[vanderblack]

One item that I have included in my bug out/in supplies is an Ipad. When it was suggested to me years ago, I initially laughed. When the reasons were explained along with a few technical notes, I realized it was a great idea. Over the years, I have collected tons of documents on "how to." If printed, I would have a stack of paper several feet high. Electronically, it is a over 13gig. It includes everything from wild edible plants to first aid to how to build water purifiers to building a metal forge and everything in between. (if you are interested in a copy of these docs, PM me and I will send a link) I keep these loaded on the pad. I was also able to find GPS software that included all the maps stored local. I added a GPS module to the ipad since mine did not have cellular or GPS built in.

Power was a consideration. I picked up a solar battery pack used for charging the pad for under $40. Now, in the event of an emergency, all my docs are at my finger tips. I also keep a kindle loaded with the docs in my bug-out-bag which is kept in my vehicle.

 

[goperfect]

I have an older phone with a 16 Gig card that I do very similar with.

Great Idea.

 

[Bullet Guy]

But will the gps module work if the satellite is off line? I realize u can not pinpoint u r location without the satellite but will the map work otherwise?

 

[cgrutt]

Should also buy a waterproof case for it. Won't do any good if it gets wet.

 

[phauxtoe]

with that GPS thingy, THEY can track you!

(do you have a resource for all that good info?)

 

[Norm DeGuerre]

But will the gps module work if the satellite is off line? I realize u can not pinpoint u r location without the satellite but will the map work otherwise?

why would the satellite be offline ..??

 

[vanderblack]

But will the gps module work if the satellite is off line? I realize u can not pinpoint u r location without the satellite but will the map work otherwise?

Yes, the maps can be displayed without GPS working. I also keep Topo maps of my escape routes and retreat point. The pad sits in a faraday box just in case, as does the charger.

 

[vanderblack]

Should also buy a waterproof case for it. Won't do any good if it gets wet.

Yes it is in a waterproof case.

with that GPS thingy, THEY can track you!

No, the GPS is receive only. The pad does not have cell..

(do you have a resource for all that good info?)

No, the GPS is receive only. The pad does not have cell..

http://bad-elf.com/pages/be-gps-1000-detail

 

[Camper4lyfe]

But will the gps module work if the satellite is off line? I realize u can not pinpoint u r location without the satellite but will the map work otherwise?

I was under the impression that the GPS actually tacked you based on triangulation with the cell towers, not actually via satellite.

 

[Glockguy19]

Good idea, i suppose you could use any tablet. Ipads are quite expensive to have sitting around for just this use.

 

[Norm DeGuerre]

I was under the impression that the GPS actually tacked you based on triangulation with the cell towers, not actually via satellite.

it's not a cell phone ....

 

[Blimey]

I was under the impression that the GPS actually tacked you based on triangulation with the cell towers, not actually via satellite.

I had a black berry that would let me turn GPS on or off and with GPS off it was not very accurate using triangulation from towers.

iPad is a good idea for data. I have gone through several kindles. I think they are very, very, very, very, very fragile. Even a 2' drop can cause a screen to stop working. My iPad 2 has been dropped many times, leaned on, stood on by a toddler, etc. the things are very tough.

 

[Camper4lyfe]

it's not a cell phone ....

Right, but they can still use 3G (do any use 4G yet?), which is cell technology.

Additionally, you might want to throw a BioLite into your bag. Your tablet will be useless without power.
Stove Burns Wood, Charges USB-Powered Gadgets on Side

 

[vanderblack]

I had hoped to post the files in a zip for download. Unfortunately I cant find a free cloud service with 15 gig of space. If anyone has a place to host the file, I would be happy to post it..

 

[spat]

One item that I have included in my bug out/in supplies is an Ipad. When it was suggested to me years ago, I initially laughed. When the reasons were explained along with a few technical notes, I realized it was a great idea. Over the years, I have collected tons of documents on "how to." If printed, I would have a stack of paper several feet high. Electronically, it is a over 13gig. It includes everything from wild edible plants to first aid to how to build water purifiers to building a metal forge and everything in between. (if you are interested in a copy of these docs, PM me and I will send a link) I keep these loaded on the pad. I was also able to find GPS software that included all the maps stored local. I added a GPS module to the ipad since mine did not have cellular or GPS built in.

Power was a consideration. I picked up a solar battery pack used for charging the pad for under $40. Now, in the event of an emergency, all my docs are at my finger tips. I also keep a kindle loaded with the docs in my bug-out-bag which is kept in my vehicle.

The original kindles have a vastly superior battery life (a month or more) because the display only requires power to update and does not use a backlight.
Also, you can put a charger that uses regular alkaline batteries to charge the kindle so you have a very long shelf life.

 

[emsbronco]

The pad sits in a faraday box just in case, as does the charger.

I've been thinking about building a faraday cage for a laptop for basically the same reason - to store electronic documents and helpful resources. I actually also thought about making it large enough to store several of those Baofeng portable radios (all pre-programmed the same, of course).

Do you have any tips for building the faraday cage?

 

[emsbronco]

Ok, I just came across this app: MAPS.ME (MapsWithMe), detailed offline maps of the World for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire and BlackBerry

Looks like a great idea for general use, but great for preparedness.

 

[Jackalope]

I have an Ipad, but I don't consider it a viable long term survival tool because of Apple's proprietary battery pack. I purchased an Ectaco Jetbook mini, an e-reader which uses common AAA batteries. I bought it off of ebay for less than $50, and it uses SD storage cards, up to 2 GB. The availability of AAA batteries is an important consideration, and I have many rechargeable batteries stored, and multiple methods of charging, including a biolite stove and numerous solar battery chargers. It's not as versatile as an Ipad, but it can be used for data storage and retrieval, and I can purchase many Jetbooks for the same amount of money for a single Ipad. I'm not saying that I don't use my Ipad for data storage, but I like to have several back-up methods for information storage, including good old hard copies/books.

 

[emsbronco]

Hardcopies are fine if you are staying put, but if you need to bug out, a mobile device is much more convenient. I do agree with using cheaper hardware that has more universal power sources. I also like the idea of having multiple tablets with the same info...great for distributing among your group and possibly to use for training or field identification of plants, etc.

 

[vanderblack]

I've been thinking about building a faraday cage for a laptop for basically the same reason - to store electronic documents and helpful resources. I actually also thought about making it large enough to store several of those Baofeng portable radios (all pre-programmed the same, of course).

Do you have any tips for building the faraday cage?

The easiest way to build one is to get an aluminum trash can and line the inside with heavy cardboard. Place a Styrofoam block on the bottom and a piece of wood on top of it as a shelf. Attach a copper wire to one of the handles and run it to ground. This gives you a lot of storage space.

Second option is to buy an all metal toolbox with no paint on it. Line the inside with foam or cardboard and again ground it with copper wire.

Something to consider putting in your box if you have an older car with no computer is a spare coil and condenser...