Best location to mount GPS antenna?

[mizak82]

Need help guys. Need to mount that magnetic square. Tried to mount it in the dash on the bar as far to the glove box side as possible. But I'm not picking up a signal.

I'd like to keep it inside the car if possible and out of sight.

Any suggestions?



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[riceandpho]

try above the radio, but inside under the dash.

 

[wc11]

GPS antennas should be at the center of the dash board right at the windshield.
It need a clear view straight up to the sky. Only mount under the dash if there is no metal above it as it blocks satellite signals.

 

[mizak82]

guess I wasn't using the nav system correctly at first.. but i got it to work... I placed it on the metal bar behind the radio, but as far over towards to glove box as possible. And I'm able to pick up a signal. Pretty thrilled that I didn't need to run it outside not be visable.



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[97BlackAckCL]

On the roof

 

[wc11]

For those that have their antenna outside, check with the manufacture as many (Alpine comes to mid) are NOT hermetically sealed and are NOT to be exposed to the elements outside.
And if it is outside, silicone it well as the wire will allow water to wick inside.

 

[CookieRoe]

When I installed my OEM NAV, I put double sided tape on the bottom part of the antennae and mounted it above where the rear view mirror is on the windshield. Never had a problem.

 

[heiser]

Mine is far right passenger side on the dashboard. Not really noticeable or in the way, and has a clear view to the sky.

 

[mizak82]

On the roof

that would drive me nuts.. too ocd

you do have the right roof rack to hide it in, I have the sport tubes which you can't..

 

[riceandpho]

or you can hide the antenna inside the a pillar.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

that would drive me nuts.. too ocd

you do have the right roof rack to hide it in, I have the sport tubes which you can't..

Doesn't bother me, having it on my dash would bother me more. I don't even notice it on the roof

 

[wc11]

Doesn't bother me, having it on my dash would bother me more. I don't even notice it on the roof

Antenna should not be blocked by metal above as it interferes with signal capture.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Antenna should not be blocked by metal above as it interferes with signal capture.

Agreed, that's the main reason I put it on the roof. Just seems like a lot of people on here mount it inside the dash

 

[wc11]

Agreed, that's the main reason I put it on the roof. Just seems like a lot of people on here mount it inside the dash

It's fine on the dash where it meets the windshield.
Unless specified, it should not be outside of the vehicle.

I know that most XM antennas are sealed for the elements but most GPS antennas are not.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

It's fine on the dash where it meets the windshield.
Unless specified, it should not be outside of the vehicle.

I know that most XM antennas are sealed for the elements but most GPS antennas are not.

I hear ya, I put my Pioneer GPS antenna in the headliner above the rearview mirror in my Acura. My JVC GPS antenna has been on my 4Runner's roof for 5 1/2 years and has never had an issue