How to Install an External GPS Antenna

Using an external GPS antenna improves reception whether you are driving or hiking. Antennae vary, depending on the brand of GPS you own and the strengh of the antenna. Following the directions provided to you in your antenna packaging will help you install an external antenna without much difficulty at all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Soft cloth
• DC power adapter
• GPS
• Mounting hardware
• Antenna
• Hat
• Tape

Install an External GPS Antenna in Your Car

1. Clean off the dashboard and windshield of your car with a soft cloth.
2. Place the external antenna where the top of the dashboard meets the bottom of the windshield. This area of the car should be able to read GPS signals.
3. Secure the antenna with a heavy-duty tape, such as duct or electrical tape. You may also use a suction cup mount to install the antenna in the windshield.
4. Plug the antenna into one side of a DC adapter with a splitter and insert it into the car cigarette lighter. The adapter provides a power source for your GPS antenna.
5. Attach your GPS to the other side of the DC adapter.

Install an External GPS Antenna on the Roof of Your Car

6. Choose an external antenna with a magnetic mounting bracket for the roof of your car. This type of antenna is easy to transfer to other vehicles.
7. Use a screwdriver and the included screws to attach the magnetic mounting bracket to the GPS antenna's receiver.
8. Insert the included cable into the antenna receiver. Refer to the instruction booklet to determine the placement of the cable.
9. Open you car door or window enough so the cable can fit through the opening.
10. Attach the cable to your GPS.

Install an External GPS Antenna on Your Body While You Hike

11. Select an external antenna that does not need an additional power source, such as a passive antenna.
12. Pick a hat to wear that will accept an adhesive, such as a baseball cap.
13. Tape the GPS antenna to your hat. Duct or electrical tape works well.
14. Plug the antenna into your GPS.
15. Put on your hat and you are ready to hike. The antenna will pick up signals clearly as you hike through wooded areas.

Tips & Warnings

• External GPS antennae come with several mounting options--surface, suction, magnetic or adhesive--that are suitable for different uses. Be sure to read each antenna's specifications carefully in order to select the proper antenna for your purpose. Be sure your state allows the use of the kind of mount you have chosen.

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