gps

[bill crommett]

To those of you who use a GPS unit while traveling, what do you do for antenna placement ? I can read maps quitw well so I have never had the urge to install a tracking system, but occasioally I would like to access my altitude and precise coordinates. But I find that the steel cab roof blocks most of the signals from the birds, so I have to stop and get out to read the numbers. Is there an accessory antenna for the hand held instruments ?

[whemme]

Bill,

You don't say which brand and model handheld GPS unit you have. I use a Garmin Model 2610 that is mounted on the dash directly above the speedometer instrument cluster. The 2610 has a built-in antenna and GPS satellite reception has never been a problem with our unit in that location.

If you have a Garmin handheld unit with a small vertical antenna that swivels, that antenna can be removed and a remote antenna with a 6' cable could be purchased as an accessory and placed out near the base of the windshield for better satellite reception while keeping your handheld GPS close to your chest.

[CHARLOTTE]

Bill...I have the Garmin 2620 which I place on my dashboard to the right of me so I can see it easily while I drive....Like Bill Hemme, I have no problems as the antenna is built in. Have to say...without that GPS I'd probably still be wandering around Iowa...it got me to Humboldt easily and it got me home....best thing that ever happened to someone like me (who gets lost going around the corner)....Can't help you on the hand held ones though...sorry...

[norijake]

For Garmin products go to www.garmin.com and Search: antenna. That will lead you to all Garmin products that will accept a remote antenna.

Charlotte, I also use the Garmin 2620. I imagine that you keep your 2620 up-to-date but, FWIW, the Garmin WebUpdater software version, as of 10 Aug 2006, is v. 2.3.3; 2620 unit software is v. 4.7 and City Navigator North America is v. 8. Great unit and outstanding support from Garmin.

[bcope01]

I use the iWAY 500C mounted on my console. For pics of my GPS installation, see:
http://www.bornfreervclub.org/bulletin_ ... .php?t=161

It has an internal antenna that works fine when the unit is placed on the dash. However, since mine is mounted on the engine console so that it doesn't obstruct my vision through the windshield (my personal preference), I use an external gilsson antenna that I run from the engine console up under the dash to up under the plastic access panel (easily pops out) in the center near the front of the dash. The magnetic external antenna is placed on top of one of the metal vent actuators under that access panel. With this placement I get excellent satellite lock and it is out of sight.

Bill

[whemme]

Bill Crommett,

I received your E-mail message stating that you had a Garmin GPS-48 hand-held GPS. If you want to consider a remote mounted antenna for that unit, Garmin still makes the GA-25 BNC Remote Antenna (Garmin P/N 010-10701-00) for $31.49 and it is designed to work with the GPS-48. You can get further information and see this antenna (along with many other accessories) at the following Garmin website address:

http://shop.garmin.com/accessories_for_ ... 0-00144-00

If you are having GPS satellite reception problems, placing this remote antenna on the dash at the base of the windshield should help.

A picture of that antenna follows below:

[bcope01]

Bill Crommett,

I received your E-mail message stating that you had a Garmin GPS-48 hand-held GPS. If you want to consider a remote mounted antenna for that unit, Garmin still makes the GA-25 BNC Remote Antenna (Garmin P/N 010-10701-00) for $31.49 and it is designed to work with the GPS-48. You can get further information and see this antenna (along with many other accessories) at the following Garmin website address:

http://shop.garmin.com/accessories_for_ ... 0-00144-00

If you are having GPS satellite reception problems, placing this remote antenna on the dash at the base of the windshield should help.

A picture of that antenna follows below:

Why not get a Gilsson Ultra High Gain Antenna for that unit for less money:

http://tinyurl.com/o8r4k

Bill

[whemme]

bcope01,

That antenna should work also at a lower cost.

[bill crommett]

Thanks to all .