Untimate GPS break out antenna

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Digivolution
 
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Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2018 12:12 am

Untimate GPS break out antenna

Post by Digivolution »

Hi,
I am building robot with an aluminum frame and outer casing. Since I want to place the GPS break out inside, could I connect the antenna lead to the frame. And let the entire frame/body act as an antenna?

Let me know you thoughts,
D.

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dlleigh
 
Posts: 225
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:08 pm

Re: Untimate GPS break out antenna

Post by dlleigh »

No, that won't work. GPS antennas are special in a number of ways, including their specific directionality pattern, circular polarization, and bandwidth. They're also designed for the L-band microwave region (1575 MHz) at an impedance of 50 ohms. Also, the Ultimate GPS module requires an active antenna with a built-in amplifier that receives its operating power over the coaxial cable leading to it.

If you use a compromise antenna, such as an electronics case or some piece of metal, you will suffer from severe signal loss and will probably not be able to acquire any satellites.

You need an actual GPS antenna, like this one: https://www.adafruit.com/product/960

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