7
Choosing the Mounting Location
For a reliable GPS signal, selecting the best location for the receiver is very
important. It can be mounted on a pole, rail, or flat surface. Choose a location that
balances the requirements below.
• The GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky to the horizon in all
directions. However, the lower it can be mounted, the more stable it will be, to
better track satellites low on the horizon.
• Mount away from any VHF radio, satellite, radar, or other antennas to avoid
mutual interference (see Figure 1).
• The compass safe distance for standard and steering compasses is 0.30m (1').
Observe this distance to prevent interference to a magnetic compass.
• Mount above or below any radar beam. Do not mount within a radar beam.
• Mount reasonably level with the earth’s surface—not tilted to one side.
• Do not mount on top of a sailboat mast. The sway will cause jitter in the data.
• Do not mount where the GPS receiver could be a tripping hazard or be tread
upon. Note that frozen water spray on the unit may degrade reception.
• Be sure there is access to the underside of the mounting surface.
• Be sure the cable(s) can be routed to reduce electrical interference from other
electrical wiring and any on-board equipment with strong magnetic fields such as
radar equipment, radio transmitters, boat engines, generators, etc., separate the
cables by at least 1 m (3').
Min. 1m
GPS receiver
Figure 1. Minimum distance from GPS receiver
Courtesy of Northstar, Acton, MA
antenna insulator
