Nightmare signal strength in Central London

MJF · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 26, 2005 Posts: 3

I was in London yesterday, driving a Transit Van to Oxford Street. My Go Classic had no signal at all for most of the time along Piccadilly, Regent Street areas, in fact for anyway in heavily built up areas with high buildings.

I got lost and was late for the job I was doing.

My question is - Would an external antenna kit have helped or is this normal in central London?

Ususally reception in the van is OK. Although I've starting to think that the GO has had more problems getting a signal in recent weeks.

Any help appreciated

MJF

sgould · Frequent Visitor Joined: Oct 05, 2004 Posts: 1320

Central London is a problem. I'm thinking of an antenna because of that. Unfortunately none available from TomTom at the moment.....

A couple of weeks ago I tried to use the GO in walking mode to make sure I found where I had parked my car. Walking along the footpath, there was no signal at all from where I had parked near Regents Park and Oxford Circus. It was useless.

I wish TT would make an aerial that hasn't any lead at all and just plugs into the back of the unit. Or even a powered aerial that is part of the unit. Most of us need a better signal because of external conditions rather than because of dodgy French windscreens.

Otherwise, if you see someone walking around London with metres of cable wrapped around them........ Rolling Eyes

_________________
TTGO 700 (dead)
iPhone 3GS + TT holder
iPhone 5 (hers!)
Western Europe Map
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Kenwood DNX-4210DAB with Garmin maps

MJF · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 26, 2005 Posts: 3

That's a coincidence. I had to park a long way from where I was working. Same as you I tried to use the GO to get back to the van. Useless - the signal was worse on the pavement. I didn't fancy walking down the middle of the road :D

There are antenna kits for the classic on Ebay at the moment. £48 I think.

sgould · Frequent Visitor Joined: Oct 05, 2004 Posts: 1320

Thanks! I'll have a trawl of ebay.
_________________
TTGO 700 (dead)
iPhone 3GS + TT holder
iPhone 5 (hers!)
Western Europe Map
Eastern Europe Map
Kenwood DNX-4210DAB with Garmin maps

ScaredyCat · Regular Visitor Joined: Mar 09, 2005 Posts: 98

What about an 'Deeley Bopper' ariel Laughing

SC

Kula · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 14, 2004 Posts: 11

Give Inkino Ltd (Tel# 0207 631 4567) a try as they sell the External Antenna for both the GO Classic and GO300/500/700.

http://www.inkino.co.uk (They have a retail shop open 7 days a week).

I have shoped with them a number of times and have been pleased by their service. Smile

oldbwl · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 24, 2003 Posts: 12

sgould · Frequent Visitor Joined: Oct 05, 2004 Posts: 1320

Hmmmmm!

I was right next to Broadcasting House!
_________________
TTGO 700 (dead)
iPhone 3GS + TT holder
iPhone 5 (hers!)
Western Europe Map
Eastern Europe Map
Kenwood DNX-4210DAB with Garmin maps

MJF · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jun 26, 2005 Posts: 3

I've bought an antenna from Ebay. £49.95. In case anyone's interested I'll report back on how I get on with it.

mazza · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject:

I've attached a 2m length of co-ax cable to a metal bin lid but it doesn't work for some reason... Wink

sgould · Frequent Visitor Joined: Oct 05, 2004 Posts: 1320

Bin lid?

It's only coat hangers that work. I thought everyone knew that!! Wink

In fact I think I'll put a hole in the top of the GO and get it a direct connection. Why waste time with coax?
_________________
TTGO 700 (dead)
iPhone 3GS + TT holder
iPhone 5 (hers!)
Western Europe Map
Eastern Europe Map
Kenwood DNX-4210DAB with Garmin maps

mazza · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject:

For best results, place your TTG to the outside of the roof of your vehicle (affix using blutak or similar very strong bonding material) ET VOILA!!

You don't know where the hell you're goin but you get f****** brilliant signal reception!

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