GPS Aerial

Andy_Rs600 · 29 March 2006, 10:48

Has anyone got, or knows where i can get/borrow (free), a GPS 4 aerial for a simrad chartplotter. I have one that i think is faulty, and i don't want to pay £70 to buy a new one to test the theory.

Swifty · 29 March 2006, 22:01

You could take the NMEA data out of almost any hand held GPS and feed that in. All GPS aerials output NMEA data and not RF!

marknj · 29 March 2006, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swifty

You could take the NMEA data out of almost any hand held GPS and feed that in. All GPS aerials output NMEA data and not RF!

NO THEY DO NOT, some do but not the Simrad or many/most others.

Check that the simrad is out putting around 5VDC, if it is then most probably the antenna/cable.

Mark.

Andy_Rs600 · 30 March 2006, 00:04

5v on what connection? Should it be sending 5vdc to the aerial? I think it's the aerial because,

a) the plotter worked before, but the aerial has been a bit abused since last connected
b) i get very weak signals on the GPS, that go away when i take the co-ax off. Thus, i conclude that the unit is picking up signals off the cable.

marknj · 30 March 2006, 19:24

Yes 5DCV to the antenna, sounds like your antenna is duff, must be a week for it I've done a couple just this week.

Regards,
Mark

Swifty · 30 March 2006, 21:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by marknj

NO THEY DO NOT, some do but not the Simrad or many/most others.

Ok copy that.
Every version I have had dealings with has been an antennae/receiver outputting NMEA data.

You live and learn.
Tim'mers.