Canvas canopy interference with GPS
- Thread starter Mako
- Start date
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If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
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RT Firefly
Enigma
Greetings,
Mr. m. In my case none. The same technology works fine in cars and metal/glass are much more of a "barrier" to signal than canvas. Even with supporting SS bows.
Mr. m. In my case none. The same technology works fine in cars and metal/glass are much more of a "barrier" to signal than canvas. Even with supporting SS bows.
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2008
- Messages
- 13,731
- Location
- California Delta
- Vessel Name
- FlyWright
- Vessel Make
- 1977 Marshall Californian 34 LRC
None. My small Garmin in the salon with just a small antenna on the unit also has no problems.
None. My GPS antenna is mounted under the flybridge dash. That's over an inch of fiberglass. I tested it before I mounted it there. No loss whatsoever.
That's also where I mounted my TV antenna.
psneeld
Guru
I wouldn't go that far...metal boats, wire bundles, RF interference and other things can affect a GPS...but a bimini...probably not...or glass or fiberglass that isn't super thick or heavily cored.
Unless you are saying YOUR GPS isn't obstructed....then sorry for the correction.
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2008
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- 10,104
- Location
- Australia
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- Now boatless - sold 6/2018
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- Had a Clipper (CHB) 34
My GPS is mounted on the flybridge dash under a bimini, (see Avatar), and it does not interfere at all. However, some earlier GPS units were less good in picking up signals that are weak, and did not pick up as many channels either, so were not good if shrouded. My first car GPS (circa 2004), was pathetic at this, and only worked right up in clear line of sight under the windscreen. From the way my iPad and iPhone now work anywhere just about, I suspect any more modern unit would be fine - which is why they almost all now appear to have in-built antennae.
tpbrady
Guru
I run an HDS-7 at my upper helm and HDS-8 at the lower helm in the salon. The major difference is that the HDS-8 will lose WAAS more often than the HDS-7 on the upper helm under the canvas. WAAS is coming off geosynchronous satellites for the most part so distance and elevation angle are factors.
Tom
Tom
