Community Forums

N8XV · 10-21-2008, 08:42 AM

I just purchased a TomTom XL model. It will be used in a Class A. I was just wondering if others had found the need to use an external antenna ??

N8XV · 10-21-2008, 08:42 AM

I just purchased a TomTom XL model. It will be used in a Class A. I was just wondering if others had found the need to use an external antenna ??

itdave · 10-21-2008, 08:56 AM

I have used various GPS units in my MH and have never had a problem with the GPS finding satellites. Never needed an external antenna I just place the unit near the front window.

John Hilley · 10-21-2008, 09:29 AM

Going from coast to coast I have only lost the signal in Atlanta, GA when the GPS is on the dash. Lost it going east on the way to SC and on the way west going home.

FLYTYER · 10-21-2008, 11:56 AM

I have never found a need to wish for an external GPS antenna.

However, in both central Iowa and central Georgia I have had very mixed results. In both cases my Garmin lost signal momentarily and came back telling me to turn onto a road that was dirt and did not exist on the hard copy map.

I ignored the instruction and kept driving fearful of an alien abduction.

A few miles later Garmin recalculated the route and all was well.

This happen twice in Iowa which has caused me to re-route my trips to avoid it...something is strange in Iowa and maybe Georgia.

doc · 10-21-2008, 02:45 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">something is strange in Iowa and maybe Georgia. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
definitely in Georgia!! A certain peanut farmer lives in the SW part.

Bill Adams · 10-21-2008, 03:26 PM

My RV has a nearly vertical windshield and I get less satellite without an external antenna than I do with one plugged in. I was able to install one inside the coach in the front cap and the signal improvement is significant. Now, with that said, I have seen absolutely NO difference in performance by the GPS unit. 6 satellites gives me the same accuracy in both location and directions that 10 satellites give me. We have been in a few places like the skyscraper canyons of Chicago where I believe an external antenna would have made a difference (didn't have it at that time) but other than that one experience we simply don't bother to hook the cable up 90% of the time(even though it sits right beside "Chicky").

Sixpack98 · 10-22-2008, 04:59 AM

If you have an aluminum roof you should not see much difference with an external antenna. Fiberglass or rubber room does not attenuate GPS signals. I have a Holux GPS repeater that I use in another application and tried it in the coach. No difference at all. The newer GPS chipsets are much better than previous generations. An external antenna or repeater might help some early GPS receivers though.

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