Which is the best OEM GPS board? USB or Serial?

[mrdeep2001]

Would something like this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Holux-GR-213-USB...QQcmdZViewItem

[2k1Toaster]

Quote: Originally Posted by mrdeep2001

Would something like this work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Holux-GR-213-USB...QQcmdZViewItem

I think you are missing the point. The OEM is reffering to just the receiver such as this: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/pro...oducts_id=8266

Notice just the receiver. No USB controller, no enclosure, no antenna.

What you posted is just a regular gps puck. Yes it will work, but not the entire point of this thread.

[bimmerman]

How did you have the GPS mounted? I know my Hollux got crappy reception some times, then I realized I didnt have it mounted on a good ground plane. I stuck it to a section of steel and everything started working perfectly... I don't see how an OEM would do any better unless you are adding external Active antennas etc... which you can do w/ some cheapo's anyway.

[RedGTiVR6]

who are you talking to bimmerman?

[bimmerman]

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

who are you talking to bimmerman?

The original poster who gets bad reception w/ their mouse GPS's. -- c5ho

[hmonay]

Quote: Originally Posted by c5ho

Is it this model antenna that you use:
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Code=COM%2D008

Does this antenna connect directly to the antenna outlet on the ET301 or is there an converter cable that is required? Thanks.

yeah im wondering where u got the converter cable

[RedGTiVR6]

There's no converter CABLE needed. Just an adapter.

Search for the following: FME male to SMA male

Found that by looking at the connection type on each item.

[c5ho]

Hmmm...perhaps I will do some more testing with my mouse GPS module. Hey bimmerman, when you say you mounted it to a flat ground steel, was it under the hood then or still in the cabin?

Also, can someone point me to a USB mouse GPS that accepts external antennas? I have the Holux GR213. Can that be modified to accept an external antenna?

Thanks!

[bimmerman]

Quote: Originally Posted by c5ho

Hmmm...perhaps I will do some more testing with my mouse GPS module. Hey bimmerman, when you say you mounted it to a flat ground steel, was it under the hood then or still in the cabin?

Personally I placed it underneath the fabric that separates the trunk and the main cabin (below the rear window). In my Audi there is a large metal sheet with holes in it. I passed my gps thru there from the trunk and magnetically stuck it to a good clean flat piece (make sure there is no sound deadoning material). From here it was completely hidden, even from the trunk and it still had good reception.

Of course the easiest way to test would be to mount it exactly in the middle of your roof or trunk outside the car. This will give you the best possible ground plane and then you can begin moving it to "easier" places and watch the performance. If it still hasnt improved, then you need to start looking to other problems. It will at least give you an idea of whether it is a ground plane issue or something else.