Buying a Garmin i3

PaulMack · Occasional Visitor Joined: Mar 11, 2006 Posts: 1

Hi, I have bought a Garmin i3 and awaiting delivery, is the internal antenna as bad as the reviews claim? some said that an external antenna was needed. I live near to Leeds, is the reception ok in that area without the external antenna

bumpkin · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 1:17 am Post subject:

If you have one of the thermic reflective windscreen (or whatever they're called) you might have problems and need to get an external antenna. However, some i3 users with these windscreen types have managed OK by astute placement of the unit.

The fact that you live near Leeds should have no bearing on reception as the i3 uses a network of geo-stationary satellites that theoretically give global coverage. However, reception in areas with tall buildings/trees etc. that block a fair proportion of the sky will in all likely-hood have a detrimental effect on reception.
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Chas
Garmin i3, Quest & StreetPilot 2720 with GTM10

Aitch2 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:31 am Post subject:

Personally, I regularly get 4/5 bars signal with the internal aerial alone (might have something to do with my Smart having a glass roof Laughing

), but you can get an external aerial on eBay for £15 delivered (anything with an MCX connector) - so it's no real issue anyhow... 8)

Enjoy your i3.

Aitch
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Find Somewhere Else 090407: www.marillion.com

Aitch2 · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 9:38 am Post subject:

Like this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5877804862

Aitch
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Find Somewhere Else 090407: www.marillion.com

Scoobydooby · Regular Visitor Joined: Feb 19, 2006 Posts: 104

Or this one from Maplins.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=A47FH&DOY=12m3

I would try the i3 on its own first, before rushing out to buy an external aerial

Scoobs
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Tom Tom Go 510 (new model)

I'd be lost without it !!

2carkev · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject:

Paul, don't waste your money on external aerials unless you really need too. I have been using the i3 almost every day throughout Britain since Oct and have had no problems. I always place the unit on the right hand side of the windscreen so it is closer to the centre of the road and furthest away from buildings etc. that may block the signal. as bumpkin said, it's only if you have a car with a certain type of windscreen that you might experience problems.

gonor · Posted: Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject:

I have I3 and external aerial. Been to London, Scotland , Wales and all points in between. Have never yet had to use the external aerial.
As has been said before, it does depend upon whether you have a normal screen, a heated screen or the blue screen of death.

Try it on it's own for a while and see what the Bobby is.

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