Does a simple magnetic base help reception?

nappyjim · 02-14-2005, 03:17 PM

Does a simple magnetic base help reception? Cause when I have it on my roof, i can lock 6 signals within seconds. But then when I move it to the EXACT same spot, except under the windsheild, it drops to 4 and goes between 3 and 4 locks.

Another question, does WAAS really improve accuracy? Im not quite sure exactlyt what WAAS does, but the mouse I have does not have WAAS and im wondering if that is my problem. Cause like when i enter a destination in iguidance, it will show the bullseye, but when I actually get to the spot, the bullseye is still a good ways to go according to my map. Just wondering if getting a WAAS enabled mouse is worth it.

god_of_cpu · 02-14-2005, 03:23 PM

I believe you experience better reception with satellite recievers placed on the car itself not because the mouse is magnetic, but because when you place it on a large steel plate, i.e. your car, it acts a dish improving reception.

Yes WAAS can improve accuracy significantly if it is enabled and you recieve a WAAS signal. It works by using ground based stations in addition to satellites.

Bobby Digital · 02-14-2005, 03:29 PM

Also, when you have it inside the car under the glass, the glass is reflecting some of the signal. This combined with the ground plane effect described above is the reason for the reduction of signal inside the car vs. on the roof.

scott_fx · 02-14-2005, 03:31 PM

i think it has something more to do with field shaping rather then your car acting like a 'dish'

nappyjim · 02-14-2005, 03:38 PM

You say when WAAS is enabled. If i bought a mouse such as the Rikaline 6010 which has WAAS, are there steps I need to follow in order to enable to WAAS, or is it default enabled?

Bobby Digital · 02-14-2005, 03:57 PM

as I understand it (might be wrong) the mouse is sending the WAAS signals all the time and it is up to the software to use or disregard the information...

ITL · 03-08-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Bobby Digital

as I understand it (might be wrong) the mouse is sending the WAAS signals all the time and it is up to the software to use or disregard the information...

good stuff...

I just bought the 6010. Thanks for the info...
Took the damned thing apart and couldn't find a (watch) battery...hmmmmm

Engram · 03-08-2005, 02:16 PM

No, a magnetic base does not help reception. F**k knows why people think it does.

The magnet is there so you can mount it to the roof of the car. No other reason.

carpcnoobie · 03-09-2005, 06:30 AM

Check this thread out...

http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...ghlight=magnet

zeit00 · 03-09-2005, 06:47 AM

Most new cars have some sort of tint in the windsheild which contains small amounts of metal as well.. That is why putting a radar detector on the tint part of a windshield reduces its effectiveness..