QUESTION:
Can you explain pluses/minuses of using GPS antenna splitters?
ANSWER:
I'm sure that you have figured out the advantage of splitters. It is a convenient way to share one GPS antenna amongst several GPS receivers. The drawback of splitters is that they divide an already weak GPS signal into several weaker GPS signals. Splitters reduce the sensitivity of each antenna/cable/receiver combination. The practical effect is that cable lengths need to be restricted to shorter lengths than in the case of no splitter. Adding amplifiers can help, but amplifiers also add noise, again making the receiver less sensitive. It’s important to never cascade splitters. Receivers which get their signal through multiple splitters often fail to lock to the satellites in view.
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