Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

[philtheskipper]

Can a fixed mount GPS with a built in antenna be used when mounted under the windshield? Does glass block gps signal? How about a canvas top?<br /><br />I'm looking at a used Garmin 126 to replace my Garmin 120. The antenna for my old unit quit on me and I can pick up the 126 for the same price as a new antenna for the old one. <br /><br /> http://www.garmin.com/products/gps126/

 

[JoeW]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Phil,<br />I've got a handheld eMap GPS. I use it in my truck all of the time. Glass doesn't seem to obstruct the signal, but if I put it in the glove box or in the center console it doesn't work well. My guess is that it would be fine mounted on a boat dash, even under a canvas top.<br />-Joe

 

[Boatist]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Phil<br />I have a GPSMAP 76 and it works just fine in the car even down on the seat. Also works fine in my boat up on the dash behind the window with a canvas top. I have not put in any mount so when real rough I sometimes put it on my seat between my legs and it even works there most of the time but does some times loose signal at that location.

 

[JB]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Hi, Phil.<br /><br />I use my Garmin 162 in my truck all the time. The antenna can't see through the roof, but it gets plenty of satellites through the glass. I mount it on the dash.<br /><br />No worries about seeing through plexiglass.<br /><br />Go for it and good luck.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Any metal, solid or wire mesh, between the antenna and the satellite can snatch the signal and take it to ground before it reaches your GPS unit. Non-conductive material (glass, plastic, fiberglass, cloth/canvas, a small child) generally isn’t an issue. In the window, your biggest problem will likely be the heat from being directly in the sun.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

I remember being conductive when I was a small child.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Paul, but not when thrown over the antenna.

 

[FISHROT]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

I have a 126 mounted on the dash of a center console below the glass and grabrail and I have never had a problem receiving a signal.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Quick question about GPS with built in antenna...

Thanks for all the info. I ended up getting a used Garmin GPS 128. Same thing as the 126 but has an external antenna.