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

Tim - W4TME
Administrator, FlexRadio Employee admin
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.
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Answers
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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)0
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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.pdf0
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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.html0
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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 K4JAF1
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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.1
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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 - AE5XN0
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