What is the actual battery life?

The question of the autonomy of our tablet is clearly crucial. We could communicate the autonomy data using the usual methods of tablet and smartphone manufacturers. Given the capacity of our batteries (9,800 mah for the SP08 and 10,000 mah for the SP10), these figures would obviously be very attractive. However, these measurements are generally made on the basis of a video broadcast on a screen set at 200 nits, which does not really correspond to standard use

There are more complex test procedures, involving web browsing, viewing and editing photos and videos, data manipulation, etc. In this case, the results are a bit more telling. If we test our tablets according to these criteria, they obtain the following results: 25 hours of autonomy for the SP08 and 20 hours for the SP10 (always measured at a brightness of 200 nits, like our competitors).

But we wanted to go one step further and establish metrics that our competitors would never report, based on our customers’ actual experience. So we tested our tablets using the most popular navigation application, Navionics Boating. Three types of tests were performed with mobile data disabled, recording a navigation trace:

1. at 100% brightness (1000 nits),
2. at 60% (or 600 nits, which is 25% higher than an iPad set to 100%)
3. finally, at what represents a typical navigation for many boaters: screen permanently on when entering / leaving port / arriving at anchorage, and consulted every 15 to 30 minutes the rest of the time, to make a point or recalculate a route.

SP08:

1. 7.50 hours
2. 20 hours
3. 120 hours

SP10*:

1. 4.50 hours
2. 12 hours
3. 72 hours

We are also starting to collect feedback from customers. For example, those who went on a transatlantic voyage last winter (equipped with an SP08, as the SP10 was not yet on the market), recharged their tablet on average every 3 days.

Lastly: we can’t stress enough that the screen is by far the biggest consumer of your tablet. This is even more pronounced on a tablet that can be read in full sunlight: you should understand that at 100% brightness, it is almost 90% of the overall consumption.

*You mightn’t think it, but going from 8 to 10 inches results in a more than 60% increase in the surface.

Do I need a mobile connection (or a SIM card) to navigate?

Customers often ask us whether they need to insert a SIM card into the tablet to navigate. No, it is not necessary at all.
It’s almost become an urban legend, which originated in the Apple world: on iPads, the cellular chip and the locator chip are on the same circuit board and so models without a cellular chip also don’t have GPS chip. As a result, many have concluded that a cellular network connection (and therefore a SIM card) is required to enable location.
This is absolutely false, localization works very well without a SIM card, it uses the various satellite networks accessible anywhere in the world. In the case of the SailProof tablet, the tracking chip will combine signals from the GPS (American), GLONASS (Russian) and GALILEO (European) networks, possibly corrected by the American (WAAS) and European (EGNOS) SBAS networks. You will therefore obtain a very precise position, even in the middle of the Atlantic, thousands of kilometers from any cellular network.
On the screenshot below (taken in real conditions, WIFI and 4G connection deactivated), you can see that the signal of 21 satellites is acquired (for 28 visible in total) which allows positioning with an error of only one meter.

GPS satellite cover SailProof tablet

How do I charge my tablet with a 12 volts source on the boat?

To get the best charge, we suggest using a 2.4A or 3.0A compatible USB cigarette lighter adapter (check our shop) or installing USB sockets of the same capacity.
In addition, we also advise you to use a good quality cable, preferably “fast charge”, and as short as possible.

What applications do you recommend for boat navigation?

The choice is huge, all the navigation apps available for Android 10 are usable. The most common are:
Navionics Boating, Savvy-navvy (receive a 50% discount during one year when purchasing the tablet), Aqua Map Marine (a special offer is available when purchasing the tablet), C-Map, OpenCPN, Qvtlm.
You can also use routing applications like: Sailgrib WR, our favorite: don’t forget to test the 90 days free premium version when buying your tablet, or Avalon Offshore.
For the rest, there are quite a few interesting ones: Windy for wind forecasts, SailfreeGPS for displaying different data (and the anchorage alarm function). In terms of anchorage alarms, there is also My Anchor Watch or Sailgrib AA.

How to get help on Android OS?

Our support is limited to the tablet itself; we cannot ensure support on Android features. For this, we suggest you refer to the Android help offered by Google:
https://support.google.com/android/?hl=en
You will also find many other sources of information on the Internet.

Can I connect an AIS to my tablet?

Yes, it is completely possible. If you install an AIS transponder that transmits its data over WIFI (or through a WIFI multiplexer), you can easily retrieve this data and therefore display the AIS targets in a compatible application such as Navionics, SailGrib or AquaMap for example.
In general, configuration is quite simple. However, it differs from one device to another, and from one application to another. We therefore advise you to contact the provider of the AIS or the application to find out the procedure to follow.

