help for new GO owner - external antenna

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

hello, just got an oldish GO off ebay and i love it, but i would like to be able to connect an external antenna as i have lost reception a few times. It says in the user guide it supports an active external antenna but i cant work out how it attaches
any help on this or anything about using the GO would be great
thanks
claire:-}

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:

What model GO is it? The early GO Classic and 300.500,700 models had an external antenna option but it came with a replacement mount into which the antenna connected.

The Classic mount is different to that of the 300, 500, 700 so you need the correct accessory for your model.
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Darren Griffin

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 2:17 pm Post subject:

The TomTom website still lists the external antenna for the 300/500/700 models HERE (it even seems to be in stock!) but its pretty expensive. You'd be best off searching Curry's and PC World bargain bins as they have been flogging off things like that for a few pounds. Otherwise try eBay?

The original Go will accept the same aerial, but as Darren says, the mount is different. TT don't seem to stock them any more, but if you can handle a screwdriver (or more accurately a Torx driver) there is a fairly easy modification to swap the actual aerial connector between Original and x00 series mounts described HERE

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

thanks guys, its a GO classic ancient but still seems to work fine
I have bought an extrenal antenna off ebay which arrived this morning but the connector doesnt fit on anything so i guess i will have to try the swap or get another base.

now i know i love having a tomtom i might ask for a new one for christmas - any tips on which is best?
claire:-}

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 3:58 pm Post subject:

The external antenna mounts/antennas for Classic's appear on eBay from time to time but if you can't get one it is very easy to convert the later 300/500/700 type using your original mount. A 300/500/700 mount can be had new on eBay for £9.99, see here and if the conversion concerns you I'd be happy to do it for you if you post me the parts.

As for a new one, they don't offer much more than yours, perhaps Text To Speech, a larger screen etc but that's about it. Yours can be upgraded to run the latest software release and a new map will make it as good as newer units. The only area in which they have really improved is receiver technology, few newer devices need an external antenna at all.
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Darren Griffin

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:25 pm Post subject:

Seems a bit expensive Darren.... Shocked

The other improvement that might be relevant - the newer models are a lot slimmer Smile

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:34 pm Post subject:

That should of course have been £9.99 and not £999.

A good point about size, the other day I misplaced the 720 I was intending to use so I went without it. When I got to my destination I found it in my back pocket Very Happy

Not a mistake you could make with the older devices!
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Darren Griffin

Andy_P · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject:

...Is that a Go300 in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me? Surprised

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

Thanks everyone. I have never used it on its mounting - i just sit it on the dash - perhaps thats is why it isnt getting good reception?
I acually like the chunky-ness of the unit and i have the latest map and of course the speed cam data base so maybe i dont need to upgrade....:-}
just need to sort out the reception and i will be ok
claire:-}

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject:

Claire, what sort of car do you have? If it's a Citroen, Peugeot or Renault or indeed any other car with an athermic windscreen (an anti glare coating) then that would affect the reception of older satnav's such as your and an external antenna is the only long term solution.
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Darren Griffin

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

Hi Darren, its an oldish Discovery so i doubt it has thermic anything!! Laughing Out Loud

silly question, but i presume you put the external antenna inside the car - dont really want to be drilling holes as she leaks anyway without help.
where is the best place to put the antenna? as i dont use the mount there is nothing in the car to show i have the GO, which is hopefully less likely to make people break in looking for it. so i want to put the antenna out of the way if possible. Would on one of the little roof lights on the top of the sides be any good?
cheers
claire:-}

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 7:44 pm Post subject:

Ah a Discovery, well that's the two of us then Smile

Try the GO on the mount, you might find you get better reception there, you probably have issues because of the near vertical screen on Disco's so the nearer the GO is to the glass the better.

The antenna would be best outside but the wire is very thin and will run through a door jam without probs.
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Darren Griffin

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

Thanks Darren, my disco is called Dotty and is covered in multi coloured dots....so i could hide a wire hole if i needed to.
hopefully the external antenna will solve the problema and all will be well
cheers
claire:-}

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject:

Ah mine's called 'Thirsty' on account of the 12mpg I get Sad

Quite hard to miss and normally found at petrol stations!

You won't need to drill a hole, run the cable up the A-Pillar under the rubber trim, under the door rubber and then stick it on the roof (it's magnetic).

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Darren Griffin

eclaire · Lifetime Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 31

V8 then?? nice!!
We had a V8 101 that sounded sublime but did <10mpg!! Our S3 was a 6 but now has a diesel in him

Back on topic... have won a 510 aerial so should be able to do the swap okand will run the wire as you suggest
cheers
claire:-}

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