GPS Antenna

[core64]

Correct, no ground plate. The ground plate is to aid in satellite reception (gives more reflection for the antenna to capture).

[core64]

I took several pics, but this is the only one that came out somewhat clear. The cable goes up the driverside pillar, and then through the headliner. No visible cable, just the antenna is slightly visible.

[Phil0411]

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

Whose who installed aftermarket Navi system, where did you mount your GPS antenna? If installed inside, where inside.

If you are mounting this in an 04-06 model, I have the perfect place for you without all of the hassle of running wires and removing stuff. In my 05 DC I put in a Pioneer AVIC-D3 and was wondering the same thing. Once I got the old head unit out I looked right behind it under the dash and there is a small little shelf no bigger than 2"x2" about a foot back from the HU. It is right under the dash where there is no metal under the plastic and right under the windshield. The way I thought about it at the time is I have nothing to loose by trying it there, just set it on the shelf, turn on the unit and check for signal. Low and behold I didn't just have signal, I had EXCELLENT signal! I immediately used the small ground (reflector) plate with two way tape and secured it. The Pioneer unit uses a signal meter that looks like maybe ten little satellites lined up in a row. With my antenna mounted there, I have never seen the signal go below 7, and it usually at 8 to 10! I found out later that this is exactly where the factory nav antenna is mounted with the factory nav system.

If you haven't already mounted your antenna, it is definitely worth the no time it takes to try your antenna there. My nav has worked flawless and the antenna is completely hidden from view. It is less than 6 inches from the back of the HU and has not caused any issues at all and it was the easiest part of my install by far. If it doesn't work for you, then you really haven't lost anything by trying it, if it does work, you can thank me later.

Phil

[randomwalk101]

Originally Posted by core64

I took several pics, but this is the only one that came out somewhat clear. The cable goes up the driverside pillar, and then through the headliner. No visible cable, just the antenna is slightly visible.

Core94, much thanks for the pics...it helps tremendously.

Phil, yeah I thought about that but at this stage, putting it there would require me to take the dash apart to back track the antenna back to the unit, then have to remove the radio to put it all there...a lot more work. My is already routed under the dash (under the speedometer) out to the side, up on the driver dash. Now all I have to do is run it up under the a-pillar, under the headliner and have it where core94 has. It'd be much simpler/quicker...I think I'll try this method first.
Also, according to the eclipse's instruction, it specifically said not to put the antenna within 12 square inches of the head unit or the accuracy will drop. Mounting it on the headliner would solve this 12" problem. Also, under the dash is an extra layer of plastic that the signal must penetrates...I would only imagine up on the headliner would help. not sure why factory mounted it there....yet Eclipse manufactures OEM headunit and gave advices not to mount antenna there and yet they did it with OEM...weird.

anyhow, I'll give it a try this weekend...thanks both for the great advices.

[a/v1]

You can actually keep the gps antenna inside the dash as long as there isn't a lot of metal between it and the sky, and you are getting a good signal, put it where you want. They are basically line-of-sight antennas, but the signal will go through glass, plastic, fabric, etc. Try it in whatever locations on your vehicle you want to mount it in, go to the diagnostics screen, and make sure you have good signals. If the signals are good then leave it there.

I've installed nav systems in my last 4 cars and never had the antenna mounted outside the vehicle, and never had any problems with signals.

[randomwalk101]

Moved the GPS antennae up to the headliner like core94...signal is a tad weaker than mounting it on dash with ground plate. I am currently mounting it up there without the ground plate..let see if I add the ground plate up there would make any difference.