GPS System in Metal-Clad Motorhome.

bobbie · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 07, 2003 Posts: 3

Hi,
I wish to use a GPS system in a Motorhome.
My problem is that the Motorhome construction is an Aluminium skin over a timber frame. This construction overhangs the drivers cab by about 1/2 metre.
1) Would, say, the Tomtom Bluetooth GPS work satisfactorily on or near the Motorhome dashboard (Aluminium clad overhang!!!!)?
2) If not, what GPS would you guys advise me to go for?
3) Would I possibly need a separate aerial with the GPS?
Your advice would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

MikeB · Posted: Tue Oct 07, 2003 11:04 pm Post subject:

Bob,

I wouldnt like to hazard a guess about the capability of GPS reception under the overhang. It is possible it will work with lower signal levels, but if not there are still a couple of options open to you.

1) Get a re-radiating antenna, there are reviews on the site. This you can have it sticking through your roof vent. This will than retransmit the GPS signals within the camper.

2) If you are using Bluetooth then you copuld mount the receiver under the roof vent. You can use the PDA up to 10 meters away.

3) buy a GPS receiver that can be placed outside your camper and route the cable inside whilst driving. Not an ideal solution but should work.
_________________
Mike Barrett

Dave · Posted: Wed Oct 08, 2003 6:39 am Post subject:

I think the overhang probably won't be too bad, like Mike says, you may get a drop in signal, the worst problem will be seeing the sky directly above you. If you were travelling in a single direction, e.g. North then this might concern me a bit. You could still easily go with any Bluetooth GPS Receiver like TomTom or Emtac that have an external antenna socket of MMCX type, then purchase a patch lead afterwards that would plug directly into the Bluetooth Recevier, you usually have 2-3 meters of straight cable which could then take the patch antenna outside and mounted to the bonnet where there isn't an overhang or to the roof (the external patch antenna would be magnetic to fix it to the bodywork. This would certainly work well, and still give the option to use Bluetooth without the patch antenna if you wanted to go walking.

bobbie · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 07, 2003 Posts: 3

Many thanks to both Mike and Dave for your prompt responses.
From your comments, I believe a Bluetooth GPS will be the best course of action,
Thanks again,
Bob Thumbs Up

Nomad · Occasional Visitor Joined: 20/04/2003 16:10:44 Posts: 27

Going with a Bluetooth GPS is the safest and neatest option. There is a loss of signal due to the overhang and you will not have to bother routing wires to an external antenna. I put mine in the rear skylight resting on the the fly screen with the PDA mounted on the top of the dashboard using a 14inch Arkon suction mount. Works very well and I can usually see 9 statellite whereas with the GPS on the dashboard this is cut to 4.

Nomad

bobbie · Occasional Visitor Joined: Oct 07, 2003 Posts: 3

Thanks, Nomad,
Sounds good to me,
Best regards,
Bob

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