Hi all - I am in the process of adding a bimini top to cover my cockpit and want to run the bimini all the way to the aft section of the boat. My GPS Antenna is mounted on the aft-rail of the boat...will the bimini interfere with my GPS reception if it covers it? Should I relocate the antennae somewhere else that offers a clear view of the sky? Thanks - Rob
GPS Antennae location and Biminis
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assuming it's canvas, no problem
just try to keep the antenna at least a few inches from the bow frame
just try to keep the antenna at least a few inches from the bow frame
GPS Location
Should work without any problem...I have mine mounted under the deck of a C-30..the antenna "sees through" fiberglass and plywood core...I typically have 7 to 9 satellites tuned in.
Should work without any problem...I have mine mounted under the deck of a C-30..the antenna "sees through" fiberglass and plywood core...I typically have 7 to 9 satellites tuned in.
GPS Location
Mine has an internal antenna and is mounted on the pedestal under the bimini and I don't have any problems so I can't imagine that you would either.
Mine has an internal antenna and is mounted on the pedestal under the bimini and I don't have any problems so I can't imagine that you would either.
No problem with mine
Rob, I have a Garmin chartplotter with an integrated antenna. I occasionally use it under my bimini when the weather is foul. Even with wet sunbrella directly overhead of the chartplotter, I have never had a problem acquiring a signal.
Rob, I have a Garmin chartplotter with an integrated antenna. I occasionally use it under my bimini when the weather is foul. Even with wet sunbrella directly overhead of the chartplotter, I have never had a problem acquiring a signal.
VHF goes right through
GPS operates in the VHF frequency range and can penetrate through most things you find on a boat. The exception being things made of metal or with a metal coating. The support poles would be the only thing that might be an issue. Just don't get the antenna too close to one as it will disrupt the signal or obscure part of the sky from the antenna. How far do others have their antenna from their supports? My guess would be a foot or more would be fine.
GPS operates in the VHF frequency range and can penetrate through most things you find on a boat. The exception being things made of metal or with a metal coating. The support poles would be the only thing that might be an issue. Just don't get the antenna too close to one as it will disrupt the signal or obscure part of the sky from the antenna. How far do others have their antenna from their supports? My guess would be a foot or more would be fine.
I thought I read?
I thought I read a few years ago, as the GPS technology was "budding", that the GPS signal could be distorted or blocked by rainwater on a canvas/sunbrella bimini? Is that true?
I thought I read a few years ago, as the GPS technology was "budding", that the GPS signal could be distorted or blocked by rainwater on a canvas/sunbrella bimini? Is that true?
Good Point Bill
Bill - good point...I had issues with my GPS detecting a signal from the rail-mounted antenna when my rail-mounted BBQ grill would get in the way of the signal on relevant tacks. I moved the grill a few inches and it was fine. Thanks again everyone! Rob
Bill - good point...I had issues with my GPS detecting a signal from the rail-mounted antenna when my rail-mounted BBQ grill would get in the way of the signal on relevant tacks. I moved the grill a few inches and it was fine. Thanks again everyone! Rob
GPS antenna location
My Chartplotter at the wheel has an internal antenna, is under the bimini and tracks fine. I almost always keep a second GPS portable running below at the nav station, which I use primarily for its excellent logging functions and as a backup. I never have any problem with the GPS below tracking right through the fiberglass.
My Chartplotter at the wheel has an internal antenna, is under the bimini and tracks fine. I almost always keep a second GPS portable running below at the nav station, which I use primarily for its excellent logging functions and as a backup. I never have any problem with the GPS below tracking right through the fiberglass.
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