Experience with Portable GPS Units?

[fwernlein]

I use both a hand held GPS and a GPS enabled laptop:

The handheld at times must be moved/held near the front or side
windows to get a sky view that has good sat signal. Just sitting on
the console on my FC, about 30 inches from the windshield and about
40 inches from either side window up front, I get about a 50%
tracking rate.

The laptop has a antenna that is on a cable. 95% of the time, I have
good GPS tracking when this antenna pad is stuck on a square of
velcro right on the top of the upper dash. This is about 6" from
the front glass, and about 15" from the drivers side glass. I get
about the same 95% when I stick the antenna on the front side of
interior rear view mirror.

If I were looking at a semi-fixed type mount GPS, i would try to
pick one that at least offered the option of a remote mount antenna,
and place a couple of velcro pads around the front dash area. But
if i had to guess...a high mounted front of the dash mount would
likely see similar results to my current laptop system.

Frank W.
85FC33
Woodbridge, VA.

>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gerhardwilliams"
> wrote:
> >
> > I am contemplating purchase of a "portable" GPS unit for use in
our
> coach. I am concerned as
> > to whether or not it will operate inside our steel "skin" and
with
> our straight up and down
> > windows. The unit picks up the satellite from the rear of the
GPS
> receiver. I can not try it
> > first, as sellers will not allow return if unsuccessful. Thus, I
> ask the forum if you have any
> > experience? Thanks, Gery Williams, Lady LeeAnn, 2000LXI,
Savannah,
> Georgia
> >
>