GPS - install

[jaguar]

Hi there,

I drive a '94 camry and I just installed a GPS system on an ipaq 3660.
everythings ok but the antenna, as you can see on one of the pics
http://users.pandora.be/bcf/camgps
does not function properly when put under the windshield or rear window. Is there some coating on these windows or so ?

also, can someone give me an idea on making some sort of waterproof black box for the gps antenna, for a permanent trunk fix ?

thanks in advance

*edit; don't mind the wires on the dash, these will be but inside the dash, with a perm current connection for the antenna (not with that ugly lighter adapter, which also has a bad connection)

[Phi]

Sweet set-up! Damn I want a Car-puter now!

Try Plasti-Dip;
http://www.plastidip.com/consumer/index.html

Jag, who makes the software and how much? What is your impression so far of the GPS?

[tingcrab]

I'm not sure why your GPS couldn't get the signal under the windshield while my could do it pretty much where it could get the sight of the sky.

My van has a PC inside, with Pharos iGPS hook in to it. Sometimes I couldn't get the signal after some 10 times of use (shutdown comp, turn back on comp that count as one). And then it takes forever to re-initialize it. I used the MS Street & Trips 2003 (2000/2002 as well, they're the same) as my map software and it seems don't know how to reset the GPS. So I also have another program called GPS Diagonstics which it reads the GPS raw signal and report its data. I use this until the GPS pinpoint my Longitude and Latitude then run back my map software because this could do a better job of searching for the car singal when I turn the computer back on.

It's a problemanic feature of my GPS, but I guess it does same with other GPS which it takes time to synchronize at least 3 satellite signals.



Here's some interesting FAQ from the GPS's manufacturer's web site:

http://www.pharosgps.com/support/faq-ht4.htm

one of those FAQ is:

I can only get a GPS signal when I hold the GPS receiver outside of my car. Why won't it work inside?
Make sure that you aren't using any devices, such as a CD player or radar detector that may cause interference with the GPS signal. Also, certain car manufacturers use a metallic material in their windshields that will obstruct the GPS signals from entering the car.

[jaguar]

well, the software I use on the ipaq 3660 (PPC2002) is tomtom navigator 2; http://www.tomtom.com
Complemented with an haicom GPS receiver.
the receiver is good, got normally at least 6 to 8 sat's tracking me.

I suppose you can buy the complete kit which includes software, car holder and a Leadtek GPS receiver. don't know if it'll work in the USA or Canada though, I'm the Belgian dude, remember :p
ah just so you know, the kit costs about 500 US$, Ipaq or similar pocketpc not included that would be another 500 US$

btw, thanks for that plasti-dip link, I"ll look into it.
I want to be able to drive in the rain

[jaguar]

Originally posted by tingcrab
I'm not sure why your GPS couldn't get the signal under the windshield while my could do it pretty much where it could get the sight of the sky.

My van has ....

one of those FAQ is:

I can only get a GPS signal when I hold the GPS receiver outside of my car. Why won't it work inside?
Make sure that you aren't using any devices, such as a CD player or radar detector that may cause interference with the GPS signal. Also, certain car manufacturers use a metallic material in their windshields that will obstruct the GPS signals from entering the car.

1) your van's windshield is nothing compared to a camry's :p

nah, j/k
but it may well be that the camry's windshield is coated to block UV.Anyway, it doesn't work, believe me, I tested it... also faint signal when putting it in the back... So 'm gonna go with an external antenna.

+ I still want to listen to CD's while I'm driving

[woshiagni]

Not sure about your gen3, but the gen4 camry glass *does* have an anti-UV tint in the glass (it's slightly blue/green). That shouldn't affect your satellite signal though right?

[jaguar]

Originally posted by woshiagni
Not sure about your gen3, but the gen4 camry glass *does* have an anti-UV tint in the glass (it's slightly blue/green). That shouldn't affect your satellite signal though right?

don't know, but at least something is blocking the signal....

would it be possible to put the receiver under the rear bumper? I'm not too comfy with putting it on the trunk, I already got a nice scratch in my door, don't want them to steal my receiver aswell :s

[jaguar]

update:

Ive put the receiver in the rear bumper

http://users.pandora.be/bcf/camGPSupdate

there are also some picz of the scratch I mentioned in the message just above this one.

[arcasmachineracing]

what the hell is this?

http://users.pandora.be/bcf/camGPSup...PSupdate03.jpg




take a couple of steps back... and no zoom!

every thing is so frikin close!