Thread: Anyone recommend a good USB GPS with external antenna output?

Well just a regular usb wired gps puck like the bu-353 can be placed in the dash behind metal and plastic, and still receive a strong signal.

I just recently (4 days ago) bought a BU-353 and I shoved it in my dash behind metal and plastic. I got a ton of satellites and a quick lock from it. Even in my garage with the door closed I can still pick up a good signal.

So an external antenna really isnt neccessary.

If you are really wanting to use an external antenna, then you could get a oem chip (like from sparkfun) and connect it that way. They even have a 5hz chip to buy.

Get a SIRF4 capable unit. They will lock even indoors, sometimes. Definitely no need for an antenna unit nowadays!

I'm pretty sure he meant SiRF3, because I myself haven't seen any SiRF4 units.

Originally Posted by diyer

I am in NH (far away from the equator satellites, and with many trees). I have a pickup truck with a slideone camper. I can only get GPS and Satellite Radio signals when I am Southbound. Once I turn any other direction the camper blocks all the signals.

I am looking for two GPS antennas. When the camper is installed, the one on the camper roof will be plugged in. Otherwise, the one on the truck roof would be plugged in.

Carl in NH

If you get just a regular SirfIII GPS receiver and stick it on the top of your camper, it will work just fine. I have used my Sirf2 GPS as far north as Thunder Bay, Ontario. By Hudson bay. Yes it is full of trees, and farther from the equator than NH.

If you install the puck correctly, you wont have any problems.

Woops, my bad. Indeed I meant to say SIRF III not Sirf 4 !

Originally Posted by Quattro

I'm pretty sure he meant SiRF3, because I myself haven't seen any SiRF4 units.