Thread: GPS antenna

Jim, I've had an external antenna for some years now and it makes a big difference to the signal in dense bush, particularly in valleys. I only use Garmin, therefor the antenna is suited for Garmin products. The cable is about 2.5m and the antenna head is stuck to the top of the snorkel. It cost about $99.

Cheers

I have one I bought from Timeplus Communications in Melbourne a long time ago. It was bought for my old Garmin 12XL but also fits the plug in the current HP5965A.

The antenna itself is about the size and shape of a small computer mouse. It has a magnetic base to go on the roof of the vehicle.

Certainly makes a big difference if your reception is poor. I heard the 110s can have issues because of the very vertical windscreeen.

Certain European vehicles with the metallised windscrens have issues too.

Hi,
you can get what is called a 're-radiating antenna', it is 12V powered from memory, the pickup goes on your roof and the rod that re radiates the signal goes next to your GPS.
I have similar problems in my camper, bed over cab and a vertical windscreen, but I now use a USB puck GPS that is much better than my old e-trex.
I'm using a laptop and OziExplorer.
cheers

Originally Posted by jmkoffice

Jim, I've had an external antenna for some years now and it makes a big difference to the signal in dense bush, particularly in valleys. I only use Garmin, therefor the antenna is suited for Garmin products. The cable is about 2.5m and the antenna head is stuck to the top of the snorkel. It cost about $99.

Cheers

I do the same with mine. A little pad antenna that sits on the top of the snorkel.

I use a boat antenna, looks like am plastic mushroom (Garmin) about 4" diameter. Works a treat and only get drop outs in tunnels. ;)

They say you shouldn't paint them (They come white) but I painted mine black and no problems - see pic .

I mounted it on the bullbar - a bit vulnerable - have thought a rear mount below roof line, would be better.

following advice from this forum re. external antenna, for my (now) "unlocked" Mio C520, I hunted around and have just ordered one from Prestige communications in WA ...$46.50 delivered to Bris.

GPS External Antenna (MCX Connection) - $39.00

Most of the problem using gps in the defender is due to the flat windscreen. Most vehicles have a sloping windscreen so the aerial has a fairly direct line of sight to the sky. I have an explorist 500 that has start up issues locating satellites in the fender, works fine in other cars. Once hooked up it is ok but sometimes I have to take it out of the cradle and put it out the window to track the satellites initially. Same happens with the Navman. Same was also happening with Track Ranger on the laptop, but I repositioned the usb aerial/mouse so it basically sat under the alpine window and no more issues with that. Meant the aerial head did not have to be exposed to the elements and rout cables outside.