GPS Receiver behind glass

DaveStang · 04-13-2007, 11:16 PM

Sorry if this has already been asked, but how well do GPS receivers (specifically the one in the Mp3Car store for about $55) perform when inside the car? In other words, does it still pick up a signal under the windshield? Thanks!

JW™ · 04-13-2007, 11:29 PM

Mine works pretty well (as well as an often-cooked Rikaline can work) just sitting on the dash.

walstib · 04-13-2007, 11:37 PM

My BU-303 is on my dash and works pretty well.

DaveStang · 04-13-2007, 11:51 PM

Ok thanks guys.

boomintrac · 04-16-2007, 03:03 AM

My 353 is under the dash and has been good so far
Aron

ankur · 04-16-2007, 06:18 AM

I hear some have problems getting a signal if your windshield is coated with a metallic film like the v-kool film.

cheers.

parksgm · 04-16-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by DaveStang

Sorry if this has already been asked, but how well do GPS receivers (specifically the one in the Mp3Car store for about $55) perform when inside the car? In other words, does it still pick up a signal under the windshield? Thanks!

Depends on the senstivity of the GPS receiver. I hear the newer, SIRF III units are especially senstive and work well behind glass (and even inside parking garages). Conversely, I've found my older Delorme Earthmate (non SIRF III) does a bit better when on top of my Mustang than on the rear package shelf.

If you have a receiver, just try it both places...many receivers come with software that allows you to see the number and signal strength of the satellites the receiver is tracking...and the more, the better.

Bumbergan · 04-16-2007, 12:57 PM

I've recently got GLOBALSAT BU353 SiRF Star III. I'm extremely happy with its sensitivity. Once it's got the fix - it works literally everywhere in the car, even under the seat!
Manufacturer claims -159 dBm sensitivity with this receiver, which is more than receivers I had experience with previously. And it doesn't seem to be a trick - you can really feel the difference. Before I barely got 3-4 satellites in the car and had to stick out antenna outside for sure signal whereas now I don't care where it is - I got 7 satellites at least in any case.

Also from my observations glass is transparent for GPS signal. (never dealt with metal coated glass though). What I noted to myself - is whenever I want to get GPS fix in the building - I need to get to a window. Be it open or closed one.

2k1Toaster · 04-16-2007, 01:05 PM

Well some tint is metallic, like mine is, so the GPS receiver cannot be placed by one of those windows. My car is like a big trap of wireless signals. Nothing leaves, and nothing dares to enter. Except from the windshield

Mine works inside by the windshield all by the glass, but not as well as if it were outside. Inside the car in the back, it doesn't work at all. In the middle, doesn't work at all. So by the windshield is best or outside is best-est if you have metallic tint.

tj!2k4 · 04-16-2007, 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by parksgm

Depends on the senstivity of the GPS receiver. I hear the newer, SIRF III units are especially senstive and work well behind glass (and even inside parking garages). Conversely, I've found my older Delorme Earthmate (non SIRF III) does a bit better when on top of my Mustang than on the rear package shelf.

If you have a receiver, just try it both places...many receivers come with software that allows you to see the number and signal strength of the satellites the receiver is tracking...and the more, the better.

On my 03 Mustang, the Earthmate did not work properly through the front windshield, but worked great on the rear package shelf until I installed metal Visus louvers. Again I was faced with a non-working GPS until I realized that it would work through the fiberglass trunk-lid, making for a stealth GPS-install.

Like I said, that was the Earthmate.

Since then, I've tested some GPSs with Sirfstar III chipsets in the passenger cabin, and I didn't have any problems with those.

BenOBS · 05-03-2007, 04:27 PM

My bu353 is strange a bit... Sometime under the windshield it take several minutes to get a fix and sometime it never fix. If i put it outside (but realy close to its position under the windshield, ie on the A-pillar) its fix normaly and have a good signal... Any idea?

cunni · 05-03-2007, 08:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by parksgm

Depends on the senstivity of the GPS receiver. I hear the newer, SIRF III units are especially senstive and work well behind glass (and even inside parking garages). Conversely, I've found my older Delorme Earthmate (non SIRF III) does a bit better when on top of my Mustang than on the rear package shelf.

If you have a receiver, just try it both places...many receivers come with software that allows you to see the number and signal strength of the satellites the receiver is tracking...and the more, the better.

This is true, I have a SiFR III GPS Reciever and it connects to 10/12 Sats parked in my driveway and garage, it sits under my rear parcel shelf, and i've never had a problem with it!

BenOBS · 05-04-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by cunni

This is true, I have a SiFR III GPS Reciever and it connects to 10/12 Sats parked in my driveway and garage, it sits under my rear parcel shelf, and i've never had a problem with it!

Thats really strange, mine is'nt as sensitive...
My rear windows are tinted at 95%, but can it hurt my reception on the dash?

Anyone know how i could optimize it?