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makushin
Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 27 City/Region: Juneau, AK
State or Province: AK
C-Dory Year: 1995
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Becka Dee
Photos: Becka Dee
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:31 pm Post subject: Is external GPS antenna needed? |
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I'm thinking about getting the new Garmin 178C plotter/sounder which comes in either internal or external antenna models.
Has anyone had the need for an external antenna? I would prefer to go with the internal antenna as it requires less wiring.
I get great reception with a handheld in my 16CD but will soon have a 22 CD and am not sure if dash mounted electronics would be obstructed from a view of the sky. |
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Da Nag
Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 2819 City/Region: Port Angeles
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 16 Angler
Vessel Name: Taco
Photos: <a>Da Boats</a>
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:48 pm Post subject: |
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My experience has been that portable GPS units work fine sitting on the dash - they don't need to have a line of site through the window, the satellite signal works through fiberglass. I never have a problem getting an excellent lock with my 76C sitting in a bean bag mount on the helm dash. Others have reported the internal antenna marine Garmin units work fine as well.
Same can be said for XM satellite radio signals - in fact, I stuck my XM antenna on top of the shelf, and it has zero line of site through a window. Works great. _________________ Will, C-Brat Nerd |
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Sneaks
Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Posts: 2020 City/Region: San Diego (Encinitas)
State or Province: CA
C-Dory Year: 1993
C-Dory Model: 16 Angler
Vessel Name: C-Brat
Photos: Jenny B and C-Brat
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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I agree with Bill. My GPS plotter has an external antenna but I've mounted it inside on the shelf above the helm. No real difference in lock time. My handheld locks just as fast sitting on the top. _________________ Mary & Don Anderson
Brat #483
"Jenny B" 2005 C-22/F75 sold, Oct. 2008
"C-Brat" 1993 C-16 angler/50 hp |
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Pat Anderson
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 8553 City/Region: Birch Bay, WA
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Daydream
Photos: Daydream and Crabby Lou
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Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2005 11:01 pm Post subject: Re: Is external GPS antenna needed? |
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Our backup GPS is a Garmin GPSMAP 76 - it works great with no external antenna. I agree with the other responses, I really think the internal antenna will work just fine through the fiberglass roof...
makushin wrote: |
Has anyone had the need for an external antenna? I would prefer to go with the internal antenna as it requires less wiring.
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_________________
DAYDREAM - CD25 Cruiser
CRABBY LOU - CD16 Angler (sold 2020)
Pat & Patty Anderson, C-Brat #62!
http://daydreamsloop.blogspot.com
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