GPS Unit with internal antenna

[cb4765]

I just purchased a Hummingbird 597ci GPS unit with internal antenna and would like to know if mounting it in dash would prohibit it from receiving a good signal. The book did not specify any mounting locations good or bad. I have emailed Hummingbird but haven't heard back yet. I would appreciate any information anyone can share, especially from personal experience.

Thanks
CB

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: GPS Unit with internal antenna

Mine works better than my old external antenna set up, and it's flush mounted at the helm under a hardtop. All reviews I've seen from people who have internal antenna set ups love them, although I don't know about Humminbird's specifically.

 

[John_S]

Re: GPS Unit with internal antenna

Indash can be troublesome. The good thing is, if it is, you can just add an external receiver. From HB website:


IDMK 700Accessories. Indash Mounting Kit

For most 700 Series products. See list below. We do not recommend using with any product that has an internal GPS receiver. Requires an opening of 5.76"W X 4.46"H.

MSRP $23.99

For Use with
550
560
570
581i Combo
586C
587CI
596C
597CI
717
718
727
728
737
747c
767
768
777c2
778C
785c2
787c2
788C
797c2 SI
798c SI

Instructions: http://store.humminbird.com/media/document/M_IDMK_700.pdf

http://store.humminbird.com/products/322979/IDMK_700

 

[bruceb58]

Re: GPS Unit with internal antenna

My feeling is that you will be fine. GPS receivers have become way more sensive in the last few years. Most handhelds can pick up GPS signals within buildings now!

 

[Boatist]

Re: GPS Unit with internal antenna

I agree many are much more sensitive now but if your dash or top has metal then I would get an external antenna. Even wiring and gauges can block some GPS signals also your body.

The bottom line most units will pick up the low earth GPS Satellites 11,000 miles up but may not pick up the WAAS error correction birds that are in GeoStationary Orbits 22,236 miles up over the equator. Since they must be over the equator the farther north you go the lower on the horizon they are and the farther away they are. Being in higher orbit and over the equator means they are much weaker signals and harder to receive. It that the case the unit will not get the 3 meter or 10 feet accuracy. Instead it will be 10 meters or 30 feet.