GPS Antenna, Internal or external?

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 12 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

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June 19, 2008 at 6:39 pm #304964

jeoneal
Participant

Im looking to upgrade my Eagle 480 to a fishfinder with GPS. Ive looked at many and Im considering a Lowrance but, I dont know if I should go with an internal or external antenna. Im interested in hearing others opinions on which is better and why pick one over the other.

June 19, 2008 at 6:48 pm #304965

BasserTX
Participant

If you are going to flush mount it in the dash, go with the external, if on some mount then a internal works fine.

June 19, 2008 at 6:53 pm #304966

jeoneal
Participant

Guess I should have clarified mounting. I plan to mount on top of the dash where my current one is located. A salesman mentioned that he uses external antenna and when I asked why, he said internal wasnt available when he purchased. Then he added that an internal antenna unit must always be straight up and down and couldnt be tilted. I thought that was odd since the GPS in my car doesnt seem to care.

June 19, 2008 at 6:57 pm #304967

BasserTX
Participant

It really does not need to be straight up, but if it is flush mounted you will get a weak sat signal. The antenna is in the top of the unit and really needs a clear view of the sky. Depending on where you buy it, I am pretty sure they will let you test it out and switch if it does not work well.

June 19, 2008 at 7:19 pm #304968

NELA COUGAR
Participant

Go with the external antenna and there will be no problems! Glynn

June 19, 2008 at 9:21 pm #304969

basschaser
Participant

NELA COUGAR wrote: Go with the external antenna and there will be no problems! Glynn I agree…plus if you have problems with the antenna you get a new antenna and not deal with servicing the entire unit. Judd Lasiter

June 19, 2008 at 11:13 pm #304970

rlb8s
Participant

jeoneal wrote: an internal antenna unit must always be straight up and down and couldnt be tilted. It doesnt have to be straight up and down. Tilted is fine. Since mounting on top of your dash I would go w/ the internal (actually I did, for my Garmin and Humminbird GPS units). Less connectors to attach to the unit and less items you need to attach to your boat. The internal antennas work great. Plus most antenna issues you hear about are external models. Have you heard of anyone having issues w/ their internal antenna?

June 20, 2008 at 2:07 am #304971

john1112
Participant

Ditto to rlb. Actually, the only issues Ive heard about were with externals. To qualify that, Im no expert.

June 20, 2008 at 2:21 am #304972

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

I have owned a Lowrance 332 (I think) with external antenna and ran into trouble right off the bat. The external GPS antenna has to be powered separately and I did not realize that. Also the antenna has to be switched as the power does not go off with the on/off switch on the unit. So you have some battery drain in the off position. My grandson moved it to my Contender from my Sabre temporary at first and then made it permanent. We had to replace the Antenna. When the dealer installed it, it was too close to the Radar Antenna and it effected the performance. I believe the antenna are now shielded. Last month I bought a new Lowrance 525C with the built in antenna and it works great. I have one less wire running through the hull, with so many that is a plus. I did put a master off switch on the unit, as I understand that the antenna stays on even on the built in unit. Since I installed my own, it was one less items to install which save time and aggravation. I have it mounted on the dash on a swivel tilt mount and it has been working fine. I think both units would be effected by trees or other obstructions, but it has not been a problem for me. My new Classic will have a 520C with external antenna, as it will be built in.

June 20, 2008 at 2:29 am #304973

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Actually we like the internal mounts just fine. That way if the unit fails you eliminate determining if it is the unit or the GPS receiver. They have worked fine for us on either mount. BCB
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