how good is the internal gps antenna ?
1616047
The internal antenna I feel is a little bit better than the external antenna. In 2013 I had a brand new boat set up with a new 898/external antenna, every time i backed off the boat lift it was searching for a signal, that boat was destroyed in a building collapse over winter. so I now have a new 2014 boat set up with an 899 and a 999 with internal antennas the "searching for signal" rarely comes up and I fished the exact same lake all this past season. I think you will enjoy your new unit.
1616048
898C HD SI does not have an internal antenna - 899 does. The 898C bundle comes with an external GPS antenna. I hear that external antenna provides more accurate positions.
1616049
I had an external GPS antenna installed at the same time I had the unit installed, so I don't know how reliable the internal antenna would be. Hope this helps.
1222034
Antenna is built-in, there is no external port. Save your $$$$. There are several hundred different better GPS is in this unit. This is old technology. Get a garmin.
958415
I believe it always needs a GPS signal to operate properly. My recollection is that the GPS antenna comes plugged in, inside of a cover on the unit. If the unit is by a window and has a good view of the sky, its possible it can consistently obtain GPS reception. If the unit is away from a window, the GPS antenna could be removed from the unit and there was a cable that can be used to connect the GPS antenna to the unit. The antenna could then be by the window for reception, while the unit itself is further away from the window.
2115140
works very well, all the time is recomend to use the gps and is easy to control, the Range depends on the transmiter.
326943
There is an antenna input. Works of the one already in your car. Wire the gps dongle so it sits on the front of your dashboard. Dosent do anything to the radio reception though.
1399556
It's a good radio with a bunch of features, many which I do not use (GPS location). It is reliable and the transmitter has good strength, over 20 miles to a base unit at the marina. I am completely satisfied with it.
1217014
It performs quite well. Like any GPS, it needs to get the signal. It does not rely on WiFi connections to obtain positioning data. I have read where it adds to the battery drain. However so does use of flash and LCD brightness settings depending on how often you use them. That said, I use selectively use GPS when I'm in unfamiliar territory as it helps me recollect that special spot, especially when no landmark features are prominent. Sometimes a little slow or even non-functional when inside structures which is to be expected.
650830
You don't connect to GPS. Your antenna connects to multiple communications satellites and boosts the signal to your MicroCel. Just connect your antenna to your MicroCel and you are good to go.
309801
Hello, I am glad to tell you that you just need to connect the GPS and GSM antenna to the right connector, and find an appropriate place and fix the antennas to make sure it receive signals well. When the green LED indicator on, GPS signal is normal.
1411908
Bruce- From your question it not clear if you mean a GPS antenna or a VHF antenna. This unit DOES have an INTERNAL GPS ANTENNA but you need to provide an external VHF antenna for radio communications and emergency alerts. As to your query if the antenna works reliably offshore (I will assume you meant a GPS antenna here) there are so many variables with antennas (i.e. height, mounting location, interference, installation quality, etc.) that it would be hard to say what your individual reception quality would be like. The GX1700 is a decent radio/GPS combo and Standard Horizon has been around awhile and makes a ton of marine electronics. That said, it's up to the owner to ensure the specifications of the equipment can be met by properly installing and operating the unit. Safe boating.
581602
It comes with a GPS receiver, you just mount it anywhere inside the car, even on top of the stereo itself behind the dash should still get you good reception.
1334291
Yes... the antenna has been fine on my boat. Be warned, this unit has a weak processor and suffers when zooming in and out on detailed maps from the SD card.
670139
GPS antenna is included in the package. Do not need to buy anything. Thanks
1541471
Yes it will work with only the internal antenna. The 546s is the 4th Garmin I have owned and each one works even better than the last one. The 546s picks up the sats very quickly in an open line of sight. Even if it's under trees and such it will still pick them up, it just may take a few seconds longer.
1392969
If your only goal is to get a better signal by placing this in the window as opposed to next to you, that should work. This product is not an upgrade over internal GPS chips in most of the high end devices.
625538
I bought it to use in my RV, which is a class C because I work via internet. I put the antenna on the window over the cab (suction cup) and it has worked very well (where there is a signal) when driving or dry camping in areas like AZ, UT, Eastern OR & WA, MT, WY, SD, NE, KS, TN, Texas, LA, MS & AL. I use Verizon Mifi as my ATT cell is useless except in metro areas. I also use in in the toad when exploring, but then it goes on the roof. I'm off the beaten path quite a bit and very pleased with it. It's fun to do a comparison of "bars" with & without the booster at various locations. Would buy it again. I bought it to use in my RV, which is a class C because I work via internet. I put the antenna on the window over the cab (suction cup) and it has worked very well (where there is a signal) when driving or dry camping in areas like AZ, UT, Eastern OR & WA, MT, WY, SD, NE, KS, TN, Texas, LA, MS & AL. I use Verizon Mifi as my ATT cell is useless except in metro areas. I also use in in the toad when exploring, but then it goes on the roof. I'm off the beaten path quite a bit and very pleased with it. It's fun to do a comparison of "bars" with & without the booster at various... » Read More I bought it to use in my RV, which is a class C because I work via internet. I put the antenna on the window over the cab (suction cup) and it has worked very well (where there is a signal) when driving or dry camping in areas like AZ, UT, Eastern OR & WA, MT, WY, SD, NE, KS, TN, Texas, LA, MS & AL. I use Verizon Mifi as my ATT cell is useless except in metro areas. I also use in in the toad when exploring, but then it goes on the roof. I'm off the beaten path quite a bit and very pleased with it. It's fun to do a comparison of "bars" with & without the booster at various locations. Would buy it again. « Show Less
1906571
No problem with my radio. Pulling in FM stations loud and clear from over 100 miles away using the internal antenna. AM reception is rather weak so I've added an external antenna to get better AM reception