Garmin 665 - XM Antenna Location

[Pictou]

I tried searching this but either the search is not working or I am just incompetent. My guess its the latter.

 

Anyway I am looking for suggestions as to where to best locate the XM Antenna for the Garmin 665 on my 2010 RT. Right now I have it under the seat and it works okay but not perfect. It does cut out more often than I would like it to.

 

Where have some of you put the antenna and how does it work for you?

 

 

[rickmoen]

Pictou - The Zumo 665 manual says to have the puck at least 4 inches from the GPS unit. It also says that best performance comes from being at least 12 inches from the GPS. I've had a heck of a time with the placement of my radio, as well. Right now, I have it just velcroed to the mirror housing on my '05 RT. Seems to be working quite well there - no dropouts, etc. I don't like the looks though, With as much cable as Garmin supplies, I'm thinking about mounting it on the top of my big BMW top case. Good luck.

 

Rick

 

[Pictou]

Funny you should mention the top case because I was thinking I might try it there. Right now I have it under my seat right at the back of the bike (basically underneath that big old top case). I do get plenty of drop outs with it there depending on where I am riding and the direction that I am pointed in.

 

I did try it on one of the saddlebags but that was really no better than it was under the seat.

[D-Mac]

I just attached it to the dash on my 2010 RT using a little mounting tape. Strong signal and it doesn't look too bad. Minor theft risk I suppose.

[SageRider]

My puck is on an RCU shelf. My GPS is using the BMW mount on the handlebar triple clamp.

[randy]

I have a R1200st so slight difference. Mine sits on top of the front brake resevoir. Actually looks good. Makes it look like a large cap for the resevior. Just velco on bottom of puck and on top of resevior cap. works great. only meets the 6" requirement not the 12"

[GRB60]

Seems to me I've seen it written that under the tupperware is a good spot. Do some searching; there were photos of it posted.

[Argon]

I have a 2003 RT and I put it in the rear cowling. I have a top case and so far have not had a problem with signal. On the 2003, thee is a frame bar back there made of steel, and the magnets stick farily well to it. I have not looked at a hex head bike that closely so I don't know if it has that frame piece.

[Pictou]

This is kind of where I have it now. There isn't a piece of metal there to attach it to in that space on my 2010 RT. However it would be easy enough to use some double sided tape or velcro. Right now I just pushed the puck into that space without anything and it seems to stay put well enough all on its own.

 

I get reasonably good reception with it there but it does lose the signal often enough to be annoying. I will say that it probably works better than the GXM30 antenna on my Zumo 550. I had the GXM30 mounted on the top of the gas tank neear the front and maybe that wasn't such a good spot either.

 

I would like it work reliably and work most of the time but maybe I am just expecting too much.

 

 

I have a 2003 RT and I put it in the rear cowling. I have a top case and so far have not had a problem with signal. On the 2003, thee is a frame bar back there made of steel, and the magnets stick farily well to it. I have not looked at a hex head bike that closely so I don't know if it has that frame piece.