Antenna

[Bob Morrison]

In a previous thread about boat stereos, Sean of Everret, WA wrote:"I'd like to add that I used a stanchion for an antenna and it works great. I just attached the wires to the nuts on the inside. No need to try to find some place to hide an unsightly anntenna. Sean"I have been thinking about installing an internal antenna for my handheld GPS so that I can use it from the nav station below.Does anybody have any thoughts about how Sean's method might work for that purpose? It could save some trouble...Thanks,BobP.S. Sean - thanks for the idea! Even if it doesn't work for a GPS, it is an elegant solution. You should submitt it to Sail Magazines "Things That Work" column.

 

[Ron Doescher]

GPS Antenna

Unless your handheld GPS is specifically designed to accept an external antenna, your stuck with what's in the unit -- usually a flat "patch" antenna, although some units have a movable helix rod antenna.If your unit can accept an external antenna, consult the manufacturer for the proper antenna, cable, connectors and advice. GPS works at the UHF band with signals that are extremely weak -- the GPS signal detection scheme employs very sophisticated processing techniques to pull something usable out of the background noise. Any bad connection, or excessive cable length, will further reduce the already marginal signal strength to the point where your unit's ability to capture satellite signals will be impaired.Bottom line: it isn't a good idea. (and clipping to your stanchion won't work for GPS either).