Garmin GPS 128 "mushroom" antenna

johnb2

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Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

I needed to remove my pushpit-mounted antenna, which screws onto the base. Stupidly I unscrewed the antenna instead of detaching the mount from the rail. End result - badly twisted lead which no longer works. Is it possible to get inside the mushroom and re-attach the lead after cutting off the damaged bit?
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

I believe this question was raised about January this year and I was in touch with Garmin UK at the time.

If I remember correctly, the white plastic is factory sealed and cannot be opened without cutting the plastic with something like a hot knife or small hacksaw, completing the repair and sealing again with a plastic filler.

The repair should not be too difficult.
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

After my crew made the same mistake (aren't children wonderful when you need someone to blame - it could easily have been me) I bought a replacement from Marine Superstore. I think it was this one, which was worth it to me to save the time - your call of course.
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

Hi Charlesd,

You have bought the same aerial as I'm considering as a replacement/back-up for my Phillips antenna - and from the same company.

Does it come with a means of fixing i.e. a rail mount or similar, or is that an extra?

Cheers

Jerry
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

Hi Jerry,

I was able to reuse the existing rail mount - I don't think it comes with one.

Regards

Charles
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

I had the similar issues to yourself and another poster -- kids playing with the cable tugged the wires from the mushroom. I rang Garmin customer support, of whom I'd had previous good experience:
"Hold on a minute...think I've got one here in my desk. Yes, what's your address?"
It arrived the next day at no charge.
Definitely worth a call, I'd have thought.
Good luck.
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

It isn't entirely factory sealed, the top half of the dome unscrews to reveal the 15mm square antenna plate. What is below that - I haven't explored, but give it a try. (my top dome broke after being UV damaged) and is removed for repair.
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

There is a little screw underneath the mushroom that locks it in position, you need to find and remove it. The top of the dome is screwed over the bottom half but is sealed with some sort of silicone sealant. The easiest way to open it is to drill two small holes, carefully, into the top of the dome and use a pair of needle nosed pliers as a lever to unscrew it. Unfortunately, when you get inside, it doesn't look easy to replace the cable... I gave up and bought a £6 cheapie off e-bay that works fine on the chart table, just get the right connector.
 
Re: Garmin GPS 128 \"mushroom\" antenna

[ QUOTE ]
Hi Jerry,

I was able to reuse the existing rail mount - I don't think it comes with one.

Regards

Charles

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Charles. More dosh for me to fork out then! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Regards

Jerry
 
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