GPS External Antenna Home Made

[RuffNReady]

I have just put together a re-radiating antenna for my Etrex GPS for around $15. Sadly the Etrex does not have an external antenna plug and when located in the truck its ability to pick up the satellites is reduced quite a bit due to the body work shielding the unit.

So after some searching on the net for instructions it seemed the only worth while one was a full DIY portable unit that needed a 9volt battery most parts were made by hand and to bulky for my liking. Then I spotted a unit on trademe that a chap is making using the external antenna from a jap import, powered by a cigarette lighter cell phone charger and a couple of other bits and selling them for around $60.

I wanted to try making one myself, so after scoring an antenna from a car dealer I know for free, finding an old Motorola cell phone charger not being used any more out in the garage (needs to be around 5volt), 190mm of stiff wire (I stripped a length from some spare 240 volt house wire) and a quick trip to Dick Smiths for a diode and capacitor (selected with the aid of one of the shop assistance, as I do not understand electronics down at that level) and some heat shrink I sat down at the table and soldered it all together.

Once assembled I sat the antenna on the roof of my terrano, sat the gps on the dash and waited for it to pick up all the sat's it could, then plugged in the power to the antenna and sat the looped wire transmitting antenna part on top of the Etrex - - - Cool, the sat' levels climb 40-50% with most going to the max reading. Now I get to mount the GPS in a place I want rather than where it gets the best reception and fit the antenna to the mount.

So if anyone would like to know all the details to making one yourselves just post a reply, I will sit down and make up some directions soon - bit short on time now.

Cheers
RuffnReady

[wjw]

I'd be interested, seen the specs for the diy versions online, just havent got round to actually doing it.... too many other bits to do

[Ben]

I'm definately after more info on this. I use a Etrex Legend, and it looses coverage in dense bush. Turning it flat to give it a clear view of the sky helps, but then you cant see the damn thing


Ben

[kiwipete]

Then I spotted a unit on trademe that a chap is making using the external antenna from a jap import, powered by a cigarette lighter cell phone charger and a couple of other bits and selling them for around $60.

Thats me , and yes they are sold for $60.00 inc postage to anywhere in NZ.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/auction_detail.asp?id=44123073

I dont want to look like i'm hijacking your thread, but this is the link to my auction. Good luck with your experimenting, I hope they work well for you.