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View Full Version : Internal GPS Antenna - What's Your Experience?

KChookem
06-01-2007, 08:16 AM
Hello Everyone...

What is your experience with GPS reception with a combination Sonar/GPS unit that has the internal GPS?

My dilemma is that I have two boats, and it would be very convenient to use the same Sonar/GPS in both boats, which means an internal GPS to remain cost effective. One boat is an Arima that has a soft top that I rarely use (I presently use a handheld GPS adjacent to the Fish Finder). The second boat is an open sled, and the unit would be mounted in the sidetray where I suspect nearly all the satellites would be read.

The Sonar/GPS I am considering is the Lowrance LMS 527C DF (internal antenna). Its external antenna counterpart is the LMS 525C DF.

Other thoughts or considerations?

Thanks!
Gr8waves
06-01-2007, 09:08 AM
I have a 522c iGPS in an Alumaweld Stryker. It is mounted on the starboard side of the dash and is essentially under the windshield. Works good, acquires the satellites and the radio correction signal just fine. Typical EPE is 20-30', best I have seen is 16'.
MattPark
06-01-2007, 10:35 AM
I've got a Garmin GPSmap 298, with an internal antenna. It likes to lose connection for just a minute at one spot up in the gorge, and one spot in the multnomah channel. I cant figure out why. No big deal though, it always comes right back.
Moldy45
06-01-2007, 10:41 AM
I have a Garmin 178c internal and It has never lost or never not picked up sats,I cant speak for another brand but I will say I would buy another garmin in a heartbeat :twocents:
cptdarel
06-01-2007, 11:07 AM
My Eagle works great. and dead on!
Twoshottom
06-01-2007, 01:12 PM
I've got the Lowrance 334 with built in antenna in my 1/2 hardtop TJet. I've got it mounted on a RAM arm so I can pivot it around to see it better depending on if I'm trolling or driving from the drivers seat. I have had it briefly lose signal when I have it positioned under the aluminum between the drivers window and middle window, otherwise no problems.
ICHTHYDEMON
06-01-2007, 01:18 PM
I have a Garmin 178c internal and It has never lost or never not picked up sats,I cant speak for another brand but I will say I would buy another garmin in a heartbeat :twocents:

Same hear,my 178C is mounted under the windshield of my Seahawk. It's always worked great mounted where it is.
KChookem
06-01-2007, 06:00 PM
Excellent Info - Thank you very much !
foxer
06-02-2007, 02:51 AM
Garmin combo unit mounted under the windshield. Works great.