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GPS uses a different frequency and a very weak signal. The antenna is typically separate from the others but it's very small <5 mm¹. It can be on the same board
by petre 20d ago
GPS uses a different frequency and a very weak signal. The antenna is typically separate from the others but it's very small <5 mm¹. It can be on the same board with other antennas with 3…4 cm separation between them. Also, we tested a GSM tracker and it still worked with a mismatched antenna. This was in Eastern Europe where cell tower power is quite strong. You have to completely remove the antenna and terminate its connection to be 100% sure. If you have coax cables with external antennas, you're lucky. The worst case scenario is when they're embedded in the infotainment system with amtennas and everything. This is also a cost cutting measure, so it's very likely to be used. The infotainment system is usually ideally placed under the windshield for undisturbed signal reception. But there is still hope to completely cover its back side and edges with aluminium foil tape.
1. https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/gnss-chip-antenna-hookup-guide/all?print=1 https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/gnss-chip-antenna-hooku...
- Scoundreller 20d agoI thought most would use their “shark fin” on the roof for everything (if there is one but there usually is). Terminating on the other end somewhere with a color coded FAKRA connector.
- petre 19d agoThat's quite far away for the weak GPS signal over RF cable, but they still do it. Or maybe the GPS unit and LTE modem are also in the shark fin or nearby and they use a serial, CAN FD/XL or single pair ethernet connection to it? Another choice is in the center of the dashboard under the winshield or under the mirror.
- Scoundreller 19d agoFrom teardowns, there’s more than just antennae in those shark fins, so might amplify or LNA or whatever within the shark fin.
- bookofjoe 19d ago>aluminium foil tape uh-oh
- kevin_thibedeau 19d agoFord has GPS with FM on the same cable. They have splitters for this arrangement. This is why they transitioned to stubby antennas for better GPS and good enough FM.