Garmin 152 to GPS sensor dome lead....

[Matata]

Hi Crew, I have an excellent Garmin 152 very simple basic chart plotter...There is a remote signal sensing dome(white mushroom thingy) that took a bashing and Im in the process of installing a new one. Unlike the old one,the new one can be installed under fibre glass inside as I presume its more sensitive. It came with a new signal lead..nice quality garmin co axe terminated at both ends. Its about 30' feet long....I only need it five....Im ok with soldering/heat shrinking etc. What are your thoughts about shortening it? Advantage is I don't have to "loose" 25 feet ...any disadvantages? Cheers Nic

 

[lw395]

Personally, I'd shorten it using a new connector.
Alternatively, get a new lead with the correct connectors and a more suitable length.
It could be a bad idea to shorten it in a way which does not maintain the integrity of the coax, as this cable probably carries an amplified version of the received GPS signal, so any leakage back to the aerial could be disastrous.
Also you want to keep the coax sealed against humidity.
OTOH, it is amazing how much bad practice people get away with.

 

[pvb]

Just coil the spare neatly and cable-tie it.

 

[Graham376]

Just coil the spare neatly and cable-tie it.

+1

 

[Matata]

Thanks for the advise...Ill just coil it.....The only place to coil it is behind our 12v dc wiring panel...ta Nik

 

[prv]

There is a remote signal sensing dome(white mushroom thingy) that took a bashing and Im in the process of installing a new one. Unlike the old one,the new one can be installed under fibre glass inside as I presume its more sensitive.

Your "signal sensing dome" is called an antenna.

As far as I know, the improved sensitivity of modern systems is mostly down to better receivers rather than advances in the antennas. You still have the same receiver in your 152, and the new antenna may not be much different to the old one. Garmin now include under-deck mounting hardware for their antennas on the assumption that they'll be connected to a modern receiver.

For what it's worth, when I was recently faced with the same problem (10m of co-ax on the GPS antenna that came with my new AIS transmitter) I bought a different no-brand antenna with a 1.5m cable on it. They're not manufacturer-specific.

Give it a go with the antenna below deck and the excess cable coiled up - it might be fine. But before you do, perhaps try it with the cable run out a hatch and the antenna balanced on deck. Have a look at the satellite signal strengths on the receiver. Then move the antenna inside and see if the signal bars go down noticeably. Try it again with the deck well wetted - and if it's anywhere that people might sit or stand, try that too. With my AIS receiver there was a detectable difference between on-deck and below-decks - but still a good healthy SNR below-decks so I was happy to accept the small loss for the easier and neater installation. But that's the latest model of UBlox receiver, not a 20-year-old Garmin.

Pete

 

[Matata]

.Thanks for the input (no pun intended).This new receiver senses GPS and Glonass so we'll def not get lost!! If I do , Ill prob ring the wife who'll look out over Cardigan bay and tell us where we are. ? Ta Nik