Description
The GPS and BeiDou Dual Frequency Active Antenna (3M version) is a high-performance, externally mounted GNSS antenna specifically designed for automotive navigation systems, in-dash DVD players, head units, and other vehicle-based positioning applications requiring extended cable reach. Supporting both GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) and BeiDou B1 (1561 MHz) frequencies, this antenna enables multi-constellation reception for faster Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF), improved positional accuracy, and more reliable navigation in urban canyons, tree cover, and other challenging environments.
The standout feature of this 3-meter variant is its extended cable length — 3 meters compared to the standard 1.5-meter version. This additional length provides significantly more flexibility when routing the antenna cable through large vehicles such as vans, RVs, buses, trucks, and boats. It allows the installer to route the cable discreetly behind dashboards, through A-pillars, across headliners, and to distant mounting locations without needing extension adapters or splices that can introduce signal loss.
This is an active antenna, featuring a built-in Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) that boosts weak satellite signals before transmitting them down the 3-meter cable to your navigation receiver. The integrated LNA has sufficient gain (28dB typical) to overcome the cable losses inherent in a 3-meter run (approximately 3.6dB loss for RG174 coaxial cable), ensuring that your GPS/BeiDou receiver receives a clean, strong signal even with the longer cable length.
The antenna is housed in a durable, low-profile, weather-resistant black casing with a magnetic base (or adhesive backing, depending on variant) for easy installation on metal surfaces. The 3-meter coaxial cable is terminated with a standard SMA male connector, which is compatible with the vast majority of car DVD navigation units, aftermarket head units, and GNSS receiver modules featuring an SMA female antenna port.
Key internal components include a high-gain ceramic patch antenna element and a high-quality LNA with low noise figure (≤1.5dB), ensuring excellent signal reception even in weak signal conditions. The antenna draws its operating power (3V–5V DC) directly from the navigation receiver through the same coaxial cable, requiring no external power source.
Whether you are installing a navigation system in a long-wheelbase van, a Class A motorhome, a semi-truck, a bus, a boat, or simply need extra cable length for a clean, professional installation in a standard vehicle, this 3-meter GPS/BeiDou dual-frequency active antenna delivers the reach and performance you require.
Key Features
-
Extended 3-Meter Cable – Provides extra length for large vehicles (RVs, trucks, vans, buses, boats); eliminates the need for extension adapters
-
Dual GNSS Band Support – Tuned for both GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) and BeiDou B1 (1561 MHz) for multi-constellation navigation
-
Active Amplification (LNA) – Built-in Low Noise Amplifier (28dB gain) boosts weak signals and overcomes 3-meter cable losses
-
Low Noise Figure (1.5dB typical) – Minimizes signal degradation introduced by the amplifier
-
SMA Male Connector – Standard connector compatible with most car DVD navigation units, head units, and GNSS receivers
-
Magnetic Base Mount – Strong neodymium magnet secures antenna to any ferrous metal surface (roof, trunk lid, hood)
-
Weather-Resistant Housing – Durable black ABS casing suitable for outdoor and vehicle roof mounting in all weather conditions
-
Low Profile Design – Compact, discreet appearance when mounted on windshield, dashboard, or vehicle exterior
-
Wide Operating Temperature – -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme automotive environments (desert heat to arctic cold)
-
Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) – Matches GNSS satellite signal polarization for maximum signal transfer
-
Plug-and-Play Installation – No external power required; antenna receives power directly from the receiver via coaxial cable
-
High-Quality RG174 Coaxial Cable – Flexible, durable, and low-loss for reliable signal transmission over 3 meters
Technical Specifications
Q: Why should I choose the 3-meter version over the standard 1.5-meter version?
The 3-meter version provides extra routing flexibility for larger vehicles. In a standard sedan or compact car, 1.5 meters is usually sufficient. However, in larger vehicles such as RVs, vans, trucks, buses, and boats, the distance from the dashboard (where the head unit is mounted) to a suitable exterior mounting location (roof, trunk lid, deck) can exceed 2 meters. The 3-meter cable allows clean, discreet routing without needing extension adapters, which can add cost and potential signal loss.
Q: Does the longer 3-meter cable affect signal quality?
No. This antenna is designed with a 28dB LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) that provides sufficient gain to overcome the additional cable loss. The RG174 cable loses approximately 1.2dB per meter at GPS frequencies, so a 3-meter cable loses approximately 3.6dB. With 28dB of amplifier gain, the net signal delivered to your receiver is still strong. However, for installations requiring cables longer than 3 meters (e.g., 5–10 meters), we recommend our higher-gain antenna options.
