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mstockha Occasional Visitor
Joined: 10/02/2003 16:33:03 Posts: 54 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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I am the proud owner of the above, and use it religiously. My question is, how much of an improvement in signal strength, no of satellites detected / locked and persistance of lock do you experience with the external antenna? I mostly use it in the car. Comments welcome before I part with my cash!
Mark _________________ Why me?
ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500 |
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Dave Frequent Visitor
Joined: Sep 10, 2003 Posts: 6460 Location: UK
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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Mark, It's hard to really say. When you're on the move, signals are going to be fluctuating. In my tests I found probably on average a 2 sat difference, it really does depend on the current signal strength and where it's positioned in car. |
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iancjc Frequent Visitor
Joined: 10/02/2003 14:19:44 Posts: 749 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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using the LP version with an external antenna on the roof of a people carrier, I went from 3/4 sats with 50% power without the external to 7/8 sats (8 is the max with the LP card) with 95% power (looking at the bars on tomtom's gps software).
Based on my (limited) experience I would recommend it. (it also sticks to the roof very well as I went through a car wash yesterday and forgot it was up there - to my surprise and relief it was still there when it had finished!).
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mstockha Occasional Visitor
Joined: 10/02/2003 16:33:03 Posts: 54 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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Thanks, based on what others have said it looks like I may get a satellite or two more (I do take into account that performance varies, the value of your lock may vary, investments may rise / fall / crash etc :-) )
I'll buy one now and let you all know how it goes.
Mark _________________ Why me?
ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500 |
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mstockha Occasional Visitor
Joined: 10/02/2003 16:33:03 Posts: 54 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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OK, first impressions. Very small external antenna from Pretec, strong magnet, and very long cable.
I have positioned the ant on the windowsill of my office (onto the courtyard) and get an intermittent lock. Considering that the visible sky is postage stamp like, I cannot wait to try it in the car. As has been mentioned before, the connector into the side of the CompactGPS unit it a bit stiff, and will need care to ensure that it does not get bent. Tune in tomorrow for the next exciting installment (plus whether I can get the Arkon vent mount to fit my car)
Mark _________________ Why me?
ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500 |
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Dave Frequent Visitor
Joined: Sep 10, 2003 Posts: 6460 Location: UK
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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I think the main thing to worry about with the connector is constant abuse on the pull as to unplug it requires quite a bit of effort, and there isn't much of a plug to grab hold of. |
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mstockha Occasional Visitor
Joined: 10/02/2003 16:33:03 Posts: 54 Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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Yes, the plug to the external antenna could be an issue over time, I will just have to be careful.
I have used the kit in anger now, and am VERY impressed with the performance of the GPS with the external antenna attached. I have it atached to the top off the roll hoop on my convertible, and get a good 7 satellites regularly. All that now needs sorting is the cable run. 9/10, a great addition for £30ish. _________________ Why me?
ipaq 3630, Pretec CF GPS, Ipaq 5550 Fortuna Slim GPS, TTNAV 5.10 w traffic , SPV C500 |
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alix776 Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: 03/05/2003 14:45:49 Posts: 3999 Location: leyland lancs ENGLAND
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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i can verify the constant use ive gone thorugh 2 cables in 6 months the plgs just seam to fall to bits but ive never had less than a 5 sat lock _________________ currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .
Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl |
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Dave Frequent Visitor
Joined: Sep 10, 2003 Posts: 6460 Location: UK
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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I prefer the newer MCX connection sockets/plugs, they're alot easier to plug in and unplug causing less ware and tare on the socket. |
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alix776 Pocket GPS Moderator
Joined: 03/05/2003 14:45:49 Posts: 3999 Location: leyland lancs ENGLAND
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Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2003 8:04 am Post subject: Pretec CompactGPS + Ext Ant |
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dave ill see you about them at the summit if thats ok
_________________ currently using aponia truck navigation on windows phone. Good bye IOS don't let the door hit you on the way out .
Oh the joys of being a courier.
device Lumia 950 xl |
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