BrianG
Senior Member
I have a Garmin GA38 antenna. It can be mounted flush on the roof or on a pole. is there an advantage to a pole mount? Confused.
GPS Antenna question
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STB
Guru
GPS is a pretty powerful signal. It need not be mounted on the roof. Almost anywhere metal or a ton of mass isn't blocking its view of the sky.
Think of it this way....it won't lose GPS, or have a bad (too few satellites) connection anywhere your phone has a good one.
I have mine mounted inside the flybridge console and out of the weather.
Think of it this way....it won't lose GPS, or have a bad (too few satellites) connection anywhere your phone has a good one.
I have mine mounted inside the flybridge console and out of the weather.
Comodave
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It should not matter. Our GPS antenna is inside the MFD that is under the hardtop.
GPS is a very low power signal and the higher the antenna the better the accuracy. The antenna will acquire more satellites as it's view of the horizon increases. I suspect the average marine receiver wouldn't notice the difference. If you have an unobstructed view you will find the rock before the rock finds you.
Last edited:
OP
OP
BrianG
Senior Member
The unit came with a lot of coax. Seems like they want it way up there.
sean9c
Guru
The GPS satellites orbit altitude is about 12,500 miles. A few feet of mounting height difference for your antenna isn't going to make any difference. I've been surprised at what the signals will shoot through but it'd make sense to have them have a clear view.
Radar manufacturers suggest that GPS antennas are mounted above the radar array.
Radar manufacturers suggest that GPS antennas are mounted above the radar array.
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