External antenna

 

Garmin lovers, any of you using external antenna?
What is the experience like? Is it worth it?
Does it give you better reception in bad places like heavy woods or indoors (in a garage)?

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The only things you regret in life are the chances you never take.

I'm curious about this

I'm curious about this also... My main concern is it's ability to withstand the weather. I have a kenwood unit KNA-G510.

I know it's not the optimum positioning but right now my antenna is mounted vertically to the rear class of my extended cab silverado. I have a tendency to "loose satalite reception" or the unit will lock up and keep moving while I'm sitting still.

So back to Etvetanov's origonal question.... is an external antenna worth it.

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Kenwood KVT-717DVD Headunit / Kenwood KNA-G510 GPS

External antenna

I use one with my Garmin C340 and love it. It is mounted in the center of my roof on my GMC Envoy, approximately over and behind where the driver sits. My XM radio antenna is mounted futher back. They are not visible by a person walking by. (Trying to prevent breakins) The reception is fantastic. Larger ground plane, less items to obstruct the antenna's view of the sky, etc. I have not done any real test to see the reception differences. In addition, using the external antenna allows me to mount my unit (C340) anywhere, which is big plus. Strongly recommend folks getting one.

I previously used one with my Lowrance GPS, and it worked fine. Moreover, I have not had any paint damage or anything from the antenna. Weather doesn't seem to phase the antenna at all. I do remove the GPS antenna at the car wash, however, leave the XM radio one on. (Its hard to reach) All positive experiences with it so far.

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Mark - Nuvi 265T NUVI 50LM

Used one with my old StreetPilot 2620

I used an external antenna with my retired StreetPilot 2620 and did not actually mount it outside the car. It was a very small magnetic mount antenna; I had it suction-cup mounted toward the far side of my dash board. I bought it when I had issues picking up birds in bad weather and it markedly improved reception under those conditions. If anyone has seen the small magnetic mount antenna that typically comes with satellite radio car kits, it looks very similar to that.

Although, I must add that newer GPSr units that have a chipset such as the SirfStar III are ultra-sensitive and most likely would not require an external antenna. I am able to get reception on my Nuvi 660 sitting in middle of my living room, whereas I had to be near a window with my SP2620.

External antenna hardly needed now

I found an external antenna for my StreetPilot was a necessity in urban driving. I have hooked it up to my nüvi and the antenna does get better reception. However, the SIRF-III chip does such a good job I don't bother with an external antenna anymore. I now just keep it in the glove compartment in case I find myself in a challenging location.

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Brent - DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

Long trip

brentrn wrote:

I found an external antenna for my StreetPilot was a necessity in urban driving. I have hooked it up to my nüvi and the antenna does get better reception. However, the SIRF-III chip does such a good job I don't bother with an external antenna anymore. I now just keep it in the glove compartment in case I find myself in a challenging location.

I use it on a long trip to make sure I always get stable signal especially when drive thru New York.