I need some info from those of you that have navigation from the factory (RS1 or others). I just bought a Scion navigation unit from ebay and have all the things to install, but the directions say to put the gps antenna placement to the right (from inside the car) of the vents for the windshield. I looked at the installation for the TC and the XB and both have theirs neatly tucked into the dash. I think that putting the antenna on top of the dash looks tacky, and was haveing a hard time getting pics of XDs that have it from the factory where you can see the dash if there's an antenna pad visable. I'm thinking they're instructions to put it next to the vent is to avoid digging in to the dash, but I don't know for sure. Info would greatly be appriciated. I'm going to install on my next day off.

 

Also, do you really want to go through the trouble of taking apart the dash to hide this thing? It's not that much of an eye sore.

 

If the navigation system installed from the factory doesn't have the antenna up top then that would show me there is another way to place it. I have the install figures that you're showing me, but I was worried about the wire you are supposed to shove between the glass and the dash board working loose and flopping around. Thanks for posting the pics that's exactly what I'm talking about. If it doesn't look like that from the factory I would think this install would be designed to cut down install time. I don't mind digging into the dash to give it a clean look. Thanks again. Also if you have a pic of a XD with Nav stock from the factory where you can see the dash that would help quell my interest. I've looked endlessly for a pic, but all of them are up close of the HU and you can't see back far enough for the square antenna.

 

My system is stock from the factory, the antenna is placed exactly as shown in the diagram. There is no issue with the antenna wire. I will try to grab a pic today sometime... it doesn't look as tacky as you would think by looking at the diagram. The antenna has to be on top, GPS is line of sight.

 

Not an xD but here is my placement on my tC.






I can't remember the exact number of GPS satellites in orbit, I think its 27, but 3 are extra in case one fails so 24 are active, orbiting earth but most GPS systems only need 4 to accurately pick up your location.

I used to be an installer @ Circuit City a few years ago and this is the placement where I always put GPS antennas secured by 3M double sided tape.

The only vehicle I noticed that I cannot place the antenna on the windshield is the Toyota Tundra.

Every other car gets beyond perfect GPS satellite linkup on the windshield.

The other reason I don't put them anywhere else, especially if it is magnetized, is i've seen them snatched off going through car washes and scratch the paint pretty badly on the roofs and trunks.

 

Thanks for all the info. I sucked it up and just mounted the antenna on the dash like it said. It doesn't look bad. The cord shoves completely out of sight and seems secure with the foam padding, and it looks nice. Thanks again!