Satellite Antenna Relocation / Fix

[TheHops]

Overlanders love running rooftop setups--myself included. For a year or two now I've just put up with the terrible Sirius / GPS reception caused by my over-the-cab rooftop setup, but I finally came across and implemented a fix and it works great. The fix was incredibly easy and cheap. I tested the system after install with a roughly 20 minute drive and had zero cutouts, as opposed to the typical pattern of 5-10 second breaks in reception every 20-30 seconds or so. I put together a quick, <4 minute video below showing the location and the process. Check it out if you have similar issues!

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[chorky]

How well has this been working for you now? Any signal issues?

 

[TheHops]

How well has this been working for you now? Any signal issues?

It has been working much, *much* better than before the fix. I will say though: I've found that I do experience some brief, intermittent disruptions when driving/facing north. I assume this is because the satellites are at a fairly sharp angle off to the south because I live so far north. I'm thinking if I can somehow build a platform to get the antenna closer to the bottom of the wiper cowl vs. having it so far recessed, that may help. I'll likely continue tweaking it and will provide updates, but I'll reiterate that I am incredibly happy with this fix as installed.

 

[chorky]

It has been working much, *much* better than before the fix. I will say though: I've found that I do experience some brief, intermittent disruptions when driving/facing north. I assume this is because the satellites are at a fairly sharp angle off to the south because I live so far north. I'm thinking if I can somehow build a platform to get the antenna closer to the bottom of the wiper cowl vs. having it so far recessed, that may help. I'll likely continue tweaking it and will provide updates, but I'll reiterate that I am incredibly happy with this fix as installed.

I have been contemplating for a while now doing something similar, but punching a hole through the roof instead - there are so many of these to choose from though! Is there any particular specification listed that one must adhere to in order to work with Sirius radio, GPS, and guardian?

 

[TheHops]

I have been contemplating for a while now doing something similar, but punching a hole through the roof instead - there are so many of these to choose from though! Is there any particular specification listed that one must adhere to in order to work with Sirius radio, GPS, and guardian?

I looked for...a long time to find an option that wasn't Mopar--maybe one I could mount to the roof rack, or on the bracket with my ditch lights, but I couldn't find any mention of what would make a particular antenna multi-capable. I actually have another write-up on a Tram antenna that I rerouted the signal with, maybe a little under a year ago. At the time, I didn't realize the Sirius/GPS antenna were the same thing, so my Sirius reception was perfect, but I completely lost my GPS.

What I did come across in my research was that Sirius XM and the GPS send/receive on completely different frequencies, so I imagine you need an antenna that is capable of tuning into both. Even the Mopar antenna doesn't mention that it is capable of that, but I have to assume that it is based on how it operates.

All of that being said, I just settled back on the Mopar antenna since it's reasonably priced and checks all of my boxes. Truthfully, I could easily mount it to the corner of my roof rack, which would likely eliminate the mildly annoying north-facing issue that I'm currently having, but I wanted to afford it at least some protection. I'm sure it's waterproof/UV resistant, otherwise I doubt the stock location would be on the roll bar that is exposed to the elements, but still.

My personal advice is to stick with the Mopar one--however, if you DO find an aftermarket one that functions properly, let me know!

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