Furuno GPA-017 antenna.

[Wandering Star]

My boats fitted with the excellent Furuno GP32 GPS system however there’s no antenna! The model number of the missing antenna is GPA-017, eBay has a few used ones for sale but they’re all in either dodgy looking condition or come with very short cable lengths. However theres a brand new Furuno GPA-018 antenna with a 10 metre cable length which LOOKS identical - does anyone know if it will make a suitable replacement? I just don’t understand these things!

 

[andsarkit]

I gave up on my GP31 when it failed a rollover and there was no software update to correct this. I had a couple of antennas but have already sold them on. I don't think there is anything special about the Furuno antenna. It takes 5v down the coax to power the amplifier and sends the RF signal to the head unit. I would expect any of the cheap Chinese ones would work fine as long as you can find one with a TNC connector( like a BNC but screw instead of bayonet fitting). It is antenna you need and not a complete NMEA receiver that looks similar but will have wires instead of a coax.
Maybe something like this:
GPS Antenna

 

[Wandering Star]

Oh that’s excellent - thanks for the link, I’ll buy one now and if it works it works and if it doesn’t - oh well it’s only £12.

 

[Roberto]

I have a similar problem with an old Koden gps, the S/N ratio has decreased and decreased over time (possibly oxidation or bad contacts of coax/connectors) and now it only picks up reasonable signals from satellites with very high elevation; almost useless I only have a fix every few hours. I bought as well one of those antennas, not tested yet but hope for the best next season