TheSamba.com :: View topic - Best Place To Put Antenna For GW GPS Speedometer

Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:11 pm

Hi!

I've got a 1990 Vanagon Gl with EJ-22 conversion. I'm finishing up with installing the speedo but wanted to ask folks who have these things where they put the GPS antenna.

Thanks!

Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:32 pm

Mine from slaughterhouse didn't require an antenna.

Mon Nov 28, 2022 6:49 pm

SoquelDude wrote: Hi!

I've got a 1990 Vanagon Gl with EJ-22 conversion. I'm finishing up with installing the speedo but wanted to ask folks who have these things where they put the GPS antenna.

Thanks!

GPS signals cannot go through metal. Outside, on the roof is the best location as it has a clear open view of the sky. If you must mount it inside the vehicle, mount it as close to a window as possible. GPS will go through glass and the instrument cluster cover/most plastics.

Mon Nov 28, 2022 7:34 pm

Yes, under the instrumentation cover and as far forward as possible, so that the signal is going up thru the glass.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 7:51 am

Hmm... I've got my VanTracker gps puck antenna mounted inside the headliner on the passenger side under the metal roof and it reads just fine for getting a location.
Right now I'm standing inside an engine room on a yacht which is basically a big metal box and the gps speedometer on my cell phone is picking up 12 satellites.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 10:17 am

i have my speedhut speedo GPS (has a magnetic base) stuck to the metal dash just ahead of the plastic instrument cluster cover.
all hidden by one of those cloth dash cover deals because the metal dash is in pretty sad shape thanks to the OP.

works fine.

Tue Nov 29, 2022 1:14 pm

cmayna wrote: Yes, under the instrumentation cover and as far forward as possible, so that the signal is going up thru the glass.
Thanks! I was thinking about that place as well Is your rasio antenna on driver's or passenger side?

Tue Nov 29, 2022 9:18 pm

I intend to install mine on the upper left side of the windshield (inside). I have to remove the dash to do some ac work and will be installing the GW GPS speedo so I can have correct mph and mileage on my 16” wheels and tires.

Wed Nov 30, 2022 7:37 am

GPS uses "L" band which plays nice with obstructions. Don't ask me how, but here's an explanation:

https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784411...o%20waves.

Also it locks on many satellites (minimum 3?) so some may be close the horizon and provide a usable signal.

Except in Canada.

My phone which rides in the console between the seats never loses its GPS signal except when I'm in a concrete car park.

When I install mine I'll place it as close to the windshield as I can. Basically in the instrument enclosure. Might have to cut the brake fluid reservoir.

Wed Nov 30, 2022 10:51 am

dieseltdi wrote: I intend to install mine on the upper left side of the windshield (inside). I have to remove the dash to do some ac work and will be installing the GW GPS speedo so I can have correct mph and mileage on my 16” wheels and tires.
Thanks! The reason I asked about the radio antenna is that I heard that radio can interfere with GPS reception.

Also, is there no GPS reception in Canada or did I read that wrong?

Wed Nov 30, 2022 10:59 am

Sorry. Yes there is GPS in Canada. Just no indoor plumbing. Running gag.

Wed Nov 30, 2022 11:11 am

steve244 wrote: Sorry. Yes there is GPS in Canada. Just no indoor plumbing. Running gag.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Wed Nov 30, 2022 9:42 pm

Where does GW say to put it?

Stacy

Wed Nov 30, 2022 9:51 pm

16CVs wrote: Where does GW say to put it? Stacy
Nothing. GW says nothing about it in the installation instructions.

Wed Nov 30, 2022 10:21 pm

SoquelDude wrote: 16CVs wrote: Where does GW say to put it? Stacy
Nothing. GW says nothing about it in the installation instructions.

Page 3, step 8.

Thu Dec 01, 2022 11:39 am

kamzcab86 wrote: SoquelDude wrote: 16CVs wrote: Where does GW say to put it? Stacy
Nothing. GW says nothing about it in the installation instructions.

Page 3, step 8.
Yup, it just says that the antenna can be placed on top of or underneath the dash. Not very explicit. The GW video for this does not mention the antenna placement at all.

I wanted to see where folks put there antennas and what worked best for them.

Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:04 pm

SoquelDude wrote:
Yup, it just says that the antenna can be placed on top of or underneath the dash. Not very explicit.

Right... meaning that you can place it bascially anywhere you desire. I just wanted to point out that the instructions do, in fact, mention antenna placement, as opposed to the claimed "GW says nothing about it". 🍺

I may go this route myself someday, given that my van's factory speedometer/odometer hasn't worked in years. My Garmin is filling the gap nicely, though, so currently spending the funds for more pertinent projects.💸

Thu Dec 01, 2022 12:11 pm

kamzcab86 wrote:
Right... meaning that you can place it bascially anywhere you desire. I just wanted to point out that the instructions do, in fact, mention antenna placement, as opposed to the claimed "GW says nothing about it".
Look, GW says nothing about the best place to put the antenna. And, as mentioned, the video for the installation says nothing about it. I got more info from asking the folks about where they put theirs.

Thu Dec 01, 2022 2:08 pm

I did this install.

I just attached it on the dashboard towards the windshield on the driver side.

Seems to work perfectly...