Loss of GPS signal
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Loss of GPS signal
I have noticed using my (old) GPSMAP 195 that it occasionally messages 'poor gps coverage' but seems to recover.I am using a simple passive antenna that I rest on the coaming pointing skywards.
Do more modern units suffer this/any recommendation for antenna etc?
I noticed that the a/c I was flying on Sunday had a BNC socket and cable for a built in antenna but it is really short and on the RH 'A' pillar and my unit only has a MMC socket. ( can you get a 1 metre adaptor cable?)
MM
Do more modern units suffer this/any recommendation for antenna etc?
I noticed that the a/c I was flying on Sunday had a BNC socket and cable for a built in antenna but it is really short and on the RH 'A' pillar and my unit only has a MMC socket. ( can you get a 1 metre adaptor cable?)
MM
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Current GPS chipsets such as SIRF III work well with weaker signals than older units, but are dependant on good design of the RF front-end so there is no guarantee.
My two year old Lowrance gets a 3D fix indoors (within reason) or anywhere in the cockpit, but the older Garmin needs to be on the window-sill or coaming.
My two year old Lowrance gets a 3D fix indoors (within reason) or anywhere in the cockpit, but the older Garmin needs to be on the window-sill or coaming.
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The answer is to use an active (ie amplified) aerial - the older GPS units tend to be a bit 'deaf' compared with the newer technologies. The GPS 195 has 5 volts available on its aerial socket and this supply powers the amplifier in the antenna.
Have a look for a Garmin GA27 remote aerial on eBay (mine cost about £15), mount it with as good a view of the sky (normally well forward on the 'dash' at the bottom of the screen) and you should lose the 'poor signal' warning!
Have a look for a Garmin GA27 remote aerial on eBay (mine cost about £15), mount it with as good a view of the sky (normally well forward on the 'dash' at the bottom of the screen) and you should lose the 'poor signal' warning!
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There's a site to do with this sort of thing you might want to look at.
nano - Report navigation anomalies and help make flying safer (I think)
Might be worth tuning in?
Sir George Cayley
nano - Report navigation anomalies and help make flying safer (I think)
Might be worth tuning in?
Sir George Cayley
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Thanks ( and help)
znww5 wrote:
Thanks for the info,struggling to find one on ebay (or anywhere).There is one of Chinese origin but I would prefer OEM stuff
I have seen advertised GA27C Low profile antenna-is this the same thing?
Thanks for all comments anyway.
MM
Have a look for a Garmin GA27 remote aerial on eBay (mine cost about £15)
I have seen advertised GA27C Low profile antenna-is this the same thing?
Thanks for all comments anyway.
MM
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I have 1,000s of hours on my 195 and it is still my backup GPS.
Only once have a lost the signal with the 195 during a period when I was not using an external aerial.
Simply put use an external aerial and you will never have a problem, use an aerial on the combing and you might very occasionally not receive a signal - some aircraft seem more prevalent to this than others.
Only once have a lost the signal with the 195 during a period when I was not using an external aerial.
Simply put use an external aerial and you will never have a problem, use an aerial on the combing and you might very occasionally not receive a signal - some aircraft seem more prevalent to this than others.
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Lost GPS signal
I once lost the signal on my 196 because I inadvertantly left my mobile phone on the coming beside it (it was a deep coaming!). Anything similar may affect the signal.
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I used to have this problem with a Garmin 90 and a Pilot III.
The problem turned out to be a faulty alternator. I discovered the problem
by accident when the alternator tripped out and the GPS started to work
perfectly.
Just something for you to check out before blaming the receiver.
The problem turned out to be a faulty alternator. I discovered the problem
by accident when the alternator tripped out and the GPS started to work
perfectly.
Just something for you to check out before blaming the receiver.