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iPad freezing up in cold weather?

Lusemeat924

Extreme
Joined
Jan 1, 2016
Messages
86
Location
Drumbo, Ontario
Country
Canada
Snowmobile
2018 Yamaha Sidewinder 137 XTX SE
Anybody else having issues running an iPad for gauges with the flash tool? I have a 1st gen iPad mini mounted on top of cluster using a Ram mount tablet holder and appropriate hardware. iPad is completely protected by windshield and sits basically right in front stock gauges. Twice last weekend the iPad shut down and would not come back on, I'm assuming riding in -20C had something to do with that. I was told I should have no issues riding in cold weather with iPad. Its a great tool when working and looks great when all set up to see live vitals.
What has anyone found to help this situation?
With knock detection ready to be released any day, I would like to find a fix.
 
Last edited:

Anybody else having issues running an iPad for gauges with the flash tool? I have a 1st gen iPad mini mounted on top of cluster using a Ram mount tablet holder and appropriate hardware. iPad is completely protected by windshield and sits basically right in front stock gauges. Twice last weekend the iPad shut down and would not come back on, I'm assuming riding in -20C had something to do with that. I was told I should have no issues riding in cold weather with iPad. Its a great tool when working and looks great when all set up to see live vitals.
What have anyone found to help this situation?

Could always put a couple hot pockets behind it!
 
I have never been able to use iPhones or iPads in very cold weather in the past so I remain skeptical that this can be an actual solution BUT I have seen Bens videos of them using the iPad in cold weather. Get a cheap USB watt meter from Amazon to make sure the charge cord is letting enough current to iPad to help keep it warm and to find a wire that allows the most draw to keep it warm. In addition you might try a wired in thumb warmer behind the iPad.

I am goimg to try an enclosed Akron case and wireless Qi charger to use my old iPhone 6plus above my gauge. The combination of being enclosed and the heat from the wireless charging MIGHT be enough.
 
My iPhone lasted about 10 minutes. In my opinion this is not a viable option, we need the knock protection into the gauge. I would also like AFR into the gauge. If not I’m going to have to run the Gap AFR and another one for constant read out.
 
I'm planning on sliding a thin heat pad between the case and the back of my Galaxy Tab.
s-l200.jpg
$20 on ebay
 
A couple of years ago I did something similar. I ordered a motorcycle handlebar grip heating element and wired it to a switch with a high/low setting. It worked just fine. I attached the element to my mount and I wrapped the back of the element in some heat blocking material (silver stuff) and that further helped to keep the heat focused on the iPad. Now I am not an electrical engineer and cannot vouch as to the safety of what I did but, it worked.
 
I got a new mini 4 ipad sitting in the td mount and the case he provided and has worked perfect. I found a 3.1 amp charger and leave it pluged in all the time and the battery doesn’t drop at all. In fact if its down a bit from indoor use it will actually charge up even in - digits plus windchill. I too was thinking heating pad but not needed imo.
Obviously take it inside with you when you go. When stopped on the trail I lay my gloves over the screen and does a good job of trapping the heat coming up through the grate. If its not below 20 no need to even plug it in
 
I have the NS1 gauge. No problems in the cold
It does have a lot of features but not sure if has all you want.
Email Steph who designed this and ask. Hes a sledder and very helpful and often adding more features
The price is good as well
Mike
 
I have the NS1 gauge. No problems in the cold
It does have a lot of features but not sure if has all you want.
Email Steph who designed this and ask. Hes a sledder and very helpful and often adding more features
The price is good as well
Mike
 
It was Steph who convinced me if the device is not fighting the cold then the cord or charging might not be enough. If you use a USB watt meter you can check to see how much your device is getting.
 
Turnerrd. Do you have yours set up like TD Ben's? I believe enough heat comes through the hole where the gauge(Speedo) used to be to keep some warmth on whatever's mounted there. I'm just not a big fan of the position of the gauge there.
 
My logic in going with the tab is, it's like having a laptop with me and I can use it for my music, watch the data logger and locate gas or a restaurant when needed. And my eyes suck so I need something big that's easy to see!
 


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