Grrr! why wont my gps lock?

[H]Bugster · 02-07-2004, 05:05 AM

I have the earthmate and i recently installed my truckpc. I have the gps hooked on to a powered usbhub, and since i have a truck...the gps is mounted on the rear window right behind the driver. The rear window is tinted though, would that be a problem?

But, i even tested the gps by putting it outside the window since i have a sliding window in the back. And i still dont get a lock. Anyone know why? I'm using StreetAtlas2004 by the way.

fluffy2097 · 02-07-2004, 09:55 AM

Some tints will block GPS signal. Other reasons for not getting a lock could be close proximity to a strong radio signal (Cell phone tower, AM/FM radio transmitter.) I've even found that heavy tree cover can cause difficulty locking. Try testing again in a different location to rule out it being your environment.

bjm2020 · 02-07-2004, 11:51 AM

It took my deluo gps about a half hour to lock the first time. I contacted deluo about it and they said that it is because when you first use it or when you don't use it for a long period of time it takes a little while to get the information from the satellites.

Laidback · 02-07-2004, 11:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bjm2020

It took my deluo gps about a half hour to lock the first time.

it takes a little while to get the information from the satellites.

A little while - half an hour!! That's ridiculous!

GinoRP · 02-07-2004, 12:06 PM

It could take that long to get your first lock. He's right. Also, the back window is a bad location for a pick up truck because there is no angle. The requirement for the Delorme GPS is flat on it's back with a clear view of the open sky. Try this: Place it on your roof while parked in a cleared area. Start the GPS and wait. Don't interfere with it until it locks. In the Delorme GPS tab, you can watch the progress of the satelite signals. If the status isn't even flashing, there could be a settings or driver problem.

Happy hunting!

GinoRP

GinoRP · 02-07-2004, 12:08 PM

Oh, Mine is located on the front dash. I have the older Earthmate, but I put it in a special project case and removed the battery compartment.

[H]Bugster · 02-07-2004, 03:28 PM

ok, i'll give it try and give it some time to lock.

BoraXP · 02-07-2004, 04:07 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by [H]Bugster

ok, i'll give it try and give it some time to lock.

try the windshield
more "straight up" view of the sky

[H]Bugster · 02-07-2004, 08:00 PM

Ok, i re-located the gps to the windshild of the truck and now it works. Sucks, i dont want the gps in plain view like that. But oh well.

divinity · 02-07-2004, 08:05 PM

I busted out my old delorme earthmate recently for the car. It was having a hard time locking until I velcroed it to my front dash with a nice clear view. Then it recognized 3 additional sattelites (for a total of 6 or 7) and was able to lock onto 3 of them and turn green.

I'd try the roof thing, or the front dashboard for more day2day usage

lars46 · 02-08-2004, 05:24 AM

I have my GPS mounted on the dash. Just add a little paint to it to help it hide.

Zippo · 02-09-2004, 04:27 AM

Metalic based tints block GPS signals...

wi77iam · 02-09-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by bjm2020

It took my deluo gps about a half hour to lock the first time. I contacted deluo about it and they said that it is because when you first use it or when you don't use it for a long period of time it takes a little while to get the information from the satellites.

You can also help the time to first lock-on by entering your current lat/long, if you know it, before you start the gps. Even entering just the whole degrees of lat and long will help the satellites find your position. I believe Street Atlas remembers the last fix lat/long it had, so it will lock on quicker the next time you start it