I need to mount my new GPS antenna, and my first inclination was to put it on a very short pole and mount it on the rail, so it would be up a litle to get a good view of the sky. But I heard that it doesn't matter much and some guys actually mount it under the fiberglass so it's hidden. Has anyone had any experience with this?
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]A GPS will work from inside buildings and enclosed spaces to some degree but the path of least resistance is far better in my opinion. If you want to mount the atenna inside a compartment then try it out. It should be relatively quick and easy to verify. Hook the unit up with a battery and put the antenna where you're thinking of mounting it. You'll find out pretty quickly. Then move the antenna to an unobstucted place and see the difference. Like I said earlier, I'm incline to put it in the best place with no obstructions in the way.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]What unit did you buy? I've been using a Lowrance LMS350A with an antenna mounted under my T-top and it recieves just fine. I just picked up a Lowrance 4800M for use on my boat. The owner's manual states "...[/size][/black][/font][font "TT656o00"][size 2][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]You need to select an antenna installation location that has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky... [/size][/black][/font][font "TT656o00"][size 2][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]In an automobile, you may achieve good results by simply placing the [/size][/black][/font][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]external antenna on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield. Apiece of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recreational vehicle supply stores will help hold the antenna in place. This may not work well if you have a cab-over design pickup truck camper or motorhome. If dashboard reception is poor, simply relocate the antenna module elsewhere on the vehicle for a clearer view of the sky."[/size][/black][/font] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font] [/left] [left][font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]There is also the option of mounting the antenna with an optional magnet or suction cup mount so the antenna can be moved around and the unit used in more than one vehicle or boat. [/size][/black][/font][/left] [left] [/left][/size][/font][/size][/font]
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You didn't say which brand of GPS you have but if it might be a Lowrance, here is what I would suggest. Have them send you the optional magnet for the GPS "puck". Then mount a galvanized cover plate from an electrical wiring box on the desired spot on your boat. This is where your "puck" lives when it is on the boat. You can now easily move your GPS from your boat to your vehicle and use it on road trips also.[
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Thanks BLM, I was hoping you'd give me an answer, figured you probably had some experience with this. I went out this morning and mounted it right on top of the deck by the windshield. It works fine here on the trailer. If I don't like it there I can easily move it. This is my first GPS so I'm jazzed about trying it out on the water, especially at Powell.[/size][/black][/font]
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