Successful Installation Of Your Automotive GPS Antenna
Posted on: 1 November 2016
Thanks to advancements in modern technology, getting lost while driving can be a thing of the past. If your vehicle did not come with a GPS unit at the time of purchase, you may find it useful to install your own aftermarket GPS device in order to take advantage of the direction-giving benefits these units can provide.
Here are three tips you can use to ensure the proper installation of your GPS antenna in the future.
1. Keep your antenna away from metal.
In order to be able to provide you with accurate directions while driving, your GPS needs to be able to communicate with a series of satellites orbiting the Earth. This communication takes place through the antenna. Proper placement of your automotive GPS antenna will play a critical role in determining how reliable the unit will be in the future.
Avoiding contact with anything metallic is important when it comes to placing your antenna. You should strive to keep your antenna away from door jams, metal plates, and any window tinting that might contain trace elements of metal when selecting an installation site.
2. Keep your antenna flat.
If you plan to install your automotive GPS antenna inside the dash of your vehicle, it's important that the antenna is placed in a flat position to ensure proper communication. Antennas are directional by nature, and they will not function properly if they are not face-up and lying as flat as possible.
Once you have found the perfect spot to place your antenna, be sure that you take the time to secure it in place with automotive tape or some zip ties so that it will not shift positions and disrupt your instructional feed while you are driving.
3. Ensure your antenna has constant access to power.
When installing your GPS unit, you will be tying the unit into your vehicle's existing wiring system. Not all of the wires in your steering column retain access to power once your vehicle's ignition is in the off position.
To ensure that your antenna will be able to maintain constant communication without resetting, you should use a multimeter to test the power running through each wire prior to installation. Tie the antenna in to a wire that shows a constant supply of power when your vehicle is turned off, and you will not have to reprogram your GPS every time you start your vehicle.
Taking the time to keep a few simple tips in mind as you install your automotive GPS unit will ensure that the antenna is able to provide clear and accurate directional communication in the future. For more information, visit websites like http://www.sunvalleystereo.com.
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