Bingfu