External Antenna for Nuvi
Sun, 01/18/2009 - 12:30pm
 |
 17 years
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Does anyone use an external antenna on their Nuvi? If so, was it worth the money. I read an article that coated windows on vehicles can reduce signal strength..
especially at start up.
Did You See?
Have you read the posts at this node:
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold
I was at CES last week, and
I was at CES last week, and bought a Gilsson external antenna. On the drive home it worked fantastic. So I recommend you buy one if you need one.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/21626 - red light cameras do not work
Yes, but
If your GPS is on the top of the dashboard with a clear skyview you probably don't need a remote antenna. However, if you've installed the GPS someplace else, like a center console box or other location where the dash and roof are in the way you may see a huge benefit both in accuracy and initial satellite acquisition.
The test would be if your GPS ever tells you it's lost satellites while driving a remote antenna is definitely a good idea. If you always have a lock then don't bother.
Cheers
Garmin GPS III, GPS V, StreetPilot 2610, Mobile 10, Nuvi 660, Nuvi 760
Using External Antnea
I use the external antena while flying and Amtrak travel. In my car I don't seem to have to use it.
May try it in downtown Chicago and NYC, to see if it improves the tall building loss of signal.
"Those that stop and smell the roses, must realize that once in awhile you may get a whiff of fertilizer."..copyright:HDHannah1986 -Mercedes GPS - UCONNECT 430N Chrysler T&C - Nuvi 2598- Nuni2555 - Nuvi855 - Nuvi295W - Nuvi 750 - Ique 3600
Yes on 755T
Being in NYC, I use it.
During my first week with the 755T w/o the external I have lost signal a few times when I was stuck between sky scrapers in downtown as well as travelling in the inner lower level roadways of bridges. It has not happened to me once with the external antenna.
From my experience, it only helps in term of keeping lock on the satellite, but it does not improve accuracy when you are at a standstill where you can be 50-100 feet off in actual physical location.
jc
It was mandatory for my
It was mandatory for my Streetpilot 2610, even when affixed to the dashboard. When I got the Nuvi 660, I found that I didn't need it, that the 660 actually kept locked to the birds better than the 2610 with the external antenna.
I always lost the sats on the lower level of the GW Bridge between NY and NJ with the 2610 and external antenna but keep locked with the 660 on the dash without an external antenna.
Even in the canyons of NYC, the unassisted 660 on the dash performs better than the older 2610 with the antenna on the roof.
Maps -> Wife -> Garmin 12XL -> StreetPilot 2610 -> Nuvi 660 (blown speaker) -> Nuvi 3790LMT
Nice product, though I hate
Nice product, though I hate spending the extra $$$ to get reception for a "hidden" Garmin.
"Hidden" antenna works fine
I have a 760 with the internal antenna and have no trouble with it. I have an external antenna for it that is permanently mounted to the top of my truck, and I do notice a difference, but only when under an overpass or in a parking garage.
I just cam back from a trip to California and used the Nuvi without an external antenna and it did great, even in long tunnels. The antenna that pops up is useless in my opinion and just gets in the way.
You will be fine wothout buying an antenna.
Windshield block
In 2003, I took a StreetPilot III with me to Europe for use in a rental car. I discovered that the windshield had a layer that blocked the GPS from getting a signal. It would only work if I taped it to the side window. The voice guidance saved the day.