check out "Dishpointer". It works very well

[tvman44]

Dish pointer works with the iPod Touch & iPhone . You need the camera for it to work.

[RaynMary]

Will it work with the ipad2 ?

[GWinger]

Well, I've learned a lot today.
First, mrcandml, The IPod/IPhone apps can be found in the "app store". Check the icon on your display.

jilli, the exact name of the app for an Apple product is "DishPointer Pro". It costs $20, probably because it's suitable for a Professional Satellite Dish Installer. The "DishPointer AR" is half the cost ($10) but is missing a feature or two that is an advantage to a Pro but probably useless for most of us.
I believe either app is available for an Apple.

RaynMary, Not sure but I assume it would work on an IPad2.
Again, take a look at the "App Store" on your device.

I ended up letting my daughter keep my gifted IPod (4th generation) and she will be replacing it with a LG Optimus Android Phone. It has apps, WiFi, can check your email, has Google Maps, plays music and videos,... does all (I think) that an IPod does but,... do I dare say...BETTER? Well maybe NOT BETTER but does the Satellite finder app better than the IPod does.

There is a video at "http://www.dishpointer.com/" on the right side. Click on it and take a look. I read the 'fine print' and this app works on an IPhone (that's what's in the video) but not the same way on an IPod. Something about the IPod not having GPS or a compass... something like that.

I'm sure someone will comeback and say how well it works on his/her IPod but it doesn't work the same enough for ME.

And BTW, the LG Optimus "phone' won't have the phone energized anyway so it will work the same as an IPod.

Thanks for your interest.
GWinger

[wa8yxm]

From what I am told the GPS in the "Smart Phones" is not accurate enough for tree spotting... Just so you know.

[Diwizi]

If it works on the iphone,it is almost guaranteed it will work on an ipad2... Not much difference... When you are in the app store is there is a tiny + on the app that means it is iphone/ipad BOTH..... You can do a search for just ipad and free, etc... Look at the top once you cluck on the search category..... I always look for the free ones first... I just downladed both the Sat apps but havent tried them yet... Will next week... Cant speak to ipod, dont have that toy.....

[rvnavigator]

I use this app all the time on my iPhone and it works great. However, the iPhone has both a camera and GPS. The iPods do not have a camera or GPS, so no go there. The iPad2 with 3G has a GPS and camera, but the basic models does not. This app is not designed for the iPad so may have trouble with the larger display.

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm From what I am told the GPS in the "Smart Phones" is not accurate enough for tree spotting... Just so you know.

What exactly do you mean by that? The GPS doesn't know anything about where the trees are. The app works by figuring out where YOU are, figuring out the angle and direction to the satellite, and displaying that information on the screen, overlaying the camera image. For all that to work, the device needs (1) Camera, (2) GPS, and (3) Compass. I think there's a way to fake the compass by orienting the phone to an external compass, but I've never tried to use it that way. My iPhone 4 has the compass.

Oh - it also needs the accelerometers so that it can figure out what angle you're holding the phone at and adjust the satellite arc accordingly.

joe

[GWinger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvnavigator I use this app all the time on my iPhone and it works great. However, the iPhone has both a camera and GPS. The iPods do not have a camera or GPS, so no go there. The iPad2 with 3G has a GPS and camera, but the basic models does not. This app is not designed for the iPad so may have trouble with the larger display.

rvnavigattor,
The IPod (4th generation) DOES have a camera, actually TWO of them, (front AND back)
The IPods DON'T however have an internal COMPASS, which is why they don't operate this app as the IPhone does.
Like FlyingDiver said, with the IPod not having the compass feature, you have to 'fake it out' and hold it in a known angle or whatever. That's the part I have trouble understanding and don't want to mess with.

We put the app on my daughters Android and it worked! It even showed me, while 'in the kitchen' which direction the sat. dishes were in. Of course the kitchen cupboards, the wall and the roof were in the way. Took it outside and there they were,... above the trees.

What a great aid in spotting where to put the dish. Looking forward to using it starting in about a week when we head for Florida.
GWinger

[GWinger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by YC1 It needs the camera for the app to work. I have it on my Droid. It also uses gps I belive. Check out "Dishpointer". It works very well

Well, the IPod was traded for the Andriod,... seems to work OK.
Now to get a little 'learnin' on the Android. There is so much I don't know.
GWinger

[YC1]

DROID!

Great phone. I love the fact that you can go to settings,about phone, status, and get your phone number,and more importantly the "signal strength" in dbm. As an ET I find that feature incredibly useful versus the lame bar signal system.

Keep in mind, If you run the gps, wi-fi, and wi-fi hot spot you need to plug a charger in.

Add "Places" application. It will show you tons of useful things such as gas stations, food places, stores etc. It knows where you are at and is very handy.