GPS Antenna For Vehicle Tracking
Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:32 pm
A number of teams using Simoco SRM9030 vehicle radios are now opting to use GPS to allow base to keep track of the vehicle location. The GPS accessory card for these radios does come with a magnetic patch antenna but this only works for Transits etc, it's not so good on an aluminium Landrover.
An alternative is the combined VHF/GPS antenna. They are available from a number of companies, here I've shown the one made by Panorama Antennas. http://www.panorama.co.uk/uk/products/p ... combi.html
The VHF whip section is for the UKSAR channels and the GPS antenna is within the bulge in the base of the device. If you look carefully at the underside, you'll notice a large hole. Although this is internally sealed, it's probably not a good idea to have this part of the antenna exposed to the elements by being mounted on a bracket etc. On top of that, the tails supplied with the antenna are only made up from light weight cable and would not stand a lot of exposure to wind and rain. These are rather decidely through-body devices. However, the tests we've made with them so far indicate that both the VHF and GPS sections perform well. The VHF whip is very flexible and will stand being clattered on a tree or garage roof until the plastic sheath finally wears through.
The more observant amongst you will notice that there are three tails shown in the photograph. This is because they will also cope with an externally mounted mobile phone antenna if you want to use one. Again this is located in the base-mount. If you prefer, you can specify these to come with a rigid VHF whip section and when ordering, it's a good idea to specify tails as long as the cable run you'll need to fit them into your vehicle. Certainly from Panorama, they then come with some standard 5mm antenna extension cables but with the correct plugs for each tail.
An alternative is the combined VHF/GPS antenna. They are available from a number of companies, here I've shown the one made by Panorama Antennas. http://www.panorama.co.uk/uk/products/p ... combi.html
The VHF whip section is for the UKSAR channels and the GPS antenna is within the bulge in the base of the device. If you look carefully at the underside, you'll notice a large hole. Although this is internally sealed, it's probably not a good idea to have this part of the antenna exposed to the elements by being mounted on a bracket etc. On top of that, the tails supplied with the antenna are only made up from light weight cable and would not stand a lot of exposure to wind and rain. These are rather decidely through-body devices. However, the tests we've made with them so far indicate that both the VHF and GPS sections perform well. The VHF whip is very flexible and will stand being clattered on a tree or garage roof until the plastic sheath finally wears through.
The more observant amongst you will notice that there are three tails shown in the photograph. This is because they will also cope with an externally mounted mobile phone antenna if you want to use one. Again this is located in the base-mount. If you prefer, you can specify these to come with a rigid VHF whip section and when ordering, it's a good idea to specify tails as long as the cable run you'll need to fit them into your vehicle. Certainly from Panorama, they then come with some standard 5mm antenna extension cables but with the correct plugs for each tail.