How Far can I run cable from the receiving Antenna to a GPS Source Splitter?
What we are concerned with is total signal loss. For high gain antenna (35dB), most receivers can operate properly with 13dB +/- 2dB total loss or attenuation from the antenna to the receiver input. For lower gain antenna (26dB), most receivers function normal with 6dB +/- 2dB total loss or attenuation from the antenna to the receiver input.
Considerations include the cable loss between the antenna and the splitter, the splitter loss and the cable loss from the splitter to the receiving device. Those three things combined cannot exceed the 13dB +/- 2dB or the 6dB +/- 2dB above.
Remember the passive S12 adds approximately 4dB of loss and the passive S14 adds approximately 8dB of loss. The only thing left to do is calculate your cable loss.
Special Note: You can find low loss cable rated at GPS frequencies that are a plenum, semi-rigid or rigid type. Of course you will pay extra for these types of cables. You can find the specifications of your cable on the internet. And as always, call or email us and we will be glad to help you out with any GPS project or installation.
