Garmin GPS-antenna needed???

[GARY MINKER]

Heavilly metalized mylar film glass or metalized tint glass is fatal to GPS and all other wireless signals. If you are heavilly tinted, that is likely a problem --- On Wed, 12/24/08, Pete Masterson wrote: From: Pete Masterson Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Garmin GPS-antenna needed??? To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, December 24, 2008, 2:19 PM All GPS units will be affected somewhat by the steel of the coach body. If the GPS is place in the dash board area, then it will see the satellites outside the glass, but may not be able to receive a clear signal from those behind the field of view blocked by the coach body. I use an external GPS antenna with a magnetic base placed on the metal housing where the radar detector once was mounted. This is high up on the windshield (behind the dark tint). My GPS usually reports receiving 4 or more satellites with the antenna located there. It is very slow in finding satellites when the external antenna is not used in the coach. Note that I did not have to drill through to mount the antenna outside -- but that would have been the next step, if it was necessary. The GPS works OK in my car without the external antenna -- but it sometimes needs to be placed on the dash board to get its initial fix -- then I move it to the console between the seats where it's less likely to slide off onto the floor. (California law does not permit using the suction-cup mount on a windshield.) I also note that I use an external antenna for my Verizon "Air Card" modem. Usually, I get an acceptable signal with the antenna placed in one of the side windows (inside) -- but sometimes, I must place the antenna outside on the side of the coach. (I just open the window and reach out, sticking the magnetic base to the side of the coach.) In really poor reception areas, I need to place the antenna on the roof. Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale) <http://www.aeonix. biz/BBforsale. html> El Sobrante CA "aeonix1@mac.com" On Dec 24, 2008, at 10:28 AM, Scott Forman wrote: Does a Garmin GPS unit need an external antenna to get a signal inside a 'Bird? I tried an Audiovox unit once, and it could not get a good signal through the steel. What's the word on this? Scott Forman 86 PT38 Memphis