How to install an SD memory card?

To be usable, an SD card must be formatted to FAT32. It is possible to reformat the card on the tablet. Important note: you will lose all the data on the card.
There are 2 ways to use the card, either as a tablet memory extension (internal storage) or as an external (portable) memory.
When you use the card as an extension of the internal memory, the tablet will automatically place the data on the card whenever possible:
– Go to Settings / Storage, choose SD card, then click on the top left 3 dots and then format as internal memory.
– Go back to “Storage”, click on “Internal shared storage” and activate the storage manager.
– Go back to “Storage”, click on “SD card” and then on the 3 dots in the top right: you can then click on “Transfer data” to transfer everything that can be on the card.

If you want to go back to external memory use, go back to Storage / SD Card, click on the 3 dots, and choose “Format as portable memory”.

How do I transfer files from a PC?

Google has deleted “USB mass storage” mode in Android 10.
To access the tablet from a PC, you must enable the developer options (go to “About phone” then tap 7 times on “Build number”).
You will have access to the “Developer options” under “System” / “Advanced”. You will then have to enable the “USB debugging” mode. Then you go down a little further, click on “Default USB Configuration” and in this menu you choose “File Transfer”.
Now you will have to reboot the tablet. Note that, on some PCs, to access the tablet, you must first connect the USB cable between the tablet and the PC and then restart the tablet.

How can I program the 2 configurable buttons available on my tablet?

Using an application such as BUTTON MAPPER. This will allow you to add accessible features (system features, launching an application, shortcut, etc.) without having to go through the touch screen, which can be very useful in difficult conditions.
It is common, for example, to set the increase and decrease in brightness. You can even set different functions on the same button depending on whether you perform a short press, a double-click or a long press.

How do I keep the screen on permanently?

In Android 10, it is no longer possible to set the screen to keep it permanently on. Therefore, this function has often been added to navigation applications. This is the case, for example, with:
– Navionics Boating (Menu/ Settings/ Screen on)
– AquaMap: in the settings, choose “disable screen timeout”
– OpenCPN: click on 3 dots at the top right, then OpenCPN settings, then “Display” / “Do not put in standby”
– Sailgrib WR (when Navigation mode is on)

You can also use an application like Keep Screen On 

How do I switch from smartphone type display to tablet type?

The “default” display behaves like a smartphone. If you go to Settings/Display/Advanced/Display Size, you will see that the display is set to “Default”: drag the cursor to the left or press “-“ and you will get the Tablet display (and the screen rotation).
Note that in Settings/Display you can also adjust the font size.

NB: You may need to restart the tablet.

How do I switch to full screen mode?

In Android 10 and 11, there is no full screen mode activation in the settings. You can nevertheless install an application that will offer it, like this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.full.imm

Is a screen protector required?

Your Tablet is equipped with a Gorilla Glass, so no additional protection is required.

Which 4G frequency is usable in the United States? Is my tablet compatible with the Verizon network?

Note: Even if the EMEI is not recognized by the Carrier*, which is not strange because we work with an industrial factory and they don’t have to publish the EMEI in the public domain, your tablet is usable with a large number of 3G/4G frequencies.

Here are the 4G frequency bands compatible with our tablet:
LTE-FDD: B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8 B20
LTE-TDD: B38 B39 B40 B41
You’ll find on this chart the bands used by the main US carriers:

US main broadbands

* We know that Verizon dealers usually say that our tablet is not compatible with their network, but we can assure you that many of our US clients are using the Verizon 4G network without problem. So please, don’t hesitate to insist 😉

I have trouble paying with my credit card on the online store. What can I do?

Some banks, especially in the US and Canada, are very suspicious and do not directly approve the transaction. It is best to contact them to confirm your agreement. Otherwise, you have the option to pay with PayPal.

What is the recommended method to connect my device (SP08AS and SP10AS) to an external display?

The best and simplest way to connect your device to an external display is by using the HDMI port. This method is plug-and-play, meaning you can connect the cable and start using the external display without any additional setup. Please ensure you use the appropriate cable for your device’s mini-HDMI port, also known as HDMI type C (not to be confused with the smaller micro-HDMI). Some clients have experienced issues when using adapters, so it’s advisable to use a direct mini-HDMI to HDMI connection for optimal performance and compatibility.

What should I do if my tablet's screen remains blank during set-up (first use or after a factory reset)?

