Where to Place Your GPS Antenna to Record Accurate Data

GPS data logging systems rely on satellites to calculate position and speed data. Where your GPS antenna is mounted is therefore essential to ensure you record accurate data which can be used to help you go faster on track.
To make sure your logger records accurate data you need to ensure that the GPS antenna has been placed correctly:
1) Clear view of the sky
2) Is mounted on a flat, metallic surface
3) Has at least 10 cm clearance from any other antenna or obstruction
#QuickestWayToGoFaster #acceleratedlearning #learntogofaster #talkdatatome

[@patricknance3585]

How big does the ground plan have to be for optimum reception? Or what is the point of diminishing returns on increased area?

[@vboxmotorsport]

A minimum of 5cm and ideally 10cm.

[@youtubesque]

What is radius clearance ? My have have a Shark antenna on the roof, Can I place my little GPS antenna just behind my car's shark antenna ?

[@vboxmotorsport]

We would recommend 10cm distance from any other item including antenna.

[@youtubesque]

@@vboxmotorsport Thank you

[@FirstLast-jf9on]

Yes you can and it will have no problem since they are using different frequency.

[@carmeladignos9485]

What if it rains?

[@vboxmotorsport]

The antenna will not be affected by the rain as it is IP67 rated. It would be a good idea to route the cable though so that rain can't run down the wire and in to the VBOX antenna socket.

[@FirstLast-jf9on]

It'll get wet ofcourse.

[@vboxmotorsport]

@@FirstLast-jf9on yes, but as it is IP67 Rated this won't be an issue.

[@FirstLast-jf9on]

@@vboxmotorsport But still, there is no need for it to put it in top your roof. Just put it in the dashboard, it will still work fine like your phone's gps. If you want some reflector, then put some thin metal sheet under it (which is not necessary).

[@vboxmotorsport]

@@FirstLast-jf9on phone GPS is 1Hz and not especially accurate. We use 25 Hz GNSS in most of our Motorsport products. A lot of cars now have athermic windscreens (to keep out UV) which also block or distort satellite signals resulting in poor data. We can only strongly recommend correct antenna placement as the vast majority of issues we see are to do with poor placement.

[@nairem9637]

What the door closing n opening every time? That doesn’t break the wire?

[@vboxmotorsport]

Wires can become broken over time, and if this happens then replacements are available. This video is about the position of the antenna, but the routing of the wire will be down to user preference and circumstance such as if it is a temporary install or for a permanent race car fitment. If a driver coach is only in a car for a day, or it is an antenna with a performance meter that is possibly being used in multiple vehicles, then this method is what we commonly see. Long term installations either use existing apertures or sometimes are drilled with a rubber grommet etc to stop water ingress, but it is up to the vehicle and system owner. The ultimate take away from this video should be that an antenna needs a good ground plane and clear view of the sky away from obstructions or possible reflections of satellite signal that could affect data accuracy.