Can You Use a Radio Antenna for a GPS?

Radio stations and the GPS both use radio broadcasts.

GPS units require an antenna connection to receive data. In some positions inside a car, the antenna must be on the outside of the vehicle. Radio signal issues prevent the use of the standard antenna to pick up GPS signals.

Global Positioning System Signal

The GPS system broadcasts positioning signals at 1575.42 MHz. These positioning signals are composed of a repeating pattern that is used to determine time and position. Poor reception of this signal prevents the receiver from giving an accurate location.

FM Frequency Signals

The U.S. frequencies assigned to FM broadcasts range from 87.5 to 108.0 MHz. Radio stations transmit both analog and digital data in this range. The radio antenna on a car is designed to receive this range of broadcasts, as well as AM broadcasts.

Incompatibility

Antennas must be engineered to receive a certain frequency. Antennas in GPS receivers achieve this by having a certain number of coils to best receive GPS signals. No way exists to alter a standard radio antenna to receive GPS signals.

References

• Global Positioning System: IS-GPS-200E

Resources

• National Executive Committee: Space-Based Positioning and Timing