If you encounter a blank screen during the initial set-up process, follow these steps to resolve the issue:

 

  1. Choose Language and Settings: When the tablet starts, you will be prompted to choose the language and perform some initial settings.
  2. Configure Wi-Fi Access: After selecting the language, you’ll need to set up your Wi-Fi access. Sometimes, after configuring Wi-Fi, the screen may remain white for an extended period.
  3. Try Offline Setup: If the screen remains blank and nothing happens, don’t worry. Go back to the previous step by tapping the arrow located at the bottom left corner of the page. Then, select the option to “Finish the setup offline.” This will allow you to complete the setup without an internet connection.
  4. Set Up Wi-Fi Later: By choosing the offline setup option, you can proceed with the rest of the configuration. You can set up the Wi-Fi access at a later time when necessary.
  5. Contact Support: If, for some reason, the “set-up offline” option doesn’t appear, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team for further assistance and guidance.


Following these steps should help you successfully complete the tablet’s set-up process and address any issues with a blank screen. If you need additional support or have any other concerns, our support team is ready to assist you.


How can I view my mobile home screen in landscape mode?

You can easily switch your tablet home screen to landscape mode by following these steps:

 

  1. Access Home Screen Settings: Start by navigating to your Home screen. Tap and hold on an empty area of the Home screen; this will bring up some options.
  2. Open Home Screen Settings: From the options that appear, select “Home screen settings.” This will take you to the settings related to your Home screen’s appearance and behavior.
  3. Disable Portrait Mode Only: Look for the option labeled “Portrait mode only” within the Home screen settings. Tap on the switch to deactivate it. This action allows your device to switch to landscape mode.
  4. Rotate Your Device: Once you’ve disabled “Portrait mode only,” physically rotate your device until it is held horizontally. This action will automatically switch your tablet home screen to landscape mode, allowing you to view the screen content horizontally.


By following these steps, you can easily switch between portrait and landscape modes on your tablet home screen. Enjoy the enhanced viewing experience in landscape mode! If you encounter any difficulties or have further questions, feel free to reach out to our support team for assistance.



Why does the device have a screen resolution of 800*1280 pixels?

The screen resolution of 800*1280 pixels is intentionally chosen for specific reasons, which we will explain below:

 

  1. Sufficiency for Cartography: The selected screen resolution is perfectly suitable for cartography purposes. In fact, when comparing it to many chartplotters, you’ll find that the resolution is on par or even higher. For example, popular chartplotters like the Garmin GPSMAP 922 with a 9-inch display have a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, while the Garmin Echomap UHD features a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. Therefore, the 800*1280 pixel resolution is more than sufficient for cartographic needs.
  2. Optimal Performance for Cartography: Higher resolutions might be desirable for activities like gaming or video, but for cartography, the chosen resolution strikes a balance between clarity and performance. Higher resolutions can be more demanding on the device’s hardware, leading to decreased battery life and performance. By opting for a resolution that is appropriate for cartography, we ensure smoother map rendering and efficient battery usage, making it ideal for navigation and chartplotting tasks.
  3. Battery Efficiency: Battery life is a crucial consideration for mobile devices. Higher resolutions demand more processing power and, subsequently, consume more battery. By utilizing a resolution that meets cartographic needs without unnecessary excess, we can optimize battery efficiency, allowing users to navigate and explore for more extended periods on a single charge.


In summary, the screen resolution of 800*1280 pixels strikes a balance between providing sufficient clarity for cartography and ensuring optimal performance and battery efficiency. It offers an excellent visual experience for navigation and chartplotting tasks, without imposing unnecessary strain on the device’s resources. If you have any further inquiries or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team.




How can I proceed to the factory reset of my tablet?

For Android 10 and 12 (SP08):

To revert to factory settings, switch the tablet on with power and VOL + (keep it pushed till the “Select Boot Mode” menu appears). Choose “Recovery” with VOL + and confirm with VOL -.

 

When a “no command” screen appears, push simultaneously VOL + and power (about 5 seconds). In the following menu, navigate with VOL + and – and select “wipe data / factory rest”. Push “power” to confirm, select “Factory data reset” and confirm with the power button. When it’s done, select the reboot mode.


For Android 11 (SP10AS):

To revert to factory settings, switch the tablet on with power and VOL – (push it for about 10 seconds, as long as you feel a vibration). When a “no command” screen appears, push simultaneously VOL + and power. In the following menu, navigate with VOL + and – and select “wipe data / factory rest”. Push “power” to confirm, select “Factory data reset” and confirm with the power button. When it’s done, select the reboot mode.

If you have any further inquiries or require additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact our support team.



I have an issue with my SIM card. How to solve it?

