drive418

I am putting in an Aim data system in my 944. I am looking for the best, and easiest, way to locate the GPS transmitter on the roof. I am trying to figure out how to route the cable without drilling holes if possible. All suggestions welcome.

Frank 993 C4S

Strap it to the middle of your dash under your windshield somewhere. Works for me and avoids complicated cable routing. Alternatively, put it on your left front fender.

linzman

Put it at the center of the back of roof near the hatch. Open the hatch and peel back the rubber seal and slip the wire under it, run it under the seal towards the side of car to keep from bending the wire too acutely. At some point you'll have to cross under the seal so the wire will be on the inside of the car. Then run it up to the AIM unit, hiding it as you wish.

drive418

Dash is out of the car, but I wonder if I could attach it to the inside windshield?

I tried routing it through the rear hatch, but the metal connector on the end of the cord doesn't fit between the roof and the hatch frame.

Thanks for those ideas though.

SamGrant951

I have mine in the rear of the car (on the inside) under the big glass hatch - works great and doesn't see the weather.

linzman

I got mine through. I have the same setup. But you have to do it way over to the side near the hinge. It barely fits. Push the connector through first and leave it out wide, then place the antenna, then put the wire under the seal to protect it.

ProCoach

Every manufacturer recommends placing the GPS antenna as high as possible outside with a metal backing (roof, fender, hood, HAS to be magnetic), such that it has at least 180 degrees of horizon available to it.

The amplified antennas (the GPS-05 and 05B) can work satisfactorily inside on the dash or on a high rear deck under glass. The VBOX, EVO4 and MoTeC L series antennas should be outside.

Biggest danger is pinching or cutting wires.

Matt Romanowski

I also always recommend placing the antenna on the centerline of the car. That way when you overlay data and GPS lines, the reference point will always be the same versus one car has it on the right and one has it on the left. Small detail but helpful.

Mahler9th

Looks like you have some good suggestions.

I asked this question in an install thread I started in the Data Acq. forums and likewise got some good suggestions.

I think it is a good idea to ask local folks with the same type of GPS/data system that go to the same tracks that you intend. In my area, I found quite a few, perhaps a preponderance, that have the antenna mounted under the windshield. In some cases, a shop that sells and installs the systems picked the location. All report that it works fine for the more local tracks in most types of sedan cars.

In my case, I nevertheless decided on a roof top install. But I wanted to drill the smallest hole possible. The connector on my older-style GPS antenna is pretty big and would necessitate a ~3/4 inch hole, so I decided to cut it off, feed the wire through my small hole and reterminate. I was able to get connector and pin sets directly from AIM for $11 each. I botched my first try, but the second one was fine. I did not use any type of special crimper.

por944s2

Put mine on the X Braces on cage in rear hatch, assuming you have one. Smack in the middle of car and clear view of sky. A few zip ties and your done.

ProCoach

No slam on shops that sell this stuff, but they are a sample of one. They have habits and methods that have worked for them, and sometimes, when it doesn't work, they don't look beyond what they have always done and blame the equipment.

The advantage of working with specialists is access to a wider array of experience and hopefully, a shop will buy from dealers that can offer the global level of support. Makes for less hassle, happier customers and better outcomes.

The manufacturers are very clear about best practices, which is why the roof mounting eliminates variables and is best practice.

Matt Romanowski

Completely agree. Just because it's how someone has always done it, doesn't make it right.

Center of the roof is best to give the antenna the best view of the sky.

winders

Does fiberglass block the signals to the newer GPS08 units for the latest dashes?

ProCoach

No. I use the GPS-05 under fiberglass, too.

Matt Romanowski

I've run the GPS05 under fiberglass a lot without trouble. I haven't tested the GPS08 under fiberglass, but I would expect the same results.

I have a GPS08 that I'm using this weekend. Its o e of the first in the country. I've of used it o and off the trailer before but it has quicker satellite lock and picks up more satellites. I had 15 while in the garage on the initial startup.