Description
The GPS and BeiDou Dual Frequency Active Antenna 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. 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.
This is an active antenna, meaning it features a built-in Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) that boosts weak satellite signals before transmitting them down the cable to your navigation receiver. The integrated LNA compensates for signal loss inherent in the 1.5-meter cable, ensuring that your GPS/BeiDou receiver receives a clean, strong signal even when the antenna is mounted remotely from the main unit.
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 1.5-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) and high gain (28dB typical), 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 an aftermarket car DVD player, replacing a damaged GPS antenna, building a vehicle tracking system, or upgrading the navigation capability of a marine or RV head unit, this GPS/BeiDou dual-frequency active antenna delivers reliable, multi-constellation performance in a rugged, easy-to-install package.
Key Features
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Dual GNSS Band Support – Tuned for both GPS L1 (1575.42 MHz) and BeiDou B1 (1561 MHz) for multi-constellation navigation
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Active Amplification (LNA) – Built-in Low Noise Amplifier boosts weak satellite signals, improving sensitivity and reducing TTFF
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High Gain (28dB typical) – Provides strong signal output to overcome cable losses in 1.5-meter cable runs
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Low Noise Figure (1.5dB typical) – Minimizes signal degradation introduced by the amplifier
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SMA Male Connector – Standard connector compatible with most car DVD navigation units, head units, and GNSS receivers
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1.5 Meter Cable Length – Sufficient length for routing through dashboards, A-pillars, and headliners to optimal mounting locations
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Magnetic Base Mount – Easy, tool-free installation on any ferrous metal surface (roof, trunk lid, dashboard metal frame)
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Weather-Resistant Housing – Durable black ABS casing suitable for outdoor and vehicle roof mounting
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Low Profile Design – Compact, discreet appearance when mounted on windshield, dashboard, or vehicle exterior
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Wide Operating Temperature – -40°C to +85°C, suitable for extreme automotive environments
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Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) – Matches GNSS satellite signal polarization for maximum signal transfer
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Plug-and-Play Installation – No external power required; antenna receives power directly from the receiver via coaxial cable
Technical Specifications
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 that use SMA connectors. If your device has a different connector (e.g., FAKRA, SMB, MCX), you will need an appropriate adapter.
Q: Is this antenna compatible with GPS-only receivers (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.
Q: Can I mount this antenna on the outside of my car (roof, trunk lid)?
Yes. The antenna features a magnetic base (strong neodymium magnet) that securely attaches to any ferrous metal surface, including car roofs, trunk lids, and hoods. The housing is weather-resistant and rated for -40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for permanent outdoor mounting. For non-magnetic surfaces (aluminum, fiberglass, plastic), use the included adhesive pad or double-sided tape.
Q: Will the antenna work if I mount it inside the car (on dashboard or windshield)?
Yes, but performance will be reduced compared to exterior mounting. Vehicle windshields may have metallic tints or heating elements that block GNSS signals. Dashboards are shielded by the metal roof. For best performance, mount the antenna outside the vehicle on the roof or trunk lid. If interior mounting is necessary, place it on the dashboard as close to the windshield as possible with a clear view of the sky.
Q: What is the advantage of dual-frequency (GPS + BeiDou) support?
BeiDou (Chinese GNSS) provides additional satellites, especially in Asia and the Pacific region. In many urban environments, GPS alone may have poor satellite geometry or limited visibility. Adding BeiDou increases the number of visible satellites, improving:
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Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF): Faster initial position lock
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Accuracy: More satellites = better geometric dilution of precision (GDOP)
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Reliability: Better performance in urban canyons, tunnels, and tree cover
Even outside Asia, BeiDou satellites are globally visible, providing benefits worldwide.
Q: What is the difference between SMA male and SMA female connectors?
SMA Male has an internal center pin and external threaded barrel with a nut. SMA Female has a center receptacle (hole) and external threads. This antenna has an SMA Male connector. It plugs directly into a device with an SMA Female antenna port (the most common configuration for car DVD navigation units). If your device has a different connector, you can purchase an appropriate adapter (e.g., SMA male to FAKRA, SMA male to SMB).
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 above it).
(4) If mounted inside the car, test by placing the antenna outside through a window to rule out signal blockage.
(5) Check if the receiver provides antenna bias voltage (3V–5V) — most do, but some low-power units may not.
(6) Test with a multimeter: active antennas should show continuity between center pin and ground? (Actually, they should show open circuit or high resistance DC-wise; a short indicates damage).
Q: What is the maximum cable length I can extend beyond the built-in 1.5 meters?
The built-in 28dB LNA gain is designed to overcome the loss of the 1.5m RG174 cable (approximately 1.8dB loss). If you need a longer cable, you can add an extension using an SMA female-to-female barrel connector and additional RG174 cable. Each additional meter adds approximately 1.2dB loss. As long as your total cable loss is less than the LNA gain (28dB) minus the receiver’s minimum sensitivity margin, it will work. For most receivers, total cable length should not exceed 5 meters without a higher-gain antenna or lower-loss cable (e.g., RG58, LMR-200).
Q: Can I use this antenna for marine or off-road vehicle applications?
Yes. The antenna’s wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and weather-resistant housing make it suitable for marine (boats, yachts) and off-road vehicles (ATVs, UTVs, trucks, tractors). For marine use, we recommend adding a protective coating of dielectric grease to the SMA connector and using a weather-sealing boot for additional corrosion protection in saltwater environments. The magnetic base will hold securely on steel surfaces but may not adhere to aluminum boat hulls — use the adhesive pad for non-ferrous surfaces.
