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You need to select an antenna installation location that has a clear, un-
obstructed view of the sky. After the module is installed, route the cable
to the unit, plug it in the center socket on the back and your system is
ready to use. See the module's instruction sheet, publication part num-
ber 988-0148-37, for complete installation directions.
In an automobile, you may achieve good results by simply placing the
external antenna on the top of the dash, at the base of the windshield.
A piece of the rubber non-skid shelf liner material available in recrea-
tional vehicle supply stores will help hold the antenna in place. This
may not work well if you have a cab-over design pickup truck camper or
motor home. If dashboard reception is poor, simply relocate the an-
tenna module elsewhere on the vehicle for a clearer view of the sky.
Power Connections
The unit works from a 12-volt battery system. For the best results, at-
tach the power cable directly to the battery. You can attach the power
cable to an accessory or power buss, however you may have problems
with electrical interference. Therefore, it's safer to go ahead and attach
the power cable directly to the battery.
CAUTION:
When using the unit in a saltwater environment, we strongly rec-
ommend that you shut off the power supply to the power cable when
the unit is not in use. When the unit is turned off but still connected
to a power supply, electrolysis can occur in the power cable plug.
This may result in corrosion of the plug body along with the electri-
cal contacts in the cable and the unit's power socket.
In saltwater environments we recommend you connect the power
cable to the auxiliary power switch included in most boat designs.
If that results in electrical interference, or if such a switch is not
available, we recommend connecting direct to the battery and in-
stalling an inline switch. This will let you shut off power to the
power cable when the unit is not in use. When you are not using
the unit, you should always shut off power to the power cable, es-
pecially when the power cable is disconnected from the unit.
If possible, keep the power cable away from other boat wiring, espe-
cially the engine's wires. This will provide the best isolation from elec-
trical noise. If the cable is not long enough, splice #18 gauge wire onto
it. The power cable has two wires, red and black. Red is the positive
lead, black is negative or ground. Make sure to attach the in-line fuse
holder to the red lead as close to the power source as possible.