+Insp Gadget Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 I just received my external antenna from GPS Central.ca and so far it works great! 2 questions about this though: 1. When I look at my satellite page, the signals go higher than the top line. Is this normal? 2. Why the heck don't they build such a sensetive antenna into the GPS in the first place? Quote Link to comment
+JeepCachr Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 2. Why the heck don't they build such a sensetive antenna into the GPS in the first place? Size, power requirements, cost.... Plus the big advantage with an external is that you can place it where it gets the best coverage and not have to put it where you can see it. Have you ever noticed how much better reception your GPS will get if you hold it up high with a clear view of the sky? Quote Link to comment
peter Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 (edited) 1. Yes, sounds normal. 2. Greater sensitivity is not always a good thing, especially if the GPS antenna is placed where it has an obstructed view. In that case it might pick up weak reflected signals from satellites where the direct line-of-sight signal is blocked. The reflected signal will have a greater travel time and will result in an inaccurate calculation of your position (multi-path interference). As mentioned by JeepCachr above, external antennas are usually placed in less obstructed locations so a bit more sensitivity is alright. In addition, there are marketing advantages for greater sensitivity in an external antenna since the increased signal strength is the first thing that will be noticed by consumers. Edited June 21, 2004 by peter Quote Link to comment
mr magellan Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 So tell us the model you bought as i am looking to buy one also thanks Larry Quote Link to comment
peter Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 I have a Gilsson. It works well, only draws a few mA, and is priced at under $20. Quote Link to comment
CenTexDodger Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 Do you have a website? Quote Link to comment
capt caper Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 I have a Gilsson. It works well, only draws a few mA, and is priced at under $20. I have the Gilsoon too. GPSGEEK.com. I have other antenna's and this one works real well. I wish I found it before I bought the others. Capt. Quote Link to comment
+NightPilot Posted June 21, 2004 Share Posted June 21, 2004 (edited) I have a Legend, with no external antenna connection, so I use this antenna. It works very well for me. Edited June 21, 2004 by NightPilot Quote Link to comment
+Insp Gadget Posted June 21, 2004 Author Share Posted June 21, 2004 The one I bought is a wy-sys I think is the name. Some company out of Ottawa. Quote Link to comment
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