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Ruby Red Lip
 
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Last Login: 9/29/2008 9:31:59 PM
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I'm needing a new GPS unit for my boat. I'm needing to know if the internal or external antenae makes a difference. I have a boat with a T-Top, but that shouldn't keep the internal from working, right? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
212CC Hydra-Sport 200HP Johnson
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Administrator
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Obviously an antenna with a clear view to the sky would work better than one that is under the metal work of a T-top. They both would work but when you are trying to find something underwater, you want the best accuracy you can get. I would say if your GPS can support an external antenna, put it on the boat!
That's just my opinion and I have not used one with an internal antenna under a T-top so I could be wrong...
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Chris Couture
Pensacola Fishing Forum Administrator
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Snapper
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I have a Garmin 276c with an internal antenna and my boat has a T top. I have never had a problem with reception. My 276c has an older receiver unit with the newer surf 3 receivers the reception is even better. My 276c has a hard time receiving inside my house and my Car nuvi 660 with the latest surf 3 receiver will receive satellites anywhere inside the house. I would think an external antenna in my case would just be a waste of money and time rigging and mounting it. 
The spin stops here
"I'm Sealark and I approve this message""From birth, man carries the weight of gravity on his shoulders. He is bolted to Earth. But man has only to sink beneath the surface and he is free."
-Jacques Yves Cousteau,
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Pin Fish
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Last Login: 10/27/2008 3:06:41 PM
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| i have a mounted gps with an external antenna and a back up hand held with an internal antenna. I can't notice a difference except when in differential mode - the internal looses the "differential" fix on and off more often, but not the complete fix so unless I am reading the type of fix I have I don't notice any difference between the two....
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Snapper
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I've installed a ton with the internal antenna, and even recommend it to customers who want to save a few dollars. Never had an issue, as long as it's a bracket mount you'll be fine
Capt. Tony BlantonCertified Marine Technician Powerpole dealer and Outfitting specialist SAMS SA Marine surveyor
http://powerpole.com/
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Trigger
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| Here is a post that I did recently on a problem with an external receiver/antennae for my Lowrance. http://pensacolafishingforum.com/fishingforum/Topic161722-4-1.aspx When I was originally shopping for a unit I did learn that the better ones have connections for an external receiver. I went with an external that because I intend to add a 1/2 tower within the next year or so and I hope to get at least 3 yrs of service on my GPS before having to update.
Red FlyLife isn't about waiting for the storms to pass.
It's about learning to dance in the rain!!
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Trigger
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| I went through the same thing when riggin' our boat. I went with the external antenna because I have a hard top and this was the set up most folks recommended. I also run a Garmin 76 handheld unit as a back up. I honestly don't think I'd do it again, the handlheld is every bit as quick to lock on, is just as accurate, and actually has been more reliable. I've already replaced the cable end on the external GPS antenna; and it was one of those high quality center-pin type. My fixed mount unit is a Garmin 498, which I like very much, but honestly think the internal antenna version would work just as well.
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Trigger
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I have a hard top on my boat and my Garmin with Internal GPS works perfectly...always has an accuracy of less than 10ft and has never lost satellite reception. It was super easy to rig. I honestly don't think the external version would make any difference.
"YOU CAN RUN, BUT YOU'LL ONLY DIE TIRED"
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