| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
dvhttn
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2006
Posts: 10
|
 Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 10:23 am Post subject: Streetpilot i3 external antenna position - the Maplins one. |
 |
|
Hi,
Just going to pick up an external antenna from Maplins - the one at http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?detail=full&ModuleNo=48721&doy=2m2#more_info . From the description it's not clear exactly how it fits to the car. I was hoping I could fit it to the inside of the screen behind the rear view mirror (normal screen - not heated or anything). Anyone got one who could advise?
Thanks in advance - though it may become clear once I have it in my hands!
Thanks.
_________________
Dave
Carpe diem ....... |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
hodgy
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Jul 01, 2006
Posts: 11
Location: Ashfield
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 11:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
Hi,
The base of the antenna is magnetic - although it also has four tiny pads in the corners so it doesn't scratch anything you put it on.
If you want to use is on your rear view you may need to use some double sided tape perhaps - i'm not really sure.
I routed mine behind the dashboard then under the carpet and up through the rear seats into the boot and then up to the rear of the roof top.
Sorry i couldn't give you specific help regarding fitting to the rear view mirror 
Matt |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mikealder
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005
Posts: 19638
Location: Blackpool , Lancs
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| While you are at Maplins get some of These - velcro fasteners, very easy to use and allows quick removal of the aerial should you want to - Mike |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
BigAl94
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Mar 10, 2006
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 2:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Mine works well on the rear parcel shelf of a Citroen C5 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PaulB2005
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 04, 2006
Posts: 9323
Location: Durham, UK
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 4:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Mines stuck to my rear view mirror with double sided sticky tape. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dvhttn
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2006
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Ta for the replies. Velcro'd it to the rear view mirror - tested it BEFORE I tucked the wiring away .... works a treat!
Thanks.
_________________
Dave
Carpe diem ....... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dvhttn
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2006
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 8:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hmmm. My rear view mirror is one of those that compensates for dazzle automatically, so no need to alter it after dark. Can't remember what they're called .... anyhow, I think the magnets from the aerial are affecting it as there is now a dark patch about where the aerial is.
The question therefore is, does the aerial still work if I stick it to the windscreen? That is, it'll be 'facing' the wrong way. i.e. into the car. Or does it not matter?
Thanks in advance!
_________________
Dave
Carpe diem ....... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mikealder
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 14, 2005
Posts: 19638
Location: Blackpool , Lancs
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Velcro it to the windscreen facing outwards behind the rearview mirror, the logic being the glass and velcro offers less resistance to the signals than the glass and magnet if you put it the "other way" around.
It needs to be in the position behind the mirror to avoid the athermic coating on the screen if the vehicle is equipped with this.
If not you can mount the external aerial anywhere you like, although is it really giving you that much signal boost over and above the inbuilt unit? - Mike |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dvhttn
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2006
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| mikealder wrote: |
If not you can mount the external aerial anywhere you like, although is it really giving you that much signal boost over and above the inbuilt unit? - Mike |
It is because of where I have to mount the unit, low down. Easily loses signal. I also stuck the external aerial in as a) it was cheap (a tenner) and b) I was wiring in a microphone for a hands free kit anyway. 2 birds with one stone and all that ...
Thanks!
_________________
Dave
Carpe diem ....... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PaulB2005
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 04, 2006
Posts: 9323
Location: Durham, UK
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | Velcro it to the windscreen |
I thought the antenna had to be level? | Quote: | | http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=39745&highlight=antenna |
I got all sorts of funny behaviour when mine wasn't mounted level. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dvhttn
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Aug 13, 2006
Posts: 10
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 8:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| PaulB2005 wrote: | | Quote: | | Velcro it to the windscreen |
I thought the antenna had to be level? | Quote: | | http://www.pocketgpsworld.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=39745&highlight=antenna |
I got all sorts of funny behaviour when mine wasn't mounted level. |
What happens when you go uphill ... ? :D
_________________
Dave
Carpe diem ....... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PaulB2005
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 04, 2006
Posts: 9323
Location: Durham, UK
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I drive a Renault Megane with a 1.4 engine - therefore i avoid going up hill at all costs....  
Seriously though i i don't think the comparatively slight angle of a hill affects it as much as the steep rake of the windscreen... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
erniesone
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 41
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
dvhttn
| Quote: | | anyhow, I think the magnets from the aerial are affecting it as there is now a dark patch about where the aerial is. |
If you use Velcro can you not remove the magnets. I do not know the Maplin receiver but normally the magnet is just behind a thin plastic sheet.
However, to get the receiver right next to the glass (UV windscreen) for best sky view, I constructed a little fibregass frame on the mirror base. Painted black it looks OK and the receiver is within half an inch of the glass. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
erniesone
Occasional Visitor
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 41
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 12:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
PaulB2005
| Quote: | | Seriously though i i don't think the comparatively slight angle of a hill affects it as much as the steep rake of the windscreen... |
With a normal windscreen it is likely best to have the receiver flat. However, those of us who ''suffer'' with the UV screen need all the help we can get and ''pointing'' the receiver at the bit of sky available seems to work. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
PaulB2005
Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: Jan 04, 2006
Posts: 9323
Location: Durham, UK
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2007 1:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: | | With a normal windscreen it is likely best to have the receiver flat. However, those of us who ''suffer'' with the UV screen need all the help we can get and ''pointing'' the receiver at the bit of sky available seems to work. |
As stated before I also "suffer" with a UV screen and find flat works best. When at an angle the sat nav goes haywire showing me moving when i'm not and carrying on along roads i'm not on. YMMD.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
![]() Posted: Today Post subject: Pocket GPS Advertising |
|
|
We see you’re using an ad-blocker. We’re fine with that and won’t stop you visiting the site.
Have you considered making a donation towards website running costs?. Or you could disable your ad-blocker for this site. We think you’ll find our adverts are not overbearing!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in for private messages
Log in
