Quest Antenna problems

[SilentG]

I've had my quest since November last year and use it mounted behind the screen on my R1100S, using the RAM Quest cradle. I've recently noticed that it seems to becoming more prone to loosing satellites in tree lined roads and even in some fairly open areas. Anyone else having problems with their quests? I'm wondering if the wind blast is forcing the antenna to lift and has weakened the connection from the antenna to the GPS unit? Any thoughts?

Paul

 

[Les Wassall]

Just got and fitted the Garmin cradle, on this one you have to unfold the Arial to put it in the mount, don't know if its the same on the ram cradle, but in doing this the Arial is always in the optimum position and supported, as yet I have suffered no loss of signal.

 

[Phil Thomas]

Paul,

I had noticed that the Quest seems less sensitive on the Bike (R1150RS) thn when used in the car, or in the open when hand held. And yes it does seem to lose satellites under trees.

I don't know the answer I'm afraid - there is an enornous magnetic field from the instrument pod on the oilheads, but whether this could de-sensitize the Quest i don't know. Another possibility could be interference from the bike itself, but this would only apply when the engine is running.

I have invested in a remote antenna but as yet have not tried it out - problem is where to mount the antenna.

Regards to all,

Phil Thomas

 

[(RIP) sherpa]

remote antenna

Hi Phil,

Why not mount the remote antenna on the front of the bike out in the open?

I've had one there for a while now (SPC III and now Quest) and I think it does make a difference

Still keep getting lost though!!

Sherps

 

[MikeO]

Better yet, mount it under the beak shroud, where it doesn't show, but is just as effective.

Mike

 

[Phil Thomas]

Hi Sherps,

That's a neat way of mounting - I might give it a try.

Phil

 

[Fanum]

Better yet, mount it under the beak shroud, where it doesn't show, but is just as effective.

Mike

That doesn't show off that you've got another toy onboard though Mike

 

[schnauzer]

I did some temporary playing about with mine before eventually mounting it parallel to the handlebar x-bar, and I found that mounting it above the speedo on my adv nearly touching the screen was not as good as further back....

 

[MikeO]

That doesn't show off that you've got another toy onboard though Mike

See, that's why you're a super mod...

Mike

 

[SilentG]

Thanks for the responses. I think I might just invest in an external antenna. My 'S doesn't have a beak, so I'll have to find somewhere else to stick it. No suggestions on where that might be, thankyou very much

Paul

 

[birdseye]

The obvious place to stick it is to the top of your helmet. It will then get a very clear view of the sky without any probs of electrical interference from your brain.

GPS signals are very weak and easily masked by electrical interference. Your problem could just as easily be the deterioration of some electrical component on the bike as in the GPS itself. For example, a plug lead.

The remote aerials are usually active ie include an amplifier. Thus they are likely to help.