Be cautious when entering a SIM card or memory card and follow exactly the instructions in our manual. A card inserted upside down (be careful here: the picture of the operating instructions shows the BACK SIDE of the tablet) or crooked may damage the contacts of the port. This is not covered by the guarantee. In addition, the port is a bit large and if you force the insertion of the card obliquely, it could slip inside the tablet.

For 8 inch tablets:

For 10 inch Tablet:

 



How can I reduce screen brightness for night navigation on my tablet?

For an improved night navigation experience, you have two solutions, depending on your tablet model and Android version:

 

For Older Tablets (SP08A, SP08AS, SP10AS):

 

  1. If you are using older tablet models such as SP08A, SP08AS, or SP10AS, we offer a firmware update that allows you to lower the minimum brightness to 2 NITS instead of the usual 10 NITS threshold. To access this update, please create a support ticket, and our team will assist you in providing the appropriate firmware.

For Tablets Running Android 12 and Later:

 

  1. If your tablet runs Android 12 or a later version, you can take advantage of the built-in feature to decrease the screen brightness below the minimum level. Follow these steps:
    •    Go to Settings on your tablet.
    •    Tap on Accessibility.
    •    Navigate to Display settings.
    •    Enable the “Extra dim” option to further reduce the screen brightness during night navigation.

 

For Applications without Night Mode (e.g., Navionics Boating):

 

Additionally, if certain applications like Navionics Boating lack a dedicated night mode, you can still enhance the viewing experience by inverting the colors to create a dark background. Here’s how:

 

  •    Open Settings on your tablet.
  •    Access Accessibility settings.
  •    Go to Display settings.
  •    Find and select “Text and display.”
  •    Activate “Color inversion” to invert the colors, providing a dark background for compatible apps.
  •    To access this feature more conveniently, you can even create a shortcut on your home screen.

 

By implementing these solutions, you can reduce screen brightness during night navigation, minimizing eye strain and preserving night vision. If you require further assistance or have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to our support team for prompt support. Happy boating!

How can I split the screen to display two apps simultaneously on my device?

To utilize the split-screen feature and display two apps at the same time, follow these steps:

 

  1. Open the Recents Screen: First, press the navigation button on your device to access the Recents screen. This button is typically located at the bottom of the screen or can be accessed through a gesture, depending on your device’s navigation setup.
  2. Swipe an App into View: From the Recents screen, swipe to find the app you wish to use in split-screen mode. Bring it into view on the screen by sliding it upwards.
  3. Press the App Icon: Once the app is visible, press and hold its icon. This action will reveal a set of options for that app.
  4. Choose “Split Screen”: Among the options displayed for the app, look for and select “Split Screen.” This will initiate the split-screen mode.
  5. Select Another App: After enabling split-screen mode, you can now choose another app to occupy the other half of the screen. You have two options:

   – Swipe left or right on the Recents screen to find the second app and bring it into view.

   – If the desired app is not already in the Recents screen, go back to the Home screen and launch the app from the app drawer or through shortcuts.

  1. Enjoy Split-Screen Mode: Once you select the second app, it will be displayed on the other half of the screen, and you can now use both apps simultaneously.


Please note that not all apps support split-screen functionality. If an app is incompatible, you may not be able to use it in split-screen mode. Additionally, the exact steps to enable split-screen mode may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your device and the Android version it’s running on.

 

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance with the split-screen feature, feel free to contact our support team for guidance and troubleshooting.

What should I do if the screen becomes unresponsive due to heavy rain or splashes of water?

If your device’s screen becomes unresponsive or erratic due to heavy rain or water splashes, we recommend using an app like “Touch Lock – Screen Lock” to temporarily disable the touch function and prevent unintended interactions. Follow these steps:

 

  1. Install Touch Lock App: First, head to the app store on your device and search for “Touch Lock – Screen Lock.” Download and install the app on your device.
  2. Activate Touch Lock: Once the app is installed, open it and activate the Touch Lock feature. This will lock the touch function of the screen, preventing accidental touches caused by water.
  3. Continue Using Device: Even with the touch function locked, you can still view the screen and access information without worrying about inadvertent taps or swipes caused by water interference.
  4. Unlock Touch Function When Needed: Once you are out of the rainy or wet environment and no longer need the touch function to be disabled, you can unlock the touch screen by deactivating the Touch Lock feature through the app.

 

If you encounter any difficulties with the Touch Lock app or have further questions about your device’s water resistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team for assistance and guidance.




Haven’t found the answer you needed? Please don’t hesitate to open a ticket on our support page