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Step 2: How to set up GPS tracking
Step 2: How to set up GPS tracking

GPS tracking is a great safety feature for all boats

Jon Bilger avatar
Written by Jon Bilger
Updated this week

DataHub how to set up GPS tracking

Before you start

  • Please complete this step in a location which can receive a GPS signal, where the DataHub is positioned with an open view of the sky. This will enable the GPS antenna to achieve a lock or fix; typically, this may take up to 45 minutes the first time.

  • The DataHub does not need to be positioned permanently outside; often, it will work fine inside the boat. It is best installed flat-mounted with the black antenna tilted upwards. Wi-Fi coverage will also be stronger over a wider area when flat-mounted.

  • The DataHub is shipped with a short black GPS antenna and, as of late November '23, a patch antenna on a 1.8-metre cable. Please screw the GPS patch antenna on the gold male connector labelled GPS on the DataHub.

  • If your vessel has an NMEA 2000 (N2K) network, please follow these instructions first and connect the short black GPS antenna provided with the DataHub. Steps to change your DataHub configuration to use to your vessel's N2K system are provided later in the article. The short black GPS antenna provided may be valuable as a backup in case your N2K network stops working.

  • Connect to the DataHub using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable plugged into the LAN port.

  • Open a Chrome or Safari browser and type 10.10.10.1 in the URL bar

  • Log in using admin as the username and admin as the password.

Check or configure the GPS Feed

  • To check or configure the GPS Feed from the left menu, click NMEA.

  • Next to Source, check Built-in GPS is already selected.

  • If it is not, click the drop-down box next to Source and select Built-in GPS, then click Save & Apply.

  • Click the GPS menu from the top menu to see if you have GPS data available.

    If you see Status VOID this means there is no GPS data available yet. To achieve a GPS fix, the antenna must have a good view of the sky. It may take up to 60 minutes to receive the first position.

  • When a GPS signal has been received to the DataHub on the GPS page it will display Status: ACTIVE as shown below, along with full details of your GPS position.

Important Note: If you do not see a GPS position within 60 minutes, you are sure the GPS antenna is fully screwed in and the DataHub has a good view of the sky, please contact PredictWind Support.

Set up a PredictWind GPS Tracking Web Page for your boat

PredictWind provides a tracking and blogging service that allows friends and family to follow your travels. The tracking and blogging service requires a Standard or Professional Forecast subscription, a DataHub or a satellite device compatible with the service, and a one-time setup and registration.

Below are screenshots of a tracking page at https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV-Bendigedig/ showing the current location, current weather conditions, the latest tracks and a list of blog posts. These tracks were acquired and posted to the site automatically using the PredictWind DataHub described in this article.

Setup GPS tracking on your phone or tablet

To set up your own PredictWind GPS tracking web page on your phone or tablet:

  • Connect your device to the Internet eg. home or other high-speed Wi-Fi.

  • Open your device's camera and scan the QR code on the back of your DataHub device. Please note this is not the QR code on the DataHub box.

  • To scan, hold your phone camera over the QR Code and tap the pop-up window to open your browser when a yellow box appears. This link will open the PredictWind Satellite Portal tracking set-up page for your DataHub.

    If the QR code does not detect please move or refocus the camera.

  • Log in to the PredictWind Satellite Portal using the email address and password you used to create an account when you purchased the DataHub.

  • The MAC address will be auto-filled. Check the DataHub Mac address matches the MAC address on the bottom of your DataHub, then tap Continue.

Important Note: Unfortunately, some DataHub QR codes will scan incorrectly. If yours has please change it before you continue.

  • You will be offered an Onboarding Service. This is highly recommended; one of our support agents will assist with setting up your DataHub, tracking and any other questions you may have. You can add this service or continue without Onboarding.

Select your Customer Type

  • Tap New Customer or Existing Customer, then tap Continue.

  • If you have not set up a tracking page before:

    • Select I am a new customer.

    • Enter your PredictWind Forecast login email address.

    • Select your Vessel Type and add your Boat Name.

    • Tap Continue.

  • If you have an existing tracking page:

    Enter your PredictWind Forecast login email address to link the DataHub to your existing page, then tap Continue.

  • Review your activation and tap Confirm. In the example below, an Onboarding Service has been selected. If you chose Continue without OnBoarding Service there will be no fee.

  • You will receive a confirmation that your GPS Tracking page has been successfully set up and an email with further instructions. Check your junk email folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.

Additional Notes about your GPS Tracking Page

  • Until we receive a position report from your Datahub, your tracking page will show the default position off the coast of Africa. You can see an example of a tracking page here: http://tracking.predictwind.com/MV_Bliss

  • You could add this tracking page link to your website or blog, or email it to friends and family so they can follow your voyages.

  • You must also have an active PredictWind Standard or Professional Forecast subscription to use GPS Tracking. To upgrade your PredictWind Forecast account, click here and select your preferred package.

  • Your GPS tracking page is also available for you in the PredictWind App under the Tools menu and in the PredictWind Forecast website.

Move on to Step 3

After completing Steps 1 and 2 of the DataHub set-up, if you have not already done so, we recommend taking the DataHub to the boat to complete the boat installation, where the GPS unit has a better chance of fixing a GPS position. Step 4 includes a diagram and recommendations for installing the DataHub on your vessel.

You are now ready to move on to Step 3: How to set up PredictMail.

Troubleshooting

I can't use my phone or tablet. Set up using your desktop or laptop.

If you cannot set up GPS tracking using your mobile or tablet, you could use your laptop or desktop as an alternative. To do this, please:

My GPS Tracking Page doesn't work

For further assistance with the tracking page set-up, please take a photo of your DataHub QR code on the underside of the device and some pictures of your current setup and contact us.

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