Garmin GA 38 GPS/GLONASS Antenna Installation Instructions - Page 2

Remote GPS Antenna Installation Instructions WARNING See the Important Safety and Product Information guide in the GPS device product box for product warnings and other important information. CAUTION Always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a dust mask when drilling, cutting, or sanding. NOTICE When drilling or cutting, always check what is on the opposite side of the surface. This antenna can be installed to provide a stronger GPS signal to a compatible Garmin® chartplotter. This antenna uses a BNC connector to connect to the port labeled ANTENNA or EXT GPS on a compatible Garmin chartplotter. Antenna Mounting Considerations You can mount the antenna on a flat surface, install it under fiberglass, or attach it to a standard 1 in. OD, 14 threads per inch, pipe-threaded pole (not included). You can route the cable outside of the pole or through the pole. For optimal performance, consider these guidelines when selecting the antenna mounting location. • To avoid interference with a magnetic compass, the antenna should not be mounted closer to a compass than the compass-safe distance value listed in the product specifications. • To ensure the best reception, the antenna should be mounted in a location that has a clear, unobstructed view of the sky in all directions . À • The antenna should not be mounted where it is shaded by the superstructure of the boat , a radome antenna, or the Á mast. • The antenna should not be mounted near the engine or other sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) . Â • If a radar is present, the antenna should be mounted above the path of the radar . If necessary, the antenna may be mounted below the paÃth of the radar . Ä • On a sailboat, to prevent inaccurate speed readings caused by excessive heeling, the antenna should not be mounted high on the mast. • The antenna provides more-stable readings when located nearer to water level. Testing the Mounting Location 1 Temporarily secure the antenna in the preferred mounting location and test it for correct operation. 2 If you experience interference with other electronics, move the antenna to a different location, and test it again. 3 Repeat steps 1-2 until you observe full or acceptable signal strength. 4 Permanently mount the antenna. Surface Mounting the Antenna NOTICE If you are mounting the bracket on fiberglass with screws, it is recommended to use a countersink bit to drill a clearance counterbore through only the top gel-coat layer. This will help to avoid any cracking in the gel-coat layer when the screws are tightened. Stainless-steel screws may bind when screwed into fiberglass and overtightened. Garmin recommends applying an anti-seize lubricant to the screws before installing them. Before you permanently mount the antenna, you must test the mounting location for correct operation (Testing the Mounting Location, page 2). 1 Using the surface-mount bracket as your mounting À template, mark the three pilot-hole locations and trace the cable-hole in the center of the bracket. • The antenna should not be mounted directly in the path of the radar . Å • The antenna should be mounted at least 3 ft. (1 m) away from (preferably above) the path of a radar beam or a VHF radio antenna . Æ 2 Set the surface-mount bracket aside. Do not drill through the bracket. 3 Drill the three 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) pilot holes. 4 Use a 25 mm (1 in.) hole saw to cut the cable hole in the center. 2 Installation Instructions