Anyone using the Sharkfin Quad antenna?

[Pj]

Anyone using this quad antenna? GPSQB. Is it GPS cable + 3 RF cables, or GPS + 2 RF cables (AMPS and PCS on one cable?) ??

Ideally I'd like to put Wi-Fi, GPS, 800 Rx, and VZW data on in one antenna package, and until I hear back from (slow Maxrad)...I am just guessing. The cut sheet states 3 pigtails, but I don't know if that is including the GPS cable or not.

http://wildcard.pctel.com/images_produc ... ransit.pdf

[JAYMZ]

It is most likely GPS plus 2 cables. AMPS/PCS "dual band" antennas are fairly common these days.

[videonerd]

If they get back to you or if you end up getting this antenna, I'd like to get your thoughts on it.

I'm thinking of doing the same, but GPS/WLAN/PCS (CDMA).

[videonerd]

Dead thread bump...

Anyone? If any batlabs members sell the PCTEL/Maxrad PCTMDL and you're in Canada, PM me please?

PCTEL Linky: http://www.maxrad.com/product_overview_ ... _num=11208

[Bill_G]

What would you like to know? Yes, one of the leads is for the active gps antenna. The other two leads are for passive trace antennas etched on a circuit board. There is an lna requiring current limited 3-5v from your gps board to function correctly. In general they perform OK. They certainly simplify installation, though the cables are easily pinched. The design is dependent on the losses of the small cable to atten the gain of the lna to prevent gps front end saturation. It is recommended you not shorten the gps lead length. The other band elements are power limited. 802.11b&g short range performance is acceptable - the operational radius is approx 30m depending on your AP and distribution. The cellular band element performance is acceptable in an urban service area with numerous service interruptions in a rural setting again depending on the network. Overall, the antenna style is a good compromise for a combining gps, cellular, and short range wi-fi into a single antenna, and a good candidate for transit agencies, commuter rail, and taxis services to maintain continuous data connectivity with their vehicles. It is a good antenna for machine to machine communications with a multi-mode interface. I do not recommend it for voice service.

[Pj]

Just an update...

Got it installed and performace for GPS and wifi seem to be pretty good. Until I swap out connectors I can't say for much for the 800 part yet.

[twowaytekk]

These have been installed on a rural LE agency's vehicles here with great perfromance. Nice and clean, and work great for the price of under $60 each. Use is all data. No voice so I can't comment on that.

FYI-There was a recall on some of them due to the improper install of the connectors from the factory. They offered to send them back for new connectors being installed, but I opted just to replace them myself if they were faulty.

Mark