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Old 05-31-2015, 10:19 PM   #1
Fred S
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Default Gps

I have a GPS that's about 6 years old. When I try using it in my A, it constantly says "Searching for satellite." It works ok in my modern car.
I'm guessing ignition noise is causing the problem.

Anyone else having this problem with a GPS? Any solution? Thanks.

Last edited by Fred S; 05-31-2015 at 10:53 PM.
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Old 05-31-2015, 10:31 PM   #2
Fred K-OR
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Default Re: Gps

I used a GPS in my 29 A coupe without problem. If it was an older GPS, some of them have an antenna that you had to put somewhere so that it could pick up the satellite. So you would have to hang it out the door or put it so it could spot the satellite. My older on had this type of setup whereas the newer one do not.

If someone wants a long story about how not to set up your 6 volt system to be able to plug in a 12 volt GPS, I have a very long story on what not to do!
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Old 05-31-2015, 10:57 PM   #3
Bob Johnson
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Default Re: Gps

Where are you mounting the GPS? It requires a clear view of the sky to get the signals. Does your GPS currently work when not in the Model A? Does it work in the Model A with the engine off?

I no longer use a dedicated GPS. I mount my cell phone on the dash just in front of the steering wheel and use a GPS app. It is easy to glance down quickly and not loose sight of the road.

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Old 05-31-2015, 11:37 PM   #4
Fred S
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Default Re: Gps

Fred-No external antenna. I did install a power source reversed for 6 volt positive ground. I've tried it plugged in, and also on its own power. No luck.

Bob-I tried it on the dash first, then the windshield. Seems like the fabric top should help (except for the chicken wire). It works in my livingroom, and it works in the A with the engine off, as far as planning a route.

It's a Tom Tom. Wondering if a newer GPS or different brand would work.
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Old 06-01-2015, 01:06 AM   #5
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Gps

My AMCOR is about 7 years old and works fine in my Model A and Studebaker.
Even when I first turn it on in my modern car, it usually says searching for a signal, then takes a few seconds to lock in.
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Old 06-01-2015, 05:59 AM   #6
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Give it more time. It will find the signal.
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Old 06-01-2015, 06:20 AM   #7
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Default Re: Gps

I have a Tom Tom and could not get a good consistent signal on the 6 volt. I use a 6 v positive ground to 12 v negative ground adapter now and it works great. JB
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Old 06-01-2015, 09:23 AM   #8
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Default Re: Gps

Fred K-OR. Tell us what not to do. I just carry a small 12 volt battery in the car for my GPS. I was afraid to hook it up to a 6 volt positive ground. Will that work?
Thanks
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Old 06-01-2015, 10:45 AM   #9
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Default Re: Gps

Maybe your GPS is embarrassed to ride in an "old" car and this is it's way of getting out of it.
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Old 06-01-2015, 11:05 AM   #10
Fred K-OR
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Default Re: Gps

Quote:
Originally Posted by wmws View Post
Fred K-OR. Tell us what not to do. I just carry a small 12 volt battery in the car for my GPS. I was afraid to hook it up to a 6 volt positive ground. Will that work?
Thanks
wmws, I used a 6 volt to 12 volt converter to get the 12 volts needed for the GPS. But I neglected to worry about positive and negative. So the 12 volts had the wrong polarity. So after burning out a couple of connecter GPS plugs, non electric guy me, finally realized you had to hook up the proper polarity. After that and a couple of new GPS connecter plugs, I got it to work.
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Old 06-01-2015, 11:49 AM   #11
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Fred, Thanks for the reply. Glad I didn't hook mine up to the positive ground.
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Old 06-01-2015, 11:54 AM   #12
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Tom & Jacksonlll-I've taken it on back roads on a 40 mile trip, and it never gets past "searching for satellite."

Western77-I was running it on 6 volts, (read where GPS & cell phones only need 5 volts) so that may be the problem. When I charge my cell phone, it gets 'almost fully charged' but never shows fully charged. I'll try fully charging the unit in my modern car, and then try it. Looks like I may need the 6/12 volt adaptor.
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Old 06-01-2015, 11:54 AM   #13
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Default Re: Gps

If you look on ebay for an insulated lighter socket, you can find them for a couple bucks from China. I bought a few and just used speaker wire to wire a couple clips or terminals on the end. I can then connect the center on the socket to ground and the insulated outside to a hot wire. This makes for a clean and easy installation to run my GPS. I can just lay the socket on the floor, or I could mount it somewhere to make it more permanent.
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Old 06-01-2015, 12:11 PM   #14
Fred S
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Tom-That's what I've done, and have hidden the socket between the dash and tank. But the unit doesn't seem to like only 6 volts, or ignition noise is screwing it up.
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Old 06-01-2015, 01:06 PM   #15
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Default Re: Gps

I use an iPhone 6+ and the app GPS Drive for a GPS. The screen on the iPhone 6+ is as big or bigger than dedicated GPS devices, and with a bluetooth battery powered speaker slipped into the door pocket all my music needs are taken care of. Plus if, heaven forbid, we breakdown I can call for help!
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Old 06-01-2015, 10:51 PM   #16
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Default Re: Gps

Works engine off but not engine on? OK that tells us the voltage is ok and tells me you were correct about the ignition noise.
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