Thread: GPS's that work through windscreens

Best way to mount a GPS unit in a car is have the GPS base inside the car and the antenna basicly on the middle top of the roof. This position provides as little metal interference as possible. GPS's work best being as high as possible to avoid the signal coming from the top down from bouncing off the metal.

I had mine located in the middle just outside and above the front windscreen with the cable going along the top and into the door rubber trim. Works great with usually 12 visible sats showing up most times.

You need to make sure your antenna is waterproof as well, you can buy them (like mine) which are and also include a magnet at the bottom of the plastic case.
Makes them very easy to stick on to the top of the roof's. However you might like to secure them on with something else also as magnets tend to lose their power after a while.

jrtf83, yes that correct.

the signal is now acceptable (4 to 5 satellites) when i put a cable choke (think thats right the name) on the usb lead near the computer.

by cable choke i mean one of those thick metal hoop things.

Originally Posted by Jaz

jrtf83, yes that correct.

the signal is now acceptable (4 to 5 satellites) when i put a cable choke (think thats right the name) on the usb lead near the computer.

by cable choke i mean one of those thick metal hoop things.

Cool. A choke is a great idea. Glad it is helping.

Can also try shielding the receiver from the computer. You can try using a metal plate under the receiver. That will help shield it. You can also try grouding the PS case. The intereference is most likely coming from the PS (Because it is a switcher) You can also use some aluminum foil to cover the computer case, and see if that helps.

Michael

the reciever is now on the back window.

is there anything else which will help? i tried silver foil (this makes it worse oops lol)

Someone told me that the computer may be using the ground cable to broadcast some sort of signal via the cars ground. And you can fix it by using some device like a diode to only let the ground flow one way???

interesting point here too, if the pc hasnt turned off yet. my key fob wont lock the car unless im right next to the car, when normally its a gud 15 meters.

Originally Posted by Jaz

the reciever is now on the back window.

is there anything else which will help? i tried silver foil (this makes it worse oops lol)

Someone told me that the computer may be using the ground cable to broadcast some sort of signal via the cars ground. And you can fix it by using some device like a diode to only let the ground flow one way???

interesting point here too, if the pc hasnt turned off yet. my key fob wont lock the car unless im right next to the car, when normally its a gud 15 meters.

What did you cover with the aluminum foil?

That "diode" thing is called a ground loop isolator. It won't hurt, but nto sure it will help.

I would try a metal plate/shelf under the receiver. Also, where is the carputer? Is it in the trunk? Did you try the receiver in the front, away from the carputer. ( I have seen so many of these posts, I can't keep straight who put what where)

Good luck.

Michael

no carputer is in the front, in the glove box. its the cable that seems to be picking up the interferance, not the actual adapter.

i surrounded the usb cable with foil.

Originally Posted by Jaz

no carputer is in the front, in the glove box. its the cable that seems to be picking up the interferance, not the actual adapter.

i surrounded the usb cable with foil.

Time for a new cable. Also, make sure the PS has a good ground.

I would try and aluminum foil the computer case, not the cable. Especially the PS. Be carefull about shorting anything.

Michael

If your screen is set to 72Hz or higher lower it to 60Hz. The screen could be interfering with the GPS if it is close enough. Sounds silly but It fixed mine.

I have a 206 and the windscreens are coated with a metal heat-reflecting film. This makes it harder to pick up signals from behind the windscreen. The rear screen will be just as bad with the heated rear windscreen lines.
According to the manual, there's a section around the rear view mirror (the bit with black dots) that's not coated - stick your GPS receiver / aerial here, it'll work great.