Topic: Newbie GPS puck placement question T-top

[freezerfiller]

Hi, new poster here, and I just bought my first HB.  It's a 998c SI.  I've read a good bit, and understand that I should place my GPS puck with an open view of the sky, and as close to the transducer as possible.  My two options are:

1.  Mount on the stern within 1' of the transducer.  Cons to this location is that I have a T-top with a Sunbrella fabric covering that partially blocks the sky to about 45 degrees towards the bow, buch much of the sky is veiwable.  I also have small kids that will most certainly investigate the new thing, and the cable that leads to the thing, and most likely jump off the thing, break the thing, etc.  It would also require drilling holes in my boat (while undesirable, I get over pretty quickly).

2.  Mount on the T-top, as close to the transducer as possible.  This would be about 4-5' towards the bow from the transducer, but would have a completely unobstructed view of the sky from any angle.    Other pro to this location is out of kids and my reach.   Cons involve being less accurate with marking, a pain to fish the cable through the t-top.

Thoughts?   

[sonar2000]

4 to 5 feet may not be much of an problem in accuracy so the T-top could be an option. Especially if it protects your puck from the kids or others..

Chuck

[ITGEEK]

In your particular case, I vote for the T-top also.
One advantage, is that it would be closer to
the sky and satellites.

[Humminbird_Greg]

I like that last bit there ITG!

I would vote to go the more protected mode here and mount it on the T-top.

Another option would be to mount it to the top of the motor (using Velcro or some other removeable mounting) or mount it on an antennae mast that would allow the cable to run up through it and yet keep it above the reach of interested hands.

[sonar2000]

Mounting on the motor case could cause interference.  I would stick with the t-top...
chuck

[Humminbird_Greg]

We don’t have many reports of main motor interference with the GPS.  He could find out easily by temporarily placing it on the motor and testing it.  A small bit of double-sided tape should do the job – just make sure that you press down hard and long enough to activate it.

[sonar2000]

The key part here is to temporarily mount it and then, as with a transducer, find the optimal spot for a more permanment mount.

Chuck

[freezerfiller]

Thanks guys!  As much as I'd like to blame it all on the kiddos, That corner of the boat also is exposed to all types of hazards, such as downrigger weights, fishing weights, anchor, etc so as Buffett once said "well it could be my fault"     I'll go with the T-top location.

[newkid4si]

freezerfiller

 Something to consider is what your using the GPS for.
If for navigation ( return to dock/ramp, or fog/darkness ) any place on the boat would probably be OK.
If precision location ( follow creek channel/drop off, etc. ) antenna location is more critical.

           Mike

[freezerfiller]

I was able to do some testing of the two locations while I was doing the install.  There was almost no difference in satellite signal strength between the two locations, so, I ultimately decided to mount the antenna directly above the transducer on the rear of the boat.  I feel like the improvement in accuracy is more advantageous and worth the risk, particularly if I want the "follow the countour" to work like I hope it will.  I might regret it, but my primary concern was signal strength loss...

[jbrady2852]

Please post a pic of your install.  I am considering installing the external puck on the transom transducer.  Did you opt for a flat install or mast?

[freezerfiller]

It might be a few weeks before I get the boat back out, but if I get a chance, I'll take a pic.  When I said directly above the transducer, I didn't mean it directly above the transducer on the bracket,  the transom would have blocked much of the sky.  I really meant, 3 feet above it on the boat deck very close to it in 2d terms.  Sorry if I wasn't clear.  And I mounted it flat, no pole.

[jbrady2852]

That is exactly what I am thinking.  I have a Sea Hunt BX 22 and was considering the 2 install locations.

[freezerfiller]

Mine is where your left arrow is.  Nice boat!