| Ron Hunter 2006-05-22, 11:48 pm |
| Mike S. wrote:
> reception
>
> I'm not familiar with that particular unit, but it sounds like the guys who
> did your
> installation took a serious shortcut by installing the antenna on the dash
> (which
> I'll be is conveniently close to the unit itself, thus reducing the amount
> of work
> they had to do).
>
> The factory GPS units I've seen all have an antenna located on the roof or
> top
> of the trunk (like the XM/Sirius antennae). This would give the unit a full
> view
> of the sky to "see" as many satellites as possible, which is desireable as
> you
> theorized.
>
> You might look up the specs on that antenna (and try to the the owner's
> manual
> with installation instructions, or the installation manual itself) and see
> what they
> recommend for antenna placement. This would not be the first time that I've
> heard of car stereo installers doing a less-than-adequate job even though
> it's
> their job.
>
> Mike
>
>
There is really little gain to be had between getting 5 and 8 satellites
at once. The gain in accuracy is pretty much theoretical, rather than
practical. Of course if the question is of getting 4 or 2, then the
external antenna might be worthwhile.
|