GPS: Internal vs. External Antenna

[DPatnaude]

We are looking at getting a GPS unit for the boat this summer and are looking at the Standard Horizon CP180. We don't have room to flush mount the unit in the dash, so we are wondering about the merits between the internal and external antenna and if there is any improvement in receiving the satellite fix with the external antenna.

Thanks for any information on this unit or others that you have experience with. We plan to get the C-Map chip with the Bizer map, so that is the only fixed requirement of the unit at this time.

Thanks.

[hazelnut]

We are looking at getting a GPS unit for the boat this summer and are looking at the Standard Horizon CP180. We don't have room to flush mount the unit in the dash, so we are wondering about the merits between the internal and external antenna and if there is any improvement in receiving the satellite fix with the external antenna.

Thanks for any information on this unit or others that you have experience with. We plan to get the C-Map chip with the Bizer map, so that is the only fixed requirement of the unit at this time.

Thanks.

I've had both. First I had the CP150 with the external antennae. Now I have the CP180I - Internal antennae. I've noticed no difference in the quality of the reception. Obviously I recommend the CP180I for use in a typical runabout with a mount that has a clear view of the sky. I love mine and I have had zero problems. Good Luck and hope this helps. Mine is mounted under the windshield and it gets great reception.

[codeman671]

Same here as Hazelnut's experience. I have had the 155C, the 175C and now the 180I. My 180I is on the dash, not flush mounted. I am not sure how a 180I would do if flush into a dash. I would be concerned about losing some signal, and once you cut the hole...No going back.

[secondcurve]

I had the the external version and never got to mount it but it worked perfectly sitting in my radio box. Based upon my experience I will definitely get the internal mount for my next boat.

[Cobalt 25]

I've had internal antennas on my Garmin GPS and chartplotter- both worked great.

Peter