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Data Hacking

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68 Part I — Hardware Hacks<br />

FIGURE 4-8: The external antenna has a strong magnet at the base for affixing to a car roof.<br />

These antennas either replace the existing antenna on the unit or they bypass the built-in<br />

antenna after they’re attached.<br />

External antennas enable you to place the antenna in a different location than the actual receiver.<br />

This means that you (or whoever is holding the unit) will obscure the signal a lot less. It also<br />

means you can take the unit into an area with poor signal coverage and put the antenna where<br />

reception is better.<br />

Some applications ideally suited to the use of an external antenna include the following:<br />

Indoor use: If you want to bring a GPS signal indoors, an external antenna is a great<br />

way to do it with little fuss.<br />

Car use: If you want to use a GPS in a car, especially a car that has metalized glass<br />

installed that blocks microwave radiation, an external antenna might be a possible<br />

solution that will enable you to use a GPS.<br />

Boat use: The antenna can be attached outside and the GPS kept inside, away from<br />

exposure to the elements.

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