GPS AERIAL QUESTION

[byron]

I am fitting good old trusty easy to use Garmin GPSs to my new boat. The Flybridge one will have the integral aerial. No problem there. The inner one will have a seperate aerial. My question is, if that aerial is mounted inside the boat say near the windscreen will it still work? my previous boat has the aerials all mounted 'inside' and worked fine but there was only canvass above them. This will have GRP.
Comments please

©2001

 

[Guest]

should work. Try it!

remember you only actually need 3 or 4 good satelittes to get a reasonable fix. The extra sat's just improve accuracy

 

[Guest]

I have found that my Magellan works fine under GRP. On my previous boat I had the aerial mounted under the windscreen and it was fine as long as there was not too much water on it. Try it with just the internal aerial where you want to mount it to make sure.

 

[jfm]

Re: fit a re-emitter maybe?

You could fit a re-emitting ariel inside your cabin. That would then ensure a good signal to your downstairs GPS plus any handhelds you might use, even if the roof is made of lead not GRP!! They're £70 from Maplin

Is your Garmin with the integral ariel the 126 model? Have you actually bought it yet?

 

[byron]

Re: fit a re-emitter maybe?

I have a 128 for internal and a 126 (integral) for the F/Bridge Didn't have to buy them, some people buy me prezzies. People that buy me prezzies are ensured a place in heaven. I haven't received one complaint yet from people who have died.
thanks! I will look up a re-emitter now to see what it involves

©2001

 

[byron]

Re: fit a re-emitter maybe?

Been on to Maplin, they didn't know what I was talking about. All they do is a low profile aerial at £69.99p.

©2001

 

[Guest]

Re: try it first then

Before carving big hole and oh damn, just lash the thing up wiv 12v? Also, isn't there a socket for an extra aerial for those who have an optional lead roof?

x

 

[jfm]

Re: fit a re-emitter maybe?

I couldn't find it on the maplin website but it is in their paper catalog. I'll try to get the code and post it here. Meantime Morpheous sell the same device, see http://www.morpheous.co.uk/products/extra.asp

I asked about the 126 because I have one on a small open boat. It's ok, but a bit limited and the pixels are coarse so it's not the easiest to read. I use it as a speedo plus log and use my handheld plotter for nav. For the cost of 126+128 you could nearly buy a plotter, but if you got them as gifts the economics become different !!

 

[suzanne]

Hi Byron. Dad's got a 128 down stairs on our boat and I'm pretty sure that the arial is outside. He used to just have a 75 which went where he went ie up and down where ever. I've got a feeling he used that link. My suggestion to you is try it and see how many satellites it picks up and whether you think thats good enough. I remember the 75 took ages to pick up from inside and sometimes didn't get enough. I know what you mean about pressies, our 128 was a lovely pressie from a lovely friend, pity they didn't buy us a new boat though!

Suzanne xXx

 

[byron]

Re: fit a re-emitter maybe?

I swear by a Yeoman Plotter. I find the screens on regular ones are too small although I am considering lashing out for a biggie. 11" or 15" screen. With that one can see more. Thanks for the web address I will look shortly.

©2001

 

[byron]

Thanks Suzy

©2001