GPS adapter cable

[bd8134]

I am looking for an adapter cable.
About 24" long, male mcx to male mcx.
One end with a straight connector and the other right angle, but I will consider anything.
I have an Audi with a built in GPS in the "shark-fin" on the roof. The cable is very nicely run for me all the way to the radio in the dash. The only problem is that it is the wrong gender on the end of the cable for my iQue 3600.
Any ideas where I can get this elusive beast?

[jonasolof]

Here's one way of doing it: Buy two mcx to BNC adapter cables from GPSgeek. Buy a short coax with FME at both ends. Get FME to BNC adapters. The latter items you can get from any store installing cell phones in cars.

I make my own cables but I remember having seen posts about sites that sells custom made cables. You could also ask gpsgeek.

It isn't sure that your audi GPS antenna will work at the low voltage provided by the iQue (<2 volts) Most in car antennas are made for 5 volts I believe. Better ask Audi. If 5 volts are needed, you can get a "bias-tee" from Wi-Sys. Ask them to make a special one for you that DC isolates the GPS end and draws a small current to open the external antenna connector. They have already done a few of these (for me i.a.) They could also sell you the necessary cables. The bias-tee has double SMA connectors (female).

[bd8134]

Thanks Jonasolof that is interesting info.
I doubt I will get much information from Audi, I tried before asking whether my car had the antenna at all.
Is there anyway to measure what voltage the car antenna needs?
Will it harm my Ique3600 if I connect it to the antenna and it requires 5v?
I had phoned gpsgeek before and they said they could not make me a cable.

[orangerider]

You might try this link they may be able to help you. They are great to work with and prices are excelent.

http://www.gomadic.com/gpstopdacables.html

[jonasolof]

Gomadic doesn't do antenna cables.

For Audi, try to find the part number for the antenna.

I don't think you'd hurt the iQue by connecting it. You'd want to know that the voltage doesn't drop below 1.8 volts or something like that, because then the antenna draws too much current. The easiest way to do this would be to first make a slightly too long cable with mcx connectors at both ends, cut it open, connect the gps to the antenna and measure the voltage acrosss the cable. Then you cut the cable and crimp another mcx - or find somebody to do it for you.

[holycatz]

<Jonas: ...I make my own cables ...>
Jonas: Funny you should mention that. I''ve contemplated cutting one of my 3' Gilsson cables down in length to better fit my particular motorcycle configs, so I bought some MCX 90 deg plugs (solder/crimp style). After peering into that cramped, weenie little landing surface where the center conductor will solder, confidence in my miniature soldering ability is still not high. Everything else (crimp/shrink tubing, etc) about making that connection looks tedious, but 'do-able'. Any tips? This do it yourself approach may even have value to the original thread subject. Thanks, Bill H

[jonasolof]

If you have a fine tip on your iron, soldering that center piece is no problem. You might want to buy a special soldering iron for fine elctronics.