GPS & window tint

[the_saint]

I was wondering if anybody has had any experience with the performance of their GPS system with tinted windows...more specifically, metalized tint. I have heard that the metallic/metalized tint can adversely effect the performance of the GPS system.
Anybody know for a fact if this it true or not?

Thanks

 

[preludejtstyle]

yes i work at a tint shop here in ohio. we have stats on tint and how it can affect your GPS and XM radios. The metallized tin makes a huge difference (assuming Llumar or Fomulaone tint). It blocks a lot of the reception. FormulaONE tint offers a ceramic tint that is similiar to a metallic tint, but doesnt block ANY radio waves/reception.

check out www.formulaone.com for more info.

 

[preludejtstyle]

i lied. check out this link instead. lol

http://www.llumar.com/na-eng/Automotive/auto.html

click the specifications sheet.

 

[the_saint]

Actually,I think you were right the first time.
ceramic tint

 

[preludejtstyle]

somewhere i know cause they showed me in training......they have specs as to exactly how much it blocks. Its a big difference.

 

[Solo2Protege]

i thought the GPS antenna was roof mounted?

 

[ZiO]

and i thought gps was digital signal?

 

[preludejtstyle]

if its roof mounted, than it doesnt make a difference obviously. However for those that are built into the rear window and/or placed in/on rear deck, it makes a diff.

 

[BrianG]

and i thought gps was digital signal?

Doesn't matter if the signal is digital or analog, they are both transmitted over a carrier frequency. Blockage is blockage (or shielding).

 

[preludejtstyle]

Doesn't matter if the signal is digital or analog, they are both transmitted over a carrier frequency. Blockage is blockage (or shielding).

exactly (drinks)

 

[gdkenoyer]

This string in the RX8 Forum doesn't quite answer the question, but it does give a few more hints...

Has anyone confirmed the location of the M3 GPS antenna?

 

[the_saint]

This string in the RX8 Forum doesn't quite answer the question, but it does give a few more hints...

Has anyone confirmed the location of the M3 GPS antenna?

I can't quite answer your question, but I can give a hint (gossip)
The GPS antenna in the Mazda5 is in the dash. I think it might be halfway safe to assume it is the same with the 3.

 

[gdkenoyer]

GPS seems to work OK with Quantum tint

Just had my 3 tinted with Quantum (28%), GPS working fine!

 

[the_saint]

Going under the knife tomorrow

Well, tomorrow's the day. I'm getting Sun-gard endurance line 30 something %.
It's a sputtered metallic film. From what I have been told my GPS will work fine since the antenna is in the dash.

Will find out tomorrow.

 

[Solo2Protege]

^^OMG NOOOOOOOO!!!

Sun-gard is the most gawd awful crap out there...At my old shop, I used to use it cause it was inexpensive, but soon found out it was CHEAP. The adhesive would get cloudy pretty quick, within months in some cases. It was prone to delaminate and when installing it, if you heated even slightly too much, you get these colored rainbow effects in it....I had a file cabinet FULL of warranty work.

 

[the_saint]

^^OMG NOOOOOOOO!!!

Sun-gard is the most gawd awful crap out there...At my old shop, I used to use it cause it was inexpensive, but soon found out it was CHEAP. The adhesive would get cloudy pretty quick, within months in some cases. It was prone to delaminate and when installing it, if you heated even slightly too much, you get these colored rainbow effects in it....I had a file cabinet FULL of warranty work.

Too late now.
The stuff I got was actually "Diamond" which is sun guards premium line I guess. The stuff is supposed to have a bullet proof warranty (the film isn't bullet proof, the warranty is lol). If I have any problem whatsoever they will take care of it no questions asked. I checked around on tintdude and it got mixed reviews (as did all other films) but in the end it looked to be better than most. I guess we will see what it is like in a few months. (shrug)

 

[apocman]

i may be having the same problem, just got GPS and my friend got some kind of limo tint all the way around excpet the front of course and I get such a bad signal...

 

[the_saint]

i may be having the same problem, just got GPS and my friend got some kind of limo tint all the way around excpet the front of course and I get such a bad signal...

I ran my GPS today (after tintage) and it worked fine. What kind of GPS do you have? I've been told the antenna placement makes a difference. The antenna on my Mazda5 is in the dashboard, so apparently it works because the signal goes throught the windshield no problem.

I've read the RX8s have problems because the antenna is in the rear deck and the tint will block it.

I have no idea how it would effect aftermarket GPS units...I'm guessing it all depends on antenna placement.

And the tint only makes a difference if it is metallized.

 

[Solo2Protege]

GPS antennas are definetely sensitive to location and direction. Even moving it 90* can make a signifigant change in signal stregth.

yes, only metallized film will obscure signal, but it's becoming more and more common to see hybrid or full metal films nowadays. Which brings up another point. Some films are hybrid charcoal/metal and those can also have an effect, so be absolutely sure it's a charcoal only film (which will turn purple) if you go that route. (hybrids will also eventually turn purple, but take longer) read the warranty very carefully for hybrid films, as some of them DO NOT warranty against *turning colors*

Oh sure, Sun-Gard always honnored their warranty and they actually gave cash (well, checks) as some companies give credit towards more film. But it's the hassle to you (the customer) and for the shop too, sucks to have to peel that s*** off. Although i have not had much experience with the Diamond line. Best of luck dude. I truely hope it stays looking good for a long time for you.

 

[apocman]

its a Holux GM-210 and I have it attached to the front windsheild with sticky tape, my freind has the same setup in the same place and his works fine with titnt, but I have some type of super dark limo tint and I dont know what brand. It is suppose to be very absolute best tint availble. My friend got in put on my car so I don't have the brand name.