Gilsson Amplified External MCX GPS Antenna with Windshield Mount for Garmin Nuvi 660 765 855 885 TomTom Go 720 OneXL
by Gilsson Technologies
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Category: GPS or Navigation System
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Gilsson TechnologiesBrand: Gilsson
Edition: Electronics
Model: MCX1M09B090-AWMG
Color: Black
Publisher: Gilsson Technologies
Studio: Gilsson Technologies
Music Label: Gilsson Technologies
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Gilsson Amplified External MCX GPS Antenna with Windshield Mount for Garmin Nuvi 660 765 855 885 TomTom Go 720 OneXL
Customer Review: Wasn't Sure It Was Necessary - But It Became Helpful
Summary: 5 Stars
When I ordered my Garmin Nuvi 855, I suspected I'd need an external antenna based on my chosen mounting location for the GPS. I planned to mount it below the radio so it isn't in plain sight should I forget to remove it from the truck. (Lots of Smash-N-Grab around here). Although the Nuvi isn't in sight of the sky, it acquires satellites quickly & hangs on to them well. So, I thought the antenna was not at all necessary.
On my first GPS equipped trip to downtown (Detroit), the satellites kept dropping out. I plugged in the antenna, which is unceremoniously stuffed into a corner of the dashboard where the windshield pillar ends. (Not exactly the optimum location) The 855 locked into the satellites quickly & they held on strong. I suppose this is because the buildings are fairly tall & quite close to one another. A satellite would have needed a straight shot to hit the GPS. (For the record, the GPS finds satellites inside my house, no where near windows. Why? I dunno.)
Now the fun part: I experimented with the Satellite Strength & Position Screen, keeping the Nuvi below the radio. (On my Nuvi, I press the satellite bars in the upper left corner for about 8 seconds and this cool page appears a few seconds after I remove my finger from the screen.)
Experiment #1: I blocked the internal antenna with the Gilson unhooked & the truck not moving. The satellite strength bars quickly dropped to almost nothing. Keeping the internal antenna blocked, I plugged in the Gilson & the bars reappeared. I did this a bunch of times in various locations. How bored was I that day? At least that proved the antenna worked.
Experiment #2: I frequently drive through a, perhaps, 1500 foot tunnel below a multi-story building. I tired it with the Gilson & without. Only when the Gilson was connected did the GPS retain satellite connection. In A Tunnel? Again, I dunno why it still sees the satellites.
Experiment #3: As far as acquiring sooner, the antenna helps in my driveway, if I stay put. (Old neighborhood where the houses are stacked close) Sitting still, in the drive, the acquisition time is usually 2 minutes or so without the antenna. With the antenna, it is just a few seconds. About the same duration as when I hold the GPS near the windshield without the antenna or when the truck is parked on the street. (I really need a hobby!)
I did notice the satellite bars go up & down a lot more without the Gilson antenna than when it is connected, under any conditions. Also, the accuracy report is usually 10 feet without it & 9 feet with it. But, nearly all the experiment results & my observations are void if I put the GPS on the windshield, where it can see the sky. It functions just like when the Gilson is attached. But, it still doesn't work in the tunnel. By all rights, it shouldn't work in that tunnel with or without the external antenna, nor should it work in my house or basement.
A couple of suggestions, if I may: If you put the antenna on a non-metallic surface, as is my dashboard, be sure to put an electrically conductive plate under it. (One is included, complete with suction cups) Antennas like to have a "Ground Plane" to act as a 'director'- or reflector- for the signal. Also, if you put it outside on your roof or trunk (the cable is about 9 feet long, so it may reach) please put something non-scratch under it & take it off once in a while so the metal below it can dry. I had a similar antenna for satellite radio on the truck roof. When I ditched the radio & removed the antenna, the roof was ugly where the magnet was. Also, remove it for automatic car washes. A person I know had one launched by a brush. It flipped down by the wire and good bye windshield, hello sudsy flood! This antenna may not be a problem. It is low profile and sleek in design with a very strong magnet.
Summary: Assuming my antenna disappeared tomorrow- With my particular GPS, if mounted where it can see the sky, I probably wouldn't get another. But, since I keep the GPS mount way low & not in view of the sky, the antenna certainly helps in certain situations. I don't always plug it in, but it is nice to have when I want it. Hope this information helps you decide.
More Gilsson Amplified External MCX GPS Antenna with Windshield Mount for Garmin Nuvi 660 765 855 885 TomTom Go 720 OneXL reviews:
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Description of Gilsson Amplified External MCX GPS Antenna with Windshield Mount for Garmin Nuvi 660 765 855 885 TomTom Go 720 OneXL
Gilsson High Performance Active GPS Antenna with right angle MCX connector - for All New Garmin Nuvi series, StreetPilots I and C Series and TomTom Go 910 710 510 One XL XL-S XLS GPS ReceiversDigital Cameras and Photo Categories
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