GPS Mounting

Mxyzpltk · 10-01-2002, 10:06 AM

Where do you guys have your GPS receiver mounted? I thought about removing the (roof mounted) factory radio antenna and putting the GPS in its place... or does it even need to be outside the car? It's a Garmin GPS 16... your advice would be greatly appreciated!

ShinkunoNamida · 10-01-2002, 11:31 AM

I have mine mounted with industrial velcro to the top corner of my windshield.. but I think I'm going to move it to my rear parcel shelf.

You need to have it in a window so it can see the sky. I think one of these two locations is best.

Krazy Nemesis · 10-02-2002, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ShinkunoNamida
You need to have it in a window so it can see the sky. I think one of these two locations is best.

Speaking of putting your GPS in your back window, has anybody had problems with interference from the defrost 'wires'? I remember hearing something about them acting as an antenna and causing an echo effect.

Charliey · 10-02-2002, 06:06 PM

I read here a little while ago someone talking about putting it under the dash. Since its only under plastic, it didnt cause any interference.

Although i dont know if this would work, it seems like it would, and it would keep it out of sight.

DodgeCummins · 10-02-2002, 07:54 PM

Mine's at the very front of the windshield, pretty much out of sight, easy to run the cables, and great reception.

Mxyzpltk · 10-03-2002, 09:51 PM

Has anybody mounted their GPS outside the car? Is that even desirable?

I was thinking that since my Cougar has the little wire defroster lines on the hatch window, the front dash would probably be the only viable interior location, and it seems like it would have a limited "view" of the sky from there.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Charliey · 10-03-2002, 10:50 PM

With many gps you can buy an external antenna. If you could find a water proof antenna you might be able to put it on the roof some how.

Other then that, i think the front dash would be the best.

Mxyzpltk · 10-04-2002, 09:57 AM

Like I said, it's a Garmin GPS 16, with the antenna indivisible from the control hardware. I believe it to be weatherproof.

Krazy Nemesis · 10-04-2002, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mxyzpltk
Like I said, it's a Garmin GPS 16, with the antenna indivisible from the control hardware. I believe it to be weatherproof.

The 16 IS waterproof. Mount it outside your car! You'll get better reception.

You should probably pick up a roll of magnetic tape, and just tape it to the bottom of the GPS16 so you can remove the GPS when you feel like it. That is, if it isn't already magnetized on the bottom.

Mxyzpltk · 10-04-2002, 01:07 PM

I don't envision ever removing it... I'm planning on tightly integrating my computer with my car. I would worry about someone else detaching it and walking away with it, anyway.

Can a GPS like that "see" through fiberglass okay? What if I put it between my hatch and spoiler?

LoreleiGuy · 10-04-2002, 05:36 PM

I've got a Rand McNally receiver only (no display) in my back window. The window does have the defrost wires, but I have had no problem with interference.

I also had no problem with interference in the previous car where I had it in the same position which also had defrost wires.

Go for it.

ShinkunoNamida · 10-04-2002, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LoreleiGuy
I've got a Rand McNally receiver only (no display) in my back window. The window does have the defrost wires, but I have had no problem with interference.

I also had no problem with interference in the previous car where I had it in the same position which also had defrost wires.

Go for it.

Someone mentioned that their tint interfered with it.. I wonder if this is a common problem?

00CericaRuss · 10-04-2002, 07:56 PM

I've got my copilot directly under the dash of my car, and it still works... it loses a little bit of signal through the plastic, but generally speaking, it still works well.

spyhunter · 10-05-2002, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ShinkunoNamida
Someone mentioned that their tint interfered with it.. I wonder if this is a common problem?

yup that would be me. just moved mine up front.

cproaudio · 10-06-2002, 02:41 AM

I also have the Garmin GPS16. Mine is under the dash cap too. Sometimes it takes forever to lock. sometimes it locks right away. Sometimes it really ****es me off. Sometimes I really love it. I just wanna hold it, caress it, pet it and when its not looking kick the crap out of it.