External Aerial for GPS

[Cadence]

G'day all,

This is my first post here and I'd like to say a big hello to all of you.

I'm sorry for launching into Q&A without settling in but promise to
feedback much info from my next adventure.  I guess what I'm saying
is I promise to make it up with some quality content.  

Q: Does anyone here have experience with GPS arials?  I'm cycling
through Europe this summer with a Garmin Nuvi 670 and Gilsson
Technologies High Performance 55dB MCX GPS Antenna.  I'm trying to
source information for the best way to configure the antenna to the
bike frame for max performance. Secondly, are there any risks of
spending 3 months sitting on an arial?  :quest:  I don't want to come
home with a thrid testicle if you catch my drift. Any ideas?

Cheers!

Live Now, Reflect later!

[FredHiltz]

Hi Cadence,

You probably will not need an external antenna. I cycle a lot with a Garmin 60CS and find it receives enough satellites for good position fixes with its built-in antenna when mounted on my handlebar. Give yours a try before spending a lot of time wiring up an external antenna.

I use that same Gilsson antenna when hiking, mounted in a loop of Velcro on my hat where it has a clear view of the whole sky. Our bodies indeed block GPS signals completely. My receiver does not perform well when in a shirt pocket.

On the bike, my body blocks about 1/4 of the sky. I rarely lose enough signals to prevent a position fix; perhaps for ten minutes at most in 30 days of cycling.

I have never seen a bike-mounted remote antenna, but would first consider putting it at the back of the rear rack, facing up for best view of the whole sky.

The Nuvi is a deluxe receiver. I'd love to have one in my car. It is less rugged than the hand-held units and the motorcycle units, though. What sort of mount have you planned to reduce vibration and bumps?

Fred

[Cadence]

Thanks Fred,

I'm using a RAM mount however I don't expect the GPS to be on most of
the time as I intend running it as little as possible.  So it will be secured in
the bike box.  I'd use my Garmin Rino 530 but theres not enough memory
for my trip which covers about 2500 km across Europe.  I'm actually
tracking the journey with a Garmin Edge 205 and filling in the dropout
periods with a Cateye Astrale.  The Nuvi is a nice unit but yes,  it's
definately not rugged.

Live Now, Reflect later!

[FredHiltz]

My, what a high-tech bike! I think I detect a fellow engineer here.

The RAM mounts are excellent. I have used two on different bikes; absolutely bomb-proof, although too heavy for the weight fanatics.

Have a great trip.

Fred

[boonebikeguy]

shucks..I have map!!! me simple.

"Love is a river where crazy people drown"--Kyrgyz proverb

[ptaylor]

LOL @ boonebikeguy!

Paul