Steve James

Not sure if this is a stupid question but...

I have a compact flash GPS receiver with CoPilot external antenna. Does it matter which way (orientation) the CoPilot antenna is mounted on the roof of the car for the compass reading? I've tried rotating it when stationary but the bearing doesn't seem to be that accurate.

The GPS receiver itself cannot pick up any signals within the car due to tinted windows.

Cheers

Steve

wildcat

it doesnt matter which way its facing cause the reciever tracks the movement not facing direction

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Wildcat aka Scott
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Technical Operations
ESPN

Steve James

Thx fot the info wildcat

Cheers

Steve

Richard Levy

Steve,

Tinted window here also. Would you mind describing how you route the antenna connection? It seems that it would be a real hassle. Do you re-attach everytime you use the car?

Thanks, Richard

wildcat

for me i stick it out the sun roof and gentle close it on the wire. BUt you culd also go out the door with it as well

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Wildcat aka Scott
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Technical Operations
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Steve James

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard Levy Steve, Tinted window here also. Would you mind describing how you route the antenna connection? It seems that it would be a real hassle. Do you re-attach everytime you use the car? Thanks, Richard

Richard,

I've got my Axim on an Arkon cradle which is attached to the airvent near the driver's door. I then route the antenna out of the window and stick it on the roof. The window hasn't got a metal surround and the glass butts up against the rubber seal when closed. It doesn't seem to do any damage to the cable. However, I only use the satnav if I don't know where I'm going or am unfamiliar with the route for the spead camera info.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Steve

Richard Levy

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the info. Roughly how big is the cable diameter, say compared to a drinking straw?

Also, if you wouldn't mind, what make and year car do you have? Mine is an '02 Saab and I've never actually tried GPS reception in the car. My toll booth (EZPASS) tags don't work inside the car so I'm expecting the worst.

Richard

Steve James

Hi Richard,

The cable is about 2.5mm diameter on the CoPilot antenna compared with a straw which is about 5mm. On average, I get a fix on 6-7 satellites with it which is more than with my PocketTrack CF card on its own. The cable is pretty flexible and seems durable.

I've got an '03 Hyundai Coupe. I only picked it up a few weeks ago. I didn't realise that the GPS wouldn't lock in it until I got lost the other day in Southampton. I ended up driving with my Aixm held out of the window whilst steering and changing gear with one hand!

Cheers

Steve

Richard Levy

Hi Steve,

That's good news about the cable diameter, not too bad.

Let me guess. You were travelling the back roads because Rte. 27 is always at a standstill in season.

I just pulled the trigger on an Emtac Bluetooth with TomTom software. The salesman at Transplant Computing, while making no promises, said his (Emtac) acquired 4-6 sat's from inside his glove compartment!

There is hope! (But I ordered the external antenna just in case).

I'll certainly let you know if it works.

Richard