GPS antenna installation

[Fish Head]

I’m installing my new Lowrance GPS and I have a question about installing the small round antenna. I have seen that the dealerships often install those on the gunnels. The gunnels on my boat have that plastic carpeting on them, so they won’t get a real good watertight seal with the rubber gasket. Does that matter?

Would it help with reception to install it on a pole, or isn’t that necessary?

Can it be installed on top of the console (I have no windshield) or would having instrumentation nearby effect the reception?

Anyone have any answers?

[PRO-V]

Just mounted the LMS-480 on my rig. You want the antenna module as unobstructed as possible. Your body or outboard etc. can block it's view. Placed mine on the rear gunnel and it seems fine there without a pole. If my motor was taller I would elevate it. Might be good to keep it away from wiring harness and antennas. If your rig is a combo finder and GPS make sure you hook up the power to antenna since it doesn't get its power from the finder. Just hook up finder power lead and antenna lead to the same source. Preferrably direct to the battery. Good luck.

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Old Fisherman never die, they just smell that way.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I bought the Lowrance Global Map 3200 this winter and mounted the round antenna on the gunnel in front of my windshield. I tested it while my boat was still inside of my garage and it worked great! So much for reception problems mentioned in the installation instructions!
Cliff

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Cliff's Guide Service
CliffsGuideService-LakeVermilion.com
Lake Vermilion
Phone: (218) 753-2005

[Mykal]

I just mounted a Global Map 4800. I purchased a GPS mount from Rig Rite so you only have to drill one hole for in the center instead of trying to line up the 4 screw holes.
Fish Head, if you have an opening under the gunnel it won't matter if you seal it tight. Otherwise you may want to cut around the carpet and seal her up with some silicone.
Cliff, I got a 3D lock inside my garage as well. Can't wait to get my MMC chip and get on the water.

[This message has been edited by Mykal (edited 04-21-2004).]

[Fish Head]

Just to follow up on my own post in case anyone else has the same questions. I called Thorne Bros and here is what I was told:

It does not matter if you install the antenna over carpeting. Even though it comes with a rubber gasket for a water-tight seal, it' no problem if the seal is not water-tight.

Having the antenna next to other electronics should not interfere with reception.

Most Lowrance units do not have a separate power line for the antenna. The majority (by far) just have one cord that plugs into the back of the unit.

Happy Fishing!

[Guest]

Just mounted one on my drivers console on my 619. All I used was double face velco so if I wish to move it no problem no holes! I have been out three times and no problems yet. I am sure down the road the velcro will need to be replaced but hey no holes! Haven't had any interference problems either being next to the lcx18.

[Mykal]

Fish Head, the new units that use the LGC-2000 antenna, like my 4800 do need to be powered separate. They use a y adapter network cable that can be used to send and receive signals to other NMEA devices on your boat such as another GPS or GPS/Sonar unit or to an auto pilot. I just finished wiring it up this weekend. Oh the technology...will it help me catch more fish? Probably not but it will be fun trying.

[trollingforeyes]

I mounted my GPS antenna within a few inches of my AM/FM radio. When the Lowrance GPS is running, my FM radio reception is severely limited. You may wish to try various locations with a tempory mounting before going the permanant mounting route. Just my 2 cents worth.

[Try Too Fish]

I used a ratchet type marine antenna bracket to mount mine.Works great. i can also tip it over to pu the boat cover on!

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Try Too Fish
Forced Too Work!!

[Fish Head]

Good idea Big Eyes, no holes and it can be mobile. I notice in the installation instructions that you can buy an adapter to have a magnet hold the antenna in place. Same basic concept.

Mykal, that is one of the units that Thorne Bros mentioned would need a separate power line. I have an LCX 18c.

Trolling, I never thought of the reverse being true but it makes sense. Other electrical devices often interfere with radio reception. Thanks for the heads up.