Fixed a bad GPS dropout by grounding the antenna mount directly to the airframe

Kept losing satellite lock on a 172 during turns, and swapping the antenna did nothing. I checked the coax and it was fine, but the mount had rust under the base from 15 years of moisture. Ran a dedicated ground strap from that mount to a clean spot on the frame, and the dropout vanished. Has anyone else seen corrosion mess with GPS signals like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

jana1199d ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? GPS signals are pretty strong, I've seen antennas held on with nothing but tape and coax that got bounced around way worse still work okay. Corrosion on the mount might cause a little static, but a full dropout seems like a stretch.

josephbutler8d agoMost Upvoted

Well, I think you might be underestimating how corrosion can sneak up on you. I've seen a lot of little problems like this turn into bigger ones over time, especially with older gear. It's like the loose doorknob or the flickering light bulb you ignore until the whole thing breaks.