internal or external antenna on garmin 162 gps

[Great Laker]

Currently have an older external antenna garmin gps that I want to replace with a 162 with internal antenna that will be under a large bimi top, would like to know if any body has this unit in similar set up and how it works in bad weather and fog,and if the top affects it.THANKS

[Brian_MN]

Had a 162 internal antenna, and it performed great in all conditions, including under my bimini-style top during a severe thunderstorm. (Don't even ask how I know that the GPS was still working well!)

[Great Laker]

Thanks for the info Brian

[Bad Finger]

I have used a Garmin 126 with internal antenna. (I know, not a 162 but...) worked very well mounted on the dash of a full console boat. Never lost satalite lock. Hope that helps.

[moreyes]

Go with the internal antenna, never have had a issue with signals, then you get get a 12v adapter set it on your dash of your vehicle makes a great road map. I can get a signal in my garage believe it or not.

moreyes

[dogfish]

I bought a waas garmin this past summer with the internal antenna and put it on the boat. Had a hard time always picking up the waas signal if the unit wasn't straight up and down or if i even turned from a heading of east to west. I sent it back and got the external antenna and never had a problem since. The external antenna works a lot better. I bought another smaller antenna i can mount on the top of truck or in ice shanty with a magnet on the back. I could always receive a signal with the internal model but i would not get the really good waas signal i was looking for.

[Dave S]

Dogfish, So in what part of the country do you fish? I was at a sports show in SD several weeks ago and was told that at times it can be difficult to maintain a WAAS Signal lock in the Midwest. Can you always maintain a WAAS Signal lock now that you have gone to an external antenna? Certainly an arguement for the external antenna option.

[Phil T.]

Thanks for the information on external antennas. When I buy one, it will be used on both a boat and in a camper-carrying pickup. I expected the internal antenna wouldn't work well under the aluminum covered camper overhang that extends beyond the pickup's windshield. So, it's external antenna for me.

[rmitchel]

What does waas get you in the GPS? I use a hand-held Garmin Etrex - origional model (use it just to plot points). Is it waas? If not, should I have a GPS with waas?

Also, I am a bit confused about the difference between the Garmin 162 and 168. I think I know the difference, but I am not sure.

[Shawn]

I have the 168. It includes the fishfinder. Haven't had a problem losing the signal even under the bimini with the side curtains on. Mine is mounted on the dash behind the windshield...

>What does waas get you in the GPS? I use a hand-held Garmin
>Etrex - origional model (use it just to plot points). Is it
>waas? If not, should I have a GPS with waas?
>
>Also, I am a bit confused about the difference between the
>Garmin 162 and 168. I think I know the difference, but I am
>not sure.

[dogfish]

Dave,

I fish mostly in central and NE WI. Once I switched to the external problem it solved all my problems. It is pretty rare when I can't receive a WAAS signal all the time. I tried the internal antenna thinking it would be more portable because I wanted to use it in the ice shanty, boat and truck. I can't reember what the extra portable antenna cost, I think around 60.00 (can call garmin and get one, It's just a small 2"x4" magnetic back antenna that works great.) Can mount it on the window with the suction mount or on top with the magnet mount. Works better on top. I like the garmin models, easier to use.

[BAMBAM]

ditto on the internal antenna.
Mine is tucked under the windshield and I have not problems with gettting a signal.