TomTom wired GPS - erratic satellite reception

[Erintech]

I have the TomTom wired GPS, the rebadged Leadtek 9533.

It generally receives 6 or 7 satellites (a bit worse than the BT version which seemed normally to get 8 satellites. But I sent that back because the BT connection was so awkward to manage)

But sometimes it plummets to 2 or so satellites, or even loses reception altogether, ** in open countryside. **

The GPS is pushed as forward under the windscreen as possible, and has a clear view of the sky

Even stranger, these last two mornings it is suddenly (sometimes) receiving 9, 10 or 11 satellites! - something I've never noticed over the previous 4 weeks...

Is this very erratic reception normal (atmosperic conditions...) or is it likely that I have a faulty unit?

(btw TomTom seem to ignore my email on the subject. Not impressed with them... Reminders get bounced, even though I've double-checked the address. It seems you have to use their web form, not ordinary email)

[Dave]

Yes, it is normal. YOu will see the GPS jump around a lot, sometimes some weeks can be worse, it's all due to ionosphere activity.

If you had a fault I would expect you would experience the same problem all the time.

I suspect if you had the BT GPS in the same car on another Pocket PC you would be exhibiting the same problem. I can run 2 or 3 in-car at anyone time, and it's refreshing to see when I@m reviewing hardware that when a receiver does perform badly, most of the time it's localised interference or ionosphere, or rebounded signals and not the unit itself causing the problem.

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!