Is there an external antenna available for the OR 550?

[kbellis]

Just curious... Is there an external antenna available for the OR 550?

[+user13371]

The Oregon 500 doesn't have an external antenna port. Google "re-radiating GPS antenna" and read some reviews, there are some that might work.

 

Do you find the Oregon's internal antenna lacking? Or are you just concerned about placement in a vehicle with a metalized windshield?

[+Walts Hunting]

The 550 antenna does as poorly as the rest of the Oregon's. It is unquestionably the worst ever. Rare if ever WAAS and if walk close to a tree that goes away. Arrow stick under cover and a higher EPE than any other Garmin I have ever had. The ceramic patch antenna is useless.

[kbellis]

Thanks for the comments Walt and Lee.

 

The 550 has yet to arrive so, I can't answer whether it's lacking - and then, I have had no other Garmins prior to this to compare it with; however, I have half a dozen survey-grade Ashtech PM2s and can do some mad scientist experiments with them in navigation mode for more of an apples-oranges review. When it does arrive, I can't open it until Christmas (insert emoticon of your choosing here).

 

Walt, I'm curious what's been the best antenna (receiver) for you and out of a field of how many have you used?

 

My bringing it up in the first place has to do with trying to as accurately as possible map paths/ trails with free hands - even if I have to mount it on top of my head! - It's sort of amusing (and sad) to hear people complaining about how poorly their receiver works while it's in their pocket or a cave.

Edited December 17, 2009 by kbellis

[+splashy]

Nonsense, it works in a canyon as well as tree cover, it's a near to perfect Gps, leave the waas you don't need it anyway.

[Grasscatcher]

Quote: "It's sort of amusing (and sad) to hear people complaining about how poorly their receiver works while it's in their pocket or a cave."

 

Look thru the forum and find how many people are Amazed how "Absolutely Awesomely" their new GPS Fantastically locked onto satellites while they were INSIDE their house!!!!!!

 

Of course, if they were able to accurately plot those coordinates obtained in that manner, they would probably find that the location described is actually out in their back yard, or next door in their neighbor's house!

 

.....and,I agree you don't need WAAS coverage if you are only concerned with "good enough" accuracy for playing the Geocaching game.(Oregon REALLY doesn't do well on displaying WAAS reception)

[kbellis]

Hi lee_rimar,

 

Have you ever played around with a reradiating antenna?

[+user13371]

Not I, but a few users around here have. I think Embra wears one in his hat.