time-nuts@lists.febo.com

Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement

View all threads

GPS antenna selection

MS
Mark Sims
Fri, Aug 5, 2016 3:04 AM

I just did a test on my cheapest (3 for $15-$20) GPS module... a V.KEL Sirf III receiver.  Indoors, on the lower level floor, away from windows, etc.  I was getting 25-35 dBc levels with the patch antenna properly oriented.  With the module flipped over and the antenna surface on a hardwood floor (and the circuit board/GPS can pointing to the sky and shielding the antenna), signals were around 6 dBc lower.  The receiver was even tracking sats that were below 12 dBc.  GPS receivers have come a long way in the last few years...

I just did a test on my cheapest (3 for $15-$20) GPS module... a V.KEL Sirf III receiver. Indoors, on the lower level floor, away from windows, etc. I was getting 25-35 dBc levels with the patch antenna properly oriented. With the module flipped over and the antenna surface on a hardwood floor (and the circuit board/GPS can pointing to the sky and shielding the antenna), signals were around 6 dBc lower. The receiver was even tracking sats that were below 12 dBc. GPS receivers have come a long way in the last few years...