GPS Receiver Upgrade - 35% Window Tint

phuz · 06-29-2008, 12:53 PM

Well, I think that my GPS Receiver finally took a spill after 6 years. It is a pretty old Deluo Serial model, and used to work pretty good, but lately it's been on the fritz.

I need a good recommendation for a receiver that has no trouble getting a signal through 35% window tint.

DodgeCummins · 06-29-2008, 01:25 PM

Unless your window tint is made out of aluminum, it shouldn't make a difference.

phuz · 07-07-2008, 08:20 PM

The GPS diagnostics & iGuidance both said 0 out of 1 or 2 satellites and would never get a fix. Today, I took the receiver out of the back window and put it outside, and it fixed to 7 satellites pretty quick. I put it back in and it kept working fine.

I wonder why that happened?!

Maheriano · 07-08-2008, 12:14 AM

Which kind of chip inside?

phuz · 07-08-2008, 07:15 AM

I honestly don't know. It is an old-school Deluo serial GPS, though.

This morning, again, on a cold acquisition, it was able to see 12 satellites in view, but would not get a fix for the entire 15 minute commute. Luckily the new one will be here Friday, and I will use this old one as my portable laptop GPS. I really hope the new one doesn't have any issues.

ViViper1 · 07-08-2008, 08:49 AM

and this is with line of sight when its inside your car?

phuz · 07-08-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ViViper1

and this is with line of sight when its inside your car?

Absolutely, it sits in the rear deck with the entire window to see out of....no obstructions, which is obvious as it now shows 12 satellites again, but won't fix onto any of them.

I don't understand why, yesterday, I was able to get a fix when I pulled it out from behind the rear window and set it on top the car, and then put it back in the car, and it still had a lock on 7 of 12 satellites while I drove around for an hour. It's acting like it doesn't really care for the cold starts anymore.

Chairboy · 07-08-2008, 01:16 PM

Do you have another GPS you can put next to it to narrow it down to an equipment versus environment issue? The thread title suggests that you believe the tint is the problem (a reasonable theory, I'm concerned about the same thing for my cell phone reception, no data yet) and having a second GPS could help focus your attention.

phuz · 07-08-2008, 01:20 PM

Unfortunately I don't, but my new USB GPS will be here on Friday morning. I don't mind buying another one since I would like to have one on hand for portable use, but if the tint is really blocking the GPS receiver from good signals, then I really have no idea where I am going to mount it.

I can't believe this is the first time this is being asked...surely others have a slightly tinted rear window and use a GPS receiver.

I also don't understand why the receiver worked completely normal for the first week that I had the tint...

Chairboy · 07-08-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by phuz

I also don't understand why the receiver worked completely normal for the first week that I had the tint...

The problem may not be the tint, the above statement seems to suggest that possibility.

phuz · 07-08-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Chairboy

The problem may not be the tint, the above statement seems to suggest that possibility.

Exactly....I'm hoping for coincidence.

The receiver is old, so....fingers crossed.

ViViper1 · 07-08-2008, 02:43 PM

yea hopefully its the receiver. i have tint on my rear hatch. my gps doesnt even have los to the sky lol. i believe i have 30% tint. i also have a spoiler blocking it and it locks on fine from cold start.

phuz · 07-08-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ViViper1

yea hopefully its the receiver. i have tint on my rear hatch. my gps doesnt even have los to the sky lol. i believe i have 30% tint. i also have a spoiler blocking it and it locks on fine from cold start.

What receiver are you using? Just in case this new deluo USB doesn't pan out like it should.