Can I use an different GPS antenna with the GPSDO module?

Tim - W4TME · July 2013

Yes, you can. The GPS antenna supplied with the GPSDO module is a standard medium gain (26 dB) active GPS antenna. Most GPS antennas require 3.3 to 5 volts of DC power on the coax to power the antenna preamp and the FLEX-6000 GPSDO provide this voltage. Then GPS antenna connector on the FLEX-6000 is an SMA type connector. You can extend the length of the supplied RG174 coax in order to reach a place for the installation of the GPS antenna where it can receive the satellite signals.

NM1W · August 2013

I got the Tram 1655 8' Marine GPS Antenna, from Walmart for $24.20; Stuck it outside, no issues getting a lock now.. (Got the suggestion from Jim K4JAF on the reflector)

Tim - W4TME · August 2013

Here is another GPS antenna that has been reported to work well and has been used in high (1 KW) RF environments (tnx to Jim K5HY for the info) http://www.diltronic.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010101GPS-TMG-26N.pdf

Tim - W4TME · August 2013

And another one... (tnx to Mel K0PFX for the info) The Motorola ANTA1 (GCNAC1232A. No RFI issues from a KW+ running right above it. ..and the price is right from TAPR. http://tapr.org/gps_ant1a.html

Jim K4JAF · August 2013

The Tram 1655 from Walmart works well, I think it is rated at 30 db. You do need a BNC to SMA adapter to connect to the radio. I think it was $24 delivered to my local walmart. I haven't put it outside yet as get a quick lock with it sitting inside the house on a shelf next to the radio. 73s Jim K4JAF

Asher - K0AU · October 2013

I am using this GPS antenna: https://www.fairradio.com/catalog.php?mode=viewitem&item=8953 through 100 feet of LMR400 and a DC-passing surge suppressor. It's mounted 10 feet above the ground with a 1/3 blocked sky to the north. Consistently locks on 10 to 12 satellites. 1.5 KW running through a different coax in the same conduit and to an HF antenna 40+ feet above the GPS antenna.

Keith - AE5XN · October 2013

I recently bought this GPS antenna from Amazon, works very well with fast GPS lock times, and sees 10+ satellites with a very narrow view to the sky between two houses. I have it outside on top of one of my A/C units. It has a magnet on the bottom to stick to any ferrous surface, has 26dB gain, and is meant for automotive applications, so it's weatherproof. Can't beat the price, either! http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-AT-65SMA-GPS-Antenna/dp/B005RUPU6W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380901610&sr=8-1&keywords=GlobalSat+AT-65SMA+GPS+Antenna Keith - AE5XN

John WA7UAR · August 2021

All the links in this thread are no longer valid. Could folks repost links to their favorite GPS antennas that work well with the Flex 6000 series? Any new insights since 2013? Thank you.

arodland · August 2021

@John WA7UAR Tram 1655 is still available and still very good. The links might be broken but you can just search for it and it's available from several suppliers. Garmin GA-38 would be another option.

In a pinch you can probably run with any old "puck" antenna, 99% of them should work fine given a good sky view.

Asher - K0AU · August 2021

GPS-ANT – Fair Radio Sales

Surplus Lucent antenna still available from Fair Radio Sales. Has worked great. I run it through a splitter and use it for a 6700 and a GPS-conditioned NTP server

Asher - K0AU · August 2021

GPS-ANT – Fair Radio Sales

Surplus Lucent antenna still available from Fair Radio Sales. Has worked great. I run it through a splitter and use it for a 6700 and a GPS-conditioned NTP server

John K3MA · August 2021

In stock at Amazon as of this posting.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DN2KTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

John WA7UAR · August 2021

Thanks @Asher - K0AU — I could not find the Lucent for some time. I placed my order with Fair Radio!

Can I use an different GPS antenna with the GPSDO module?

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