Cant get good GPS signal in car.

Ricky327 · 09-09-2003, 09:33 PM

I got this problem in getting a good signal in the car. I guess this has been asked before but I am stuck.

My car have a front heated windscreen. I tried to mount the GPS on the dash but the windscreen element is acting as a GPS shield. On the parcel shelf is fine but I do need to take it off from time to time whenever I need a bigger boot space...taking the parcel shelf means no GPS. Not sure if I wanna mount the GPS outside the car, its waterpoof, its is alittle bit bigger than most...its a Garmin GPS16.

I cant find any other place where theres no metal shield. I sometimes stick the GPS out of the sunroof, best place only when its not raining

Where do you guys mount your GPS? Anyone done external mount for ultimate receptions?

Thanks

hijinks21 · 09-09-2003, 10:07 PM

mine is either right in my front windshield.. where the dash meets the window and also on the rear window.

Alanh · 09-09-2003, 10:19 PM

I've got the same GPS. I had the same poor reception with a handheld GPS on the dash. Much better with the GPS on the roof. For PC moving-map or navigation software "dumb" units like the GPS 16 are nice; apply power and its going - no fiddling with the switches on the handheld.

I don't have any pics, but I made a bracket to mount the GPS to the factory roof-rack crosspieces on my 4Runner. Its not real stealthy though - I made a cover out of a white 4 inch PVC plumbing pipe cap. I got paranoid about how waterproof it was, and if it would get too hot in the sun since its black.

Running the wires is the biggest challenge. I've temporarily run the wires through the back hatch. There's enough room to not pinch the wire at the top when you open it up so I ran the wires down along the gasket and inside at the bottom. (kind of hard to explain, but hopefully you get the idea - you don't see much of the wire) I'm told others have run wires on the 4Runners by taking off one of the end caps for the factory rack rails and using a hole under there. I'm still debating that one. Seems like improvisation is the rule here as every vehicle is a different challenge. Since I usually use it only driving out in the woods, I'm thinking of adding a weatherproof connector so I can just take the GPS completely off if I want to and leave the wire in place.

Ricky327 · 09-09-2003, 10:44 PM

Thanks for the reply.

I have thought about cutting a big hole on my roof spoiler, but that can weaken the structure of it. The GPS 16 is also quite thick so thats already abit of a problem to find a suitable place for it. Another idea was to cut a hole on the roof, then flush mount a plastic cover. The GPS unit is then placed under the cover in between the roof head lining and the metal roof. They are abit too drastic so I guess I wont do it that way.

My other solutions is to find one of those fin looking GPS unit that can be mounted on the roof by means of strong rubbery glue. Maybe I can just replace my whole windscreen with the one without heater elements as I dont even use it that much...can be useful during winter though.

Freeman · 09-09-2003, 11:36 PM

"They are abit too drastic so I guess I wont do it that way."

Lucky u said that, as i was reading i was thinking to myself is this guy crazy... Id rather go without GPS than cutting into my Roof.

but u could always get a sunroof and have it sitting under the glass...

Ricky327 · 09-09-2003, 11:40 PM

LOL...i havent gone completely mp3car mad yet.

My sunroof have some metal sheilding too...like a very fine mesh. Not much signal there either.

Seraph · 09-09-2003, 11:58 PM

What kind of car do you have?

I have a Subaru SVX and those came with titanium coated windshields so I have to put my reciever by my window. It could be the hidden coating that is in your windshield. Also, some window tints have metal coating too. Watch out for those. The best way in your case might be to get yourself an antenna and extend the range that way.

Lwin

Ricky327 · 09-10-2003, 12:12 AM

Thanks for the reply.

My car is a Ford XR2i...not sure of they have that in US.

The windscreen have a very fine embedded heating element running down the screen used for defrosting. It is hard to see until you look close enough.

Yes my car do have a very slight tints as factory fitted, I dont think thats metal coated though.

I might have to buy a new car to get my car pc fitted in...LOL. Already thinking of getting a Ford Puma Racing ony 500 were made

w3aok · 01-29-2004, 10:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Ricky327

I got this problem in getting a good signal in the car. I guess this has been asked before but I am stuck.

My car have a front heated windscreen. I tried to mount the GPS on the dash but the windscreen element is acting as a GPS shield. On the parcel shelf is fine but I do need to take it off from time to time whenever I need a bigger boot space...taking the parcel shelf means no GPS. Not sure if I wanna mount the GPS outside the car, its waterpoof, its is alittle bit bigger than most...its a Garmin GPS16.

I cant find any other place where theres no metal shield. I sometimes stick the GPS out of the sunroof, best place only when its not raining

Where do you guys mount your GPS? Anyone done external mount for ultimate receptions?

Thanks

Any non-metal area will work ( inside taillights, turnsignals, under rubber bumper cover, fiberglass fender extension.) but external antenna center of roof is best
I put my tripmate under the plastic cowl (between hood and windshield).
It still works fine after over two years there.
Just be sure to pick a spot that clears the wiper linkage.