Location of GPS antenna

[Cove]

I am having my local boat dealer install my GPS antenna (part of a combo Lowrance LCX 19c) and he suggested putting it on the "dash" of the driver's console on a 17 foot aluminum boat, between the LCX monitor and a VHF radio, behind a windshield (Lund Pro V 1775).
Is this going to work OK? Alternative would be to put it out away from the console where more likely to get stepped on, etc..
Is there going to be interference from windsheild and nearby devices is my concern.

[Navigator]

Cove,
Even though you have a 12 channel unit, I would keep the antenna away from the console. The lock on time will improve if it has a clear shot at the horizon, at least that is what I have found with my Lowrance and Garmin units. Nav

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Jon Navratil
Navigator Guide Service
www.naviguides.com
Central MN rivers & lakes

[TMBeard]

Cove,

For what it is worth. I have a X-15 and have my GPS receiver mounted next to my trolling motor on the bow of my boat.

So far in the 2-3 years I have had it...No problems.

Travis

[champion]

I too run a X-15 on my bass boat. My antenna sits about 8" from my unit on my dash, dont have to worry about hitting it or bumping it. Have had no problems holding a lock on satellites, even with the winshield. Good luck.

[Cove]

Thanks all of you guys for your comments.
I did decide to put in on the top of the console alongside my VHF and my LCX 19.
One fellow who sounded well informed said one WAAS bird, "AOR-W" (Altantic Ocean Region West)will be low on the horizon in Minnesota. The bird is geostationary over the equator at 54 west longitude. If I receive this bird it will change accuracy from about 9 meters to 3 meters (10 foot). If the X19c or your VHF or any metal window frame is between the antenna and the bird I may not get the AOR-W bird and my accuracy would be about 30 feet instead of 10 feet. Still very good but I will be fussy enough to try it in different locations and if it makes a difference I will move it, holes in the dash or no holes.

[Satchmo]

Cove, make sure to place your GPS antenna at least 6ft from your VHF antenna. The gps module is designed to receive much lower wattage than your VHF puts out. This can result in your module being burned out by the VHF output signal. The opposite side of the boat is best if you have a tendency to use your radio with the antenna laying down.

[Cove]

Thanks for the comments, Satchmo.
I have the VHF antenna on the port side, by the passenger's console, which probably is about 6 feet from where I ended up putting the GPS antenna.
What difference would it make if you used the VHF antenna lying down? Just make it closer?