Garmin Remote Antenna Install?

[BigWhiskey]

Was wondering how difficult it is to install the Garmin remote antenna....just ordered a Garmin 540S, and my marina service center charges $85 to install the unit....but anohter $85 for the antenna...they basically charge 1 hour of install per component, etc....

so im just wondering if it would be a pretty simple install for me to run the antenna down the T-Top to the back of the unit on my Sea Hunt 220.....

thanks

[Justin_NJ]

Why don't you just do the entire install? You'd learn more about the system than having someone else do it.

[Seacat FL]

The hard part is getting the cable and connector through the leg of the T-Top, Figure out how you will do that before you start drilling holes!

[BigWhiskey]

I hear ya Justin....im a fairly DIY type guy around the house, but boats are just a little out of my realm right now....and with the boat being 2 weeks old, the last thing I want to do is make a bad cut or screw up the dash while flush mounting.....for $85 Id rather get them do that part for now, and will try to tackle the smaller projects of installing the antenna and transducer.....

Seacat....the dealer installed VHF for me, so i was thinking i could run the wires down the same way......but, if Im not mistaken the GPS antenna needs to be 24" away from the VHF? does that include wires or just the main antenna?

[lostsinker]

Originally Posted by BigWhiskey

I hear ya Justin....im a fairly DIY type guy around the house, but boats are just a little out of my realm right now....and with the boat being 2 weeks old, the last thing I want to do is make a bad cut or screw up the dash while flush mounting.....for $85 Id rather get them do that part for now, and will try to tackle the smaller projects of installing the antenna and transducer.....

Seacat....the dealer installed VHF for me, so i was thinking i could run the wires down the same way......but, if Im not mistaken the GPS antenna needs to be 24" away from the VHF? does that include wires or just the main antenna?

Just the antenna. In your case, I would spend the extra 85 bucks as long as they will run the cable through a tube. If they are going to tie wrap it to the pipe, it isn't worth it. Note that you will still need to drill the top to mount the antenna ( cable hole and antenna screw holes).

[ElyseM]

Originally Posted by lostsinker

Just the antenna. In your case, I would spend the extra 85 bucks as long as they will run the cable through a tube. If they are going to tie wrap it to the pipe, it isn't worth it. Note that you will still need to drill the top to mount the antenna ( cable hole and antenna screw holes).

what he said. not worth the trouble - and there will be trouble, trust me. ron

[woolyt2]

why are you going to use the antenna any way that unit has a built in antenna?
i have seen that unit flush mounted under a t-top and had no problem picking
up satellites

[BigWhiskey]

woolyt2 - i thought the same thing, but was told otherwise from multiple people that mounted under a T-Top, it would be in my best interest to mount the external antenna....its only $39.....figured its not that much of an investment....can anyone say other wise if you dont need the external antenna mounted under a T Top

[fishgrouse]

I second woolyt2. I have the 540S under a T-top and it works fine. I would try it with the internal antenna first and then decide.

[BigWhiskey]

thanks....i will just send back since the external antenna has not arrived