STI-R Plus GPS connection time

[not so swift]

Hey guys,

I bought an STI XR-C. It comes in an STI-R PLUS box with an STI XR-C sticker over the top, STI-R PLUS installation disc and owners manual. I just cant believe how much more we have to pay to get those few extra letters at the end!!!

Anyway, for those of you who have one, how long does it normally take your GPS to get a signal? I have my GPS aerial held to the roof under the roof lining and it takes between 5-10 minutes, or 5-10km of driving for it to "acquire GPS signal".

Is this about average?

[ZPrime]

*under* the roof? That's not going to work very well. The metal roof of your car is blocking the signal.

Either put it on the dashboard where it has a clear view of the sky (through glass), or put it outside the car. Some people have put the antenna under their dash (i.e. plastic in the way as well) but I would suspect that it will attenuate the signal somewhat.

[not so swift]

The GPS unit is magnetic and the installation instructions actually say that it is to be installed on the roof under the roof lining. I might try it under the dash though and see how it goes.

[barryswanson]

Yeah go for the dash mate. The roof acts as a "Faraday cage" and sheilds the GPS antenna from getting a signal. This is the same reason your mobile phone won't work in some big buildings like shopping centres. The signal hits the reo in the concrete and sends it to ground. Simular to what your roof is doing but your roof is sheilding more than anything. Electromagnetic waves can not pass through metallic objects. This principal is what makes radars and x ray machines work.

[swarga]

The GPS unit is magnetic and the installation instructions actually say that it is to be installed on the roof under the roof lining.

I think you misread those instructions. GPS receivers need a clear view of the sky to get good reception; if you mounted yours under your metal roof I'm amazed it works at all.

[not so swift]

Yup, you guys are spot on. I didnt "read" the instructions (lol) i looked at the diagram which had it placed at the rear of the roof. But it says that its on the rear window. Ooops. So i put it under the dash as suggested and its all good. Thanks guys