GPS Module placement?

thedog300 · 07-05-2007, 09:50 PM

Do you have to mount a gps module outside of your car, or by a window, or can they be concealed? thank you.
-Brian

walstib · 07-05-2007, 10:45 PM

My BU-303 is on my dashboard. Works pretty well behind the glass. I think it largely depends on your GPS receiver model.

95rodeo · 07-05-2007, 11:44 PM

my holux is inside of my dash....behind the glovebox as high as i could get it. it ended up right below the top of the dash and gets awsome reception. i dont think ive seen it with less than 7 sats locked.

2k1Toaster · 07-06-2007, 12:14 AM

Mines in my dash under the steering wheel. I made absolutely no effort to put it up high, I just stuffed it in there. Works great once it gets a lock. Surrouned by metal supports.

~*77*~ · 07-06-2007, 11:08 AM

Definitely varies by model... I bought an el cheapo unit and it has to be outside! Although it works great there, I can't get a single satellite if I place it on my dash, rear shelf, or covered in any way.

thedog300 · 07-06-2007, 11:53 AM

I plan on hiding my carpc in my trunk and my GPS locator will be there as well, I plan on getting a wired unit, I'm thinking a cheapo Sirf3 unit on ebay. I've been doing quite a bit of searching and have a good idea on what units to stay away from.

JimmyFitz · 07-06-2007, 12:59 PM

A search for "GPS" and "Mounting" comes up with 10 threads with those words in the title:

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/sear...archid=3782863

techfire · 07-11-2007, 02:39 AM

Stick with a SirfStarIII or MTK chipset receiver and you won't have any trouble picking up a GPS signal. Anything with a sensitivity of -152dBm or better (MTK is typically -158dBm). For vehicles with a trunk, you might want to consider setting a wired GPS "mouse" on the rear deck and routing the USB cable down to the CarPC.

Many GPS models are now becoming available with a 5hz refresh rate (sending GPS data 5 times / second instead of just once / second). The cheapest way to get 5hz with USB connectivity is to actually purchase a Bluetooth GPS receiver with the MTK chipset and logging. I'm pretty sure that the iBlue 737, 747, and 757 all support USB AND Bluetooth data connections (and they charge over USB).

blazini · 07-12-2007, 02:02 AM

I just picked up this one for $50 off Ebay..........
http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-SiRf-III-GPS...QQcmdZViewItem

I haven't been able to test it yet due to monitor issues. I did have it powered up once, judging by the status LED it locked right away. I bought it to replace my other cheapo that hardly reads through the windshield. It's small and the status LED isn't annoyingly bright like some others in case its an exposed install

techfire · 07-12-2007, 02:49 AM

Good purchase. FYI - BuyGpsNow.com has the waterproof Navibe GM720 (SirfStarIII) USB GPS receiver for $36. Semsons.com is another great GPS reseller. They have something similar for $42. Both usually have good deals in their clearance or "open box" areas too.

http://www.buygpsnow.com/navibe-gm72...abled-779.aspx

http://www.semsons.com/gmusbgpsresi.html