PP Stargazer GPS puck -- install on top or under dash?

[TallSkinnyGuy]

I installed PP Stargazer a couple years ago and the GPS puck recently failed. PP replaced it under warranty, which was great. However, I'm wondering if my puck placement had any role in the failure. I installed it on top of my dash where it always had full sun exposure. I just read in the instructions that it could be installed under the dash, so I manually held the puck under my dash to see if it would make a successful satellite connection. It did -- at least that one time that I tested it.

 

Seems like installing the puck under the dash would keep it safe from harsh sun exposure, but I don't know if that is actually an issue. Anyone have suggestions on whether I should install the new puck under or over the dash? My only goal is to make the thing last longer.

[dvskier]

I have a 2004 SN196. Mounted the puck under the dash on right side of helm. No problems at all.

[eleeski]

In the old days of GPS my aircraft GPS was sketchy with the dash mount antenna. The external antenna cured almost all the problems.

 

Modern GPS is way better. So maybe under mounting is OK. Probably best to go with what worked and budget occasional replacement.

 

White paint lowers temperatures massively and heat is the enemy of electronics. Water is bad also but sealants are pretty good from the factory. Actually the antennas are pretty reliable - I have heard of a few older failures but they are rare.

 

My antenna issue just need a reset. Probably associated with a battery issue. In my HOT desert with brackish water the external antennas are doing fine.

 

Eric

[BraceMaker]

Currently mine is in the glove box of the boat. When running it I didn't want to fiddle with the dash cover again.

[FSSPCat]

I installed mine on top.

[bassfooter]

I know of only one Stargazer puck failure -- my own. Why not mount it below and see how it goes? It mounts with Velcro, so it's easy to move if it ends up not working.