Permanent Setup for USB GPS Puck

[arjand]

Hi there,
I am looking to install a GPS puck on the railing that would than plug into the pc via usb. So far I only have one candidate:
NEW Marine GPS Reciever DGPS for LAPTOP USB Sirf | eBay
Does anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks! Arjan

[ChannelIslander]

In my experience you don't need the GPS puck outdoors on the rail. I use a USB GPS puck antenna inside, connected to the laptop, and don't have any reception problems.

You might try your unit inside for a couple of weeks before committing to outdoor installation, drilling the railing, running cables, etc.

HTH

- nick

[S/V Alchemy]

You could Velcro it to the underside of a hatch if you have reception problems. Many of these pucks are designed to go on the inside of car windshields, after all.

[edsailing]

Originally Posted by ChannelIslander

In my experience you don't need the GPS puck outdoors on the rail. I use a USB GPS puck antenna inside, connected to the laptop, and don't have any reception problems.

You might try your unit inside for a couple of weeks before committing to outdoor installation, drilling the railing, running cables, etc.

HTH

- nick

I'd second that. You can get a usb gps puck for much less, around $30, that will work perfectly well in the cabin. An indor installation is likely to last you a lot longer as well as it is not exposed to the elements.

[arjand]

thank you all!! that would be sweet (no add'l money/project). thnx!

[rebel heart]

$25 and gets a lock on in the cabin pretty quick. Sometimes I put it out the hatch to speed it up. My coachroof is maybe 3/4" of wood.

Amazon.com: GlobalSat BU-353 Waterproof USB GPS Receiver: Electronics

[bill good]

Blue tooth GPS might have some merit also allowing simple installation. About to try this out very soon.
( After getting open CPN working!!)
regards Bill

[CarinaPDX]

Bill - I'm sure you've already thought of it: the bluetooth unit will need to be connected, usually via USB, to charge regularly.

If you have a serial port available, these mushrooms are tiny and waterproof, not to mention half the price: USGlobalsat Corporate The main use for these are to provide an inexpensive NMEA 0183 GPS, that works very well for input to chartplotter, radar, DSC radio, etc. (A USB adapter is available.) I use them below the deck as well - I just don't want to chase cables outside.

If you really need USB then go with Rebel Heart's recommendation. Or any other GPS USB stick that has at least a SirfStar III chip in it. These newer products work just fine down below (often better than $300 "marine" products).