GPS Antennae Location

stripminer · #1 07-03-2004, 11:59 AM

I am wondering where folks are installing there GPS antennaes. I just bought a Garmin 172 and can't decide where to put the thing. Glass frame, bow rail ?? What do you guys think ?

- Tom

Brian_M · #2 07-03-2004, 03:08 PM

I've been using internal antennas for several years, newest GPS I have is the Garmin 162...the internal antenna lets me use it in both boats and the truck easily....

Brian

stripminer · #3 07-03-2004, 04:11 PM

Brian,

I actually bought the internal antennae one. Have you had problems picking up satellites ? Mine pulls in four to five in my driveway, I wonder if it will be better on the water ?

Thanks

- Tom

reelapeelin · #4 07-03-2004, 05:16 PM

My Lowrance came w/pancake style antenae IF you leave off the cone-shaped base...the pancake is directly attached to the bow deck, just left and forward of where the sliding hatch guide ends...flat to deck, outta the way...12 channel unit, usually tracks all of 'em...good luck; good fishin'

Brian_M · #5 07-03-2004, 05:53 PM

Stripminer,

I have never lost a signal with the 162 in either boat or the truck.

In addition to the V20, I have a Carver 32 and installed a mount for the GPS at both the upper and lower helm station. The signal strength is fine both inside and outside, the lower helm station is entirely enclosed in a f/g shell with moderate sized windows.

In the V20, it's mounted in front of the port seat on a swivel bracket so I can see it both while running and when trolling (sitting aft)

Most of my boating is in the Ches bay and Lake Anna, VA although next month I'm going to the Ottawa river system in Quebec for some Walleye hunting....

brian

Airslot · #6 07-03-2004, 07:22 PM

I have mine mounted on the bow rail. I tried an internal ant. first but where I had the unit mounted it sat in the corner of the windshield frame. I get much better performance with the external in my installation.

Airslot

stripminer · #7 07-03-2004, 11:07 PM

Airslot,

That is exactly where I mounted my Garmin, I am picking up five satellites in my driveway. It seems to be missing the ones low on the horizon but I think that is due to the trees and houses surrounding me. I really don't want to go back to West Marine and do the "pretty please shuffle" but I am wondering if that is not the safest way to go.

- Tom

stripminer · #8 07-03-2004, 11:16 PM

forgot to mention , I got the internal antenna
:-/

Airslot · #9 07-04-2004, 02:15 PM

When I installed mine I had 4 or 5 bids in the driveway. I figured it would be better on the water. In my case it wasn't. I had to go w/ an external ant. to have any reliability. Good luck.

Airslot

stripminer · #10 07-04-2004, 10:19 PM

Due to the tremendous faith that I put in my fellow Wellcraft owners I have followed Airslot's advice. I returned the internal antenna Garmin and got the external. Granted I will have to drill a rather large hole to accomodate the cable it is worth my effort.

When I got the unit home I noticed immediately that it was picking up the satellites easier and reported a stronger lock on them. The internal antenna picked up seven orbiters but continually searched for the WAAS satellite. The external locked on good and hard to the WAAS satellite.

The units performance went from 16 foot accuracy to 10 foot accuracy after switching antennas. That is a sixty percent gain in performance.

I can tell you, my fellow V20 owners, that I like the Garmin 172c very much so far. I recommend that you buy the external antenna.

Thanks for all the help from those that contributed, I appreciate it greatly. Anyone with questions please do not hesitate.

- Tom