Q: What vehicles is this antenna compatible with?
This antenna is compatible with any car DVD player, aftermarket head unit, navigation receiver, or GNSS module that has an SMA female antenna port and supports GPS L1 and/or BeiDou B1 frequencies. It works with most Android head units, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, JVC, and other major brands. For vehicles or devices with different connectors (FAKRA, SMB, MCX, TS9), you will need an appropriate adapter (sold separately).
Q: Can I use this antenna with a GPS-only receiver (no BeiDou support)?
Yes. The antenna is fully backward compatible with GPS-only receivers. The antenna receives both GPS and BeiDou signals, but a GPS-only receiver will simply ignore the BeiDou signals. Performance will be equivalent to a standard GPS-only active antenna. For best results, pair this antenna with a receiver that supports both GPS and BeiDou for improved accuracy and faster fixes.
Q: Does this antenna require external power?
No. This is an active antenna that receives its operating power (3V–5V DC) directly from the navigation receiver through the same coaxial cable used for the signal. This is standard for active GNSS antennas. Simply connect the SMA connector to your receiver’s antenna port, and power is automatically supplied. No batteries, USB cables, or external power adapters are needed.
Q: Can I mount this antenna on the outside of my RV, truck, or boat?
Yes. The antenna features a magnetic base (strong neodymium magnet) that securely attaches to any ferrous metal surface (steel roofs, hoods, decks). The housing is weather-resistant and rated for -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for permanent outdoor mounting in rain, snow, heat, and cold. For non-magnetic surfaces (aluminum, fiberglass, wood, plastic), use the included adhesive pad or double-sided tape. For marine applications, we recommend adding dielectric grease to the SMA connector to prevent corrosion.
Q: What is the maximum cable length I can extend beyond the built-in 3 meters?
If you need a longer cable than 3 meters, you can add an extension using an SMA female-to-female barrel connector and additional RG174 cable. However, each additional meter adds approximately 1.2dB loss. We recommend not exceeding 5 meters total cable length with this antenna (additional 2 meters extension). For longer runs (5–10 meters), we recommend a higher-gain antenna (e.g., 32dB–35dB) or lower-loss cable (e.g., RG58, LMR-200). Contact us for recommendations for your specific application.
Q: The antenna is not receiving any satellites. What could be wrong?
Check the following troubleshooting steps:
(1) Ensure the SMA connector is fully tightened (finger-tight plus 1/8 turn — do not over-tighten).
(2) Verify your navigation receiver is powered on and set to the correct input (some units have multiple antenna ports).
(3) Ensure the antenna has a clear view of the sky — no metal, trees, or buildings above it.
(4) If mounted inside the vehicle, test by temporarily placing the antenna on the roof through a window to rule out signal blockage from metallic window tint or roof material.
(5) Check if the receiver provides antenna bias voltage (3V–5V) — most do, but some low-power units may not. You can test with a multimeter: between the center pin and ground of the SMA connector on the receiver side, you should measure 3V–5V DC.
(6) Allow 5–15 minutes for the first “cold start” acquisition, especially if the receiver has been powered off for a long time or moved a significant distance.
Q: Can I use this antenna for marine or off-road vehicle applications?
Yes. The wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and weather-resistant housing make it suitable for marine (boats, yachts, fishing vessels) and off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, tractors, construction equipment). For marine use in saltwater environments, we strongly recommend:
-
Applying dielectric grease to the SMA connector threads and center pin before connecting
-
Using a weather-sealing boot over the SMA connection
-
Inspecting the connection periodically for corrosion
The magnetic base will hold securely on steel surfaces but may not adhere to aluminum boat hulls — use the adhesive pad or a metal mounting plate for non-ferrous surfaces.
Q: Is this antenna compatible with Android head units and aftermarket car stereos?
Yes. Most Android head units and aftermarket car stereos (Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, JVC, Alpine) feature an SMA female antenna port for GPS/GNSS antennas. This antenna’s SMA male connector plugs directly into these ports. If your head unit has a different connector (e.g., FAKRA, TS9, MCX, SMB), you will need an adapter. Common adapter types:
-
FAKRA (Z-type, blue): SMA male to FAKRA female adapter
-
TS9 (common on some Android units): SMA male to TS9 female adapter
-
MCX: SMA male to MCX female adapter
