GA 38 GPS-antenna

The GA 38 GPS antenna is designed to improve satellite signal reception for your navigation equipment. It is particularly useful when the internal antenna of your chartplotter is obstructed, for example in a closed helm, under a hard-top, or on a boat made of materials that block signals (such as carbon fiber or metal).

Yes, this antenna is designed for the marine environment. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand accidental immersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its housing is made of high-impact plastic alloy and is fully sealed.

For optimal performance, the antenna must be installed in a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky in all directions. Avoid mounting it in the immediate vicinity of other antennas, radars, or large metal structures that could interfere with the signal.

The GA 38 antenna offers two installation options:

Flat mounting: directly on a flat surface of the boat. Mounting on a ball joint/mount: on a standard 1-inch diameter mount with 14 threads per inch (not included).

The GA 38 antenna is compatible with most Garmin chartplotters, multifunction displays, and instruments that have an external GPS antenna input with a BNC connector.

The antenna has a diameter of 91.6 mm and a height of 49.5 mm. Its weight is 201 grams.

The GA 38 GPS antenna comes with a built-in 10-metre (32-foot) cable, which is usually sufficient for most recreational boat installations.

Yes, it is essential to maintain a safe distance to avoid magnetic interference. The GA 38 antenna must be installed at a minimum distance of 114 mm (4.5 inches) from any compass.

The GA 38 antenna is a multi-constellation antenna. It can receive signals from the GPS and GLONASS systems for improved positioning accuracy and reliability.

This antenna is specifically designed and optimized to work with Garmin navigation systems. Use with equipment from other brands is not guaranteed and may not function properly, even if the connector is compatible.

The GA 38 antenna does not require a separate power supply. It is powered directly by the Garmin device to which it is connected via the BNC coaxial cable.

The operating temperature range for the white model of the GA 38 antenna is from -30°C to 80°C (-22°F to 176°F), ensuring reliable operation in extreme weather conditions.

Yes, the GA 38 antenna comes with hardware for both mounting types. The kit includes a surface-mount bracket, a mast/ball mount bracket, and the required fasteners.

When mounting on a tubular bracket (ball joint), you can route the cable outside the bracket or through the inside for a cleaner and more protected installation.

The antenna uses a standard BNC-type connector to connect to your Garmin navigation device. It is a simple and secure connection.

This GA 38 antenna model is white, allowing it to blend discreetly on most boat decks.

The antenna housing is made of high-impact plastic alloy, fully sealed to ensure robustness and waterproofing against harsh marine conditions.

The antenna comes with a built-in 10-meter cable. This length is designed to suit most installations. Using BNC extensions is technically possible, but it is recommended to prioritize antenna positioning that does not require an extension to ensure optimal signal quality.

Installation does not require specific tools. Basic tools such as a drill, bits suitable for your mounting surface (gelcoat, stainless steel, etc.), and a screwdriver are generally sufficient to secure the provided mounts.

Yes, the GA 38 is often used to replace or upgrade older Garmin antenna models that also use a BNC connection. It offers improved sensitivity and multi-system compatibility (GPS, GLONASS).

The Garmin GA 38 GPS antenna offers flexible installation options. You can mount it in several ways:

Surface mount: on a flat surface using the supplied bracket.Mast mount: on a standard 1-inch (outer diameter) mast with 14 threads per inch (not included). The cable can be routed outside or inside the mast.Under-deck mount: only under a fiberglass surface (the under-deck mounting kit is supplied with white models).It is essential to choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky in all directions for optimal reception.

The GA 38 GPS antenna is equipped with a BNC connector. This standard connector plugs directly into the port marked 'ANTENNA' or 'EXT GPS' on a compatible Garmin chartplotter.

Yes, it is possible, but with one important condition: the antenna must be mounted only under a fiberglass surface. It cannot acquire signals through metal. The under-deck mounting kit (including adhesive pads and a bracket) is provided with the white antenna models.

