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Placment of GPS antenna

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Old 08-07-2006 | 07:57 AM
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Default Placment of GPS antenna

Guys,

I am thinking of putting the gps antenna on the rear Z cross bar (where the Z logo is).

I have tinted windows. Do you guys see any problem? Not sure if my tint is metallic.

Btw, this is a kenwood nav kna-g510.

thanks,
Tony
Old 08-07-2006 | 09:14 AM
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How big is the antenna? I bought my Z used but it had an Audiovox NAV system in the cubby. The antenna is pretty small, same size as my XM Radio antenna, and I have both mounted on the dash behind the middle gauge cluster. Great reception on both, havent had a problem at all in the last 12 months plus was real easy on the wiring.
Old 08-07-2006 | 06:15 PM
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I dash mounted mine too. If your window tint is metalic it's going to block the GPS signal. Here in SoCal we get great signal without the hassle of trees and weather to put up with. However you do need to get as much signal to the antenna as possible for those times you're in a downtown situation or find a place that has a tree or two.
Old 08-07-2006 | 10:06 PM
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Thanks guys.

The antenna is probably the size of a pc mouse. I haven't received the NAV portion yet.

Tony
Old 08-07-2006 | 10:07 PM
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don't put the antenna inside the z, the signal is not that good. To have the best signal, attach it to the muffler using it as a giant antenna.
Old 08-09-2006 | 06:21 AM
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I have mine in the rear strut under the plastic panel to the right and left of the Z Logo. When i had my windows tinted, i had them use the 3M film, 3M garanties that it will not interfere with gps/XM signals. Mine has been working great for the last 7months.
Old 08-09-2006 | 07:39 AM
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the rule is to give the antenna a clear shot at the sky through un-metallic tinted windows.

i personally dont put them on the outside of hte car beucase i have had customers who got pranksters rip them off.

on the Zs, i have them come out of the center stack next to the guages nad sit right there and works well

b
Old 08-09-2006 | 07:56 AM
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I have both the navi and Sirius right up against the windshield, center. The Sirius when driving home (north west), will drop out. I havn't noticed a problem with the navi, but do you thing that I should move the Sirius in towards the instrument cluster? I would think that the roof of the car might block even worse when driving in the north west direction.
Old 08-09-2006 | 08:21 AM
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Dont think the roof should be a problem I have mine sort of halfway in between the cluster and the windshield. I never have dropouts caused by antenna placement and I've had both there for over a year.
Old 08-09-2006 | 08:30 AM
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Thanks. I believe the instalation instructions said to position (if inside vehicle), 4-6 inches away from windows. The flat spot behind the instrument cluster is only about 2-3 inches further inward, but I'll give it a try. Thanks
Old 08-10-2006 | 01:34 PM
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Guys,

I have it in the stock nav location.

https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ht=gps+antenna


It was a pain. Only was able to open half of the dash and managed to get my hand in there. Still have minor cuts on my waist as a result.

Tony
Old 08-10-2006 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Z MANIA
I have both the navi and Sirius right up against the windshield, center. The Sirius when driving home (north west), will drop out. I havn't noticed a problem with the navi, but do you thing that I should move the Sirius in towards the instrument cluster? I would think that the roof of the car might block even worse when driving in the north west direction.
Do you have them under the dash on the metal framework and are talking about which direction to position them OR are you saying that you have them mounted on TOP of the dash board right against the window? If they are not magnetically coupled to metal they don't work good at all no matter where the location is.

confused but trying to help...
Old 08-10-2006 | 07:44 PM
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I have mine mounted in a similar way. They are on top of the dash, about midway between the clister and windshield. Two small antennas one GPS one XM.
Old 01-19-2007 | 09:38 AM
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Last week I installed my navy unit... kna-g510... I put the antenna on the dash...(pretty close to the glass) The wire sticks out of the center Dash peice above the guages..

I get great reception... so far; however, my only question is will the heat from the front defrost vents hurt the antenna in anyway? I could use some dbl sided tape and get it away from the vents but I really don't want any residue like that on my dash.

Opinions?
Old 01-19-2007 | 09:42 AM
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The double sided tape will not provide protection from the heat. My opinion is if it works leave it alone and the worst that will happen is that you will have to spend another $30 on a replacement antenna someday.
The vents probably don't produce enough heat to melt anything. The antennas are tough enough to be outside the vehicle so just keep an eye on it if you are worried and just enjoy it.
Old 01-19-2007 | 11:19 AM
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I have my small one between the hatch glass (where it is etched black) and its metal frame next to the third brake light. It is all covered with factory plastic and I normally get 7 to 8 satellites. Don't think it can be more than 3/4" thick but D x H are not much of an issue. I also have my 802.11 USB up there as well with no issues.

Chris
Old 01-19-2007 | 11:23 AM
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Mine (two antennas, Sirius and GPS) are mounted on the rear strut looking out the rear window. Works great. --Spike
Old 01-19-2007 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Spike100
Mine (two antennas, Sirius and GPS) are mounted on the rear strut looking out the rear window. Works great. --Spike

Both mine are on the rear strut also... Been working for about a year with zero problems and you don't have any unsightly little pimples on your dash.

K
Old 01-19-2007 | 04:26 PM
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mines under the plastic panel on rear strut on tinted windows as well, no problems and really great reception.

ymmv but fortunately it works for me.
Old 01-23-2007 | 03:53 PM
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Do you have it on the side or under the Z logo? My receiption isn't as good as outside the car. Will it work under the Z logo?


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