Ipad minis with wifi+cellular, does it need a sim?

[Jhun80]

Planning to buy an ipad mini 2/3 for my M2P’s RC, does the cellular version needs to be unlocked or simfree if i want just the gps to be activated? Of course i have to connect to the wifi just for firmware updates.

Thanks

 

[msinger]

does the cellular version needs to be unlocked or simfree if i want just the gps to be activated?

No. GPS works even if the cellular service is not active.

 

[jwt873]

Just to add.. I've got an original iPad Air.. I pulled the SIM card when I upgraded to an iPad Pro. The GPS works just as well without the SIM as it did when it was in place.

The only thing of note... When I boot the iPad Air cold, I get small window popping up saying "No SIM card installed". Tapping OK closes it. You don't see this window when waking it up from sleep.

 

[CanadaDrone]

No. The only real benefit to having the cellular version is because Apple doesn't even give you GPS in a $2000+ iPad Pro unless it has cellular. You don't need the GPS either unless you plan on using dynamic home points. I guess you could update your firmware in the field too but that wold require a SIM and a data plan, and most people would do that on WiFi at home.

 

[jaysrmc]

Planning to buy an ipad mini 2/3 for my M2P’s RC, does the cellular version needs to be unlocked or simfree if i want just the gps to be activated? Of course i have to connect to the wifi just for firmware updates.

Thanks

Im not sure if a 2 or 3 would work. I use a 4. I would check around.

 

[Jhun80]

Thanks guys

 

[Meta4]

Thanks guys

The 2 or 3 are way back in the technology line and would probably give disappointing results.
The 4 has a faster processor and handles the DJI Go 4 app properly.

 

[DanMan32]

To avoid that "no sim" message, see if you can get a SIM that has no active service. I'm sure phone stores have plenty.

 

[BigRey]

I realize there's a size difference but Bestbuy has been clearing out there full size iPads lately and it fits great on the MAVmount my buddy uses just offering as an FYI on pricing.
I use the WiFi only iPad mini 4 which I got on sale over the summer and I have no GPS issues whatsoever but my friend just got the full size one for for $279 and really it isn't bad at all.

 

[Krvelasco]

I have the mp2 and I am using an iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi / cellular version. It's not activated of course I use no SIM card whatsoever although I do keep it connected to the hotspot on my cell phone when I'm flying just for precautions and no fly zones. But it works great and I have no issues with the GPS or anything else.

 

[Oneball 1971]

Same here, i have the iPad Mini 2 which is has wifi and sim facility but no sim at all and the GPS works ok etc. First flight today

 

[jaysrmc]

Same here, i have the iPad Mini 2 which is has wifi and sim facility but no sim at all and the GPS works ok etc. First flight today

Same here, i have the iPad Mini 2 which is has wifi and sim facility but no sim at all and the GPS works ok etc. First flight today

sweet, i didn't think the 2 could handle it.

 

[DonWah]

My iPad 4 mini came with a SIM card in it that stops the “no sim”message but it’s a dummy sim and doesn’t provide any cellular access. Purely seems to stop that message and everything else functions great.