To ensure optimal reception performance, follow these mounting recommendations:

Choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky in all directions. Avoid installing it near the boat's superstructure, a radome antenna, or the mast that could cast a shadow on the antenna. Do not mount it near the engine or other electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources. Keep it away from ferrous objects (such as a toolbox) and strong magnets (such as speakers). If a radar is present, mount the antenna above the radar beam, or below if necessary, but never directly in its path. Maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter (3 feet) from a VHF radio antenna or the radar beam.

Installing the GA 38 antenna requires a few basic tools:

For surface mounting: a 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) drill bit for pilot holes and a 25 mm (1 inch) hole saw or drill bit for cable routing, along with a Phillips screwdriver. For mast mounting: a mast wrench and a 19 mm (3/4 inch) drill bit if running the cable inside the mast. To secure the antenna to its bracket: a 1.5 mm hex key for the M3 mounting screw. It is also recommended to wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask when drilling.

The GA 38 antenna is designed to be compatible with most Garmin chartplotters that have a dedicated port labeled 'ANTENNA' or 'EXT GPS' with a BNC connector. It is particularly recommended for installations where the multifunction display is mounted indoors or in an area where the boat's structure blocks GPS signals. For specific compatibility with your model, we recommend checking your Garmin device's documentation.

The GA 38 GPS antenna is an accessory designed and optimized by Garmin for its own chartplotters. While the connector is a standard BNC, its use with devices from other brands is not guaranteed by the manufacturer. For reliability and optimal performance, it is strongly recommended to use it with a compatible Garmin device.

The safe distance from the compass for the GA 38 GPS antenna is 114 mm (4.5 inches). It is important to respect this distance to avoid any magnetic interference with the boat's compass.

The GA 38 GPS antenna has the following dimensions:

Diameter: 91.6 mm (3 19/32 in)Height: 49.5 mm (1 15/16 in)Weight: 201 g (7.1 oz)These compact dimensions facilitate installation on any type of vessel.

The GA 38 GPS antenna has an IPX7 protection rating according to IEC 60529. This means it is protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. Its robust design with a high-strength plastic alloy housing and fully sealed joints makes it a reliable component for use in marine environments.

Operating temperature range varies by model color:

White model: from -30°C to 80°C (-22°F to 176°F)Black model: from -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F)This wide temperature range ensures reliable antenna operation in extreme weather conditions.

The GA 38 GPS antenna housing is made of a fully sealed high-strength plastic alloy. This robust material is designed to withstand demanding marine environments and harsh weather conditions.

Yes, the GA 38 GPS antenna comes with an integrated cable. This cable is fitted with a BNC connector at the end to plug directly into the ANTENNA or EXT GPS port of your compatible Garmin chartplotter.

It is strongly recommended to test the location before final installation. To do this:

Temporarily mount the antenna at the chosen location.Connect it to your Garmin chartplotter.Check the GPS signal reception level on the device.If you notice interference or a weak signal, move the antenna to another location and repeat the test.Once you achieve a full or acceptable signal, you can proceed with permanent installation.

No, installing the GA 38 antenna near a radar or VHF antenna is not recommended. To avoid interference:

Mount the antenna above the radar beam if possible, or below if necessary, but never directly in its path. Maintain a minimum distance of 1 meter (3 feet) from a VHF radio antenna or the radar beam.

The GA 38 antenna is designed to be compatible with a wide range of Garmin chartplotters, including the GPSMAP, echomap, and quatix series, provided they have an ANTENNA or EXT GPS port with a BNC connector. It is particularly useful for installations where the display is mounted indoors. For precise compatibility verification with your specific model, consult your device's manual.

The provided documentation does not allow direct comparison of the GA 38 antenna with other models such as the GA 28. However, the GA 38 is presented as a standard and proven solution for resolving satellite reception issues. To determine the precise differences between these models, we recommend consulting the respective technical datasheets on Garmin’s website.

Yes, this is one of the main uses of the GA 38 antenna. It is specifically designed to provide a stronger GPS signal to a Garmin chartplotter. It is particularly recommended when the device is installed inside the boat, in an area where the structure (metal, carbon) blocks satellite signals. By connecting the GA 38 antenna to the EXT GPS port, you can significantly improve reception reliability.