Review on Enhance GPS Signal Strength with Garmin 010-11282-00 Antenna Extension Cable for GTM by Simo Ramsey

This optional Garmin traffic antenna gives me two things: accuracy and reception. Garmin Traffic Module (GTM) power cords typically have an unusually thick wire between the power connector and the receiver module. If you're running a cable through the dash to improve reception, I think a heavy cable can help reduce movement. I'd rather leave that bulky cord coiled up for the most part, dangling out of my way near the power plug. Using an external antenna allows you to do this without having to deal with the antenna cable falling off the dash and has minimal impact on visibility (the external antenna wire is flimsy). end of the wire. Know the location of the antenna to minimize your attention to it. I suspect the little box is there to keep the wire from slipping back through the suction cups and slipping, so I wouldn't consider removing it. Back to utility, I live in a peripheral service area. The external antenna makes the difference between no reception and useful reception: When I'm driving, the external antenna allows the GTM to find a usable signal often enough to give me useful traffic data. In particular, I have noticed that the signal strength of the external antenna has _doubled_ compared to the twisted pair GTM power cable. If I'm traveling to an area with a stronger signal, I can do without an external antenna if I want. I almost always continue to use it anyway, in case a single radio should have problems: I want maximum reception probability. Tip: up. The most important consideration when placing this antenna is its _top_ placement. I mounted mine to the rearview mirror mounting bar and then routed it over the top windshield to one of the included suction cups. I experimented with changing the position of the part of the antenna behind the mirror leg and didn't find much of a difference. I've experimented with repositioning the previous part of the antenna instead of raising it and have found that just raising it gives acceptable performance. Suction Cup Tip 1: Orientation. Before placing the suction cups, think about how you will slide the wire into the slot and what direction the slot can go so you can start pushing the wire through with your thumb or fingertip, and maybe fingernail it will help to finish. Experiment as needed. Since I always stow the antenna when not in use, I want it to be as easy to install and remove as possible. When I try to just press on one of the suction cups I always seem to get an air bubble. For stronger contact without bubbles, I found another method. Hold the suction cup between your thumb and two fingers, with your thumb on the shaft and your fingers together on the lip. Place part of the lip against your fingers on the glass, then press down lightly on the surface of the cup and roll it along and over the glass until fully seated. Presto! No blisters. Suction cup tip 3: try to remove it. At least on my windshield, the suction cups can slip and this turns out to be the easiest way to remove them. I just start moving one forward and it quickly lets go. YMMV. I suppose that can change if I give my windshield a good cleaning. ;-)