Why BackupGPS exists
At sea, redundancy saves lives. Phones run out of battery, chartplotters freeze, and onboard power can fail without warning.
BackupGPS exists for that moment.
A simple, independent device that gives you your coordinates, heading and speed —
all visible on one screen, right in front of you.
On the water, reliability matters. A phone can die, a chartplotter can crash, and the boat’s electrical system can fail at the worst time. BackupGPS is built as a simple, dedicated backup device that shows your position when you need it most — with key navigation info right on the display.
Independent power
Runs on a standard 9V battery, so you’re not tied to the boat’s electrical system.
Fast coordinates
Clear coordinate display for quick sharing in emergencies or navigation checks.
Heading + speed
The display shows direction (N, S, E, W and NE/NW/SE/SW) and speed over ground in knots.
Always onboard
Portable, lightweight, and easy to store with 2–3 spare batteries as backup.
Navigation (no maps)
Optional “Go-To” guidance: set a waypoint and the device shows ON COURSE or LEFT/RIGHT ±X° to correct your heading. Destination can be entered using 3 buttons or sent via Bluetooth.
This is not meant to replace your primary navigation. It’s designed for the moments when you need an alternative — a dedicated backup system onboard.
All key data on screen
Coordinates, direction (N/NE/E…) and speed over ground in knots.
Built for backup
Designed as an alternative system, not a replacement for primary navigation.
Set destination easily
Enter latitude/longitude with 3 buttons (Up/Down/OK) or send it from your phone via Bluetooth.
How it works
BackupGPS is built around a straightforward idea: power it on, get coordinates, stay informed. No complex menus. No dependency on mobile signal. No need for boat power. The screen shows your coordinates, heading (N/NE/E…) and speed in knots at a glance — even on a simple 16×2 character display.
- Insert a 9V battery and switch the device on.
- Wait for GPS lock (open sky gives fastest results).
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Set your destination (optional)
You can enter a waypoint directly on the device using 3 buttons (Up / Down / OK), or send the destination from your phone via Bluetooth. -
Follow the direction — no maps required
BackupGPS calculates the bearing to your destination and shows simple guidance like “ON COURSE” when aligned, or “LEFT/RIGHT ±X°” when you need to correct course. Speed is shown in knots. - Read your coordinates on the display anytime.
- Share coordinates with crew, VHF radio, or emergency services if needed.
Real-world scenario
You’re offshore, conditions worsen, and the boat’s electrical system fails. The chartplotter shuts down, your phone battery is low, and you need to confirm your position quickly.
Designed specifically as a backup: an alternative you can rely on when your primary systems are unavailable.
What you do
- Take BackupGPS from your emergency kit
- Insert a fresh 9V battery
- Power on and read your coordinates
- Communicate coordinates to crew or emergency contact
Why it helps
- No reliance on boat power
- No reliance on network coverage
- Coordinates are immediate and easy to share
- You can carry multiple spare batteries
BackupGPS supports preparedness. Your primary system stays primary — this device is your plan B.
Launching on Kickstarter
We’re preparing the first production batch. Join the list to be notified at launch and get early access pricing. Your feedback also helps shape the final enclosure and details for real marine use.
What you’ll receive
A ready-to-use BackupGPS unit (final enclosure) and launch updates. Shipping options will be presented on Kickstarter.
Current stage
Functional prototype. Enclosure is being finalized through iterative testing and refinement.
Target audience
Sailors who want a dedicated, independent emergency GPS backup onboard.
Navigation (no maps)
Optional “Go-To” waypoint guidance: set a destination and the display shows ON COURSE or LEFT/RIGHT ±X° to correct your heading.
Independent power
Runs on a standard 9V battery. No boat power required.
All key data on screen
Coordinates, direction (N/NE/E…) and speed over ground in knots.
Waypoint navigation
Enter a destination using 3 buttons (Up/Down/OK) or send it from your phone via Bluetooth. The device guides you back on course with clear deviation in degrees.
Built for backup
Designed as an alternative system, not a replacement for primary navigation.
BackupGPS can work as a simple emergency “go-to” tool: set a waypoint and steer until the screen shows ON COURSE. If you drift, it tells you the correction (LEFT/RIGHT ±X°) — no charts, no routing, no distractions.
Get notified
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