GPS aerial on rear parcel shelf

[Raistlin]

I'm intending to connect an external aerial to my GPS via its MMCX connector and rahter than have it outside the car was considering the rear parcel shelf.

Does anybody know if the HRW and aerial elements in the rear scrren are likely to cause a problem please?

[yp53]

I doubt it very much as this is where the factory fit one sits when fitted as part of the lo- or hi-line satnav option.

[Rich]

Yup, confirmed it'll work fine there Paul, nicely hidden as well :)

[mantianak]

I found gps aerial lead behind the dash but it isn't the right size to connect to my device. Know of any adapters or connectors to fit?

[baxlin]

I'd try Maplins or the like first

[Rich]

Quite a few adaptors exist mantianak, what plug is currently on there and what does it need converting too?

As per Malcolms post, Maplin or Expansys would be a good starter.

[mantianak]

It's been a while since I've seen it. I think it has a screw thread but I need an adapter to fit a smaller push in conector on my PDA.
I'm too trired to go measuring now but I'll look later.

[Raistlin]

:D

That's a good start

Please can an ybody tell me where on the parcel shelf the OEM GPS aerial sits?

Thank you

[Christopher]

AFAIK Paul, go in the boot, look up at the underside of the parcel shelf in teh middle - there is a round hole in the metal of the parcel shelf - may even have a black rubber protective cap - the gps would sit in there (from memory) just below the parcel shelf proper.

HTH

[Raistlin]

AFAIK Paul, go in the boot, look up at the underside of the parcel shelf in teh middle - there is a round hole in the metal of teh parcel shelf - may even have a black rubber protective cap - the gps would sit in there (from memory) just below the parcel shelf proper.

HTH

Outstanding - it won't even be on display :D

Thanks Christopher

[mantianak]

I can't seem to find the gps unit in the boot. There seems to be only gray foam behind the central rubber bung.
I'm starting to wonder what this lead is for!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d180/mantianak/General%20Pictures/Aerial_2.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d180/mantianak/General%20Pictures/Aerial_1.jpg

[mantianak]

Anybody have any ideas?

[JohnDotCom]

Looks like a Phone aerial Plug, but could be wrong or aerial connection for High Line Sat Nav Aerial?

[Raistlin]

Coming back to the original thrust of the thread for a moment.

I received my external aerial today and did a quick and unscientific test.

Those of you familiar with Tomtom will know all about the blue bars which indicate satellite lock and strength.

I placed the aerial in the parcel shelf at the location indicated by Christopher and temporarily ran the cable into the car.

Tomtom found 6 satellites at a rough average of 60% signal strength ( as indicated by the blue bars). This did not vary appreciably after having time for the system to settle.

I plugged in the external aerial and got no more satellites but the signal strength was up to 100% on all the blue bars.

Arbitrary and unscientific, I know - but as far as i am concerned sufficient improvement to justify the purchase - and more importantly, the effort required to lay the cable in properly ;)

[mach1rob]

The GPS unit I have screws onto rear shelf from the top, meaning the actual cover has to come out to get to it, or at least unclipped enough to allot the front bit behind centre headrest to be lifted high enough to get a screwdriver in, you can't access it from the boot, has to be from inside the car.

Excuse the poor pictures, would appear my phone camera is useless and on the way out, and now I've found proper camera I can't find the GPS unit! :rolleyes:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/mach1rob/Parts/Photo-0120.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/mach1rob/Parts/Photo-0121.jpg

Mind plug does look very similar to the Nokia handsfree kit for the arieal.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/mach1rob/Parts/nokiaplug.jpg

If and when I find GPS out welcome to try that and Nokia kit to check fittings :D

[mantianak]

Don't know if it will effect gps signals. If you have you windows tinted it can block AM signals.

[Rich]

Tints wont affect GPS signals, the only things to my knowledge that will are real UV glass (like the purple windscreens on Renaults) and heated screens (front only, due to the very tight element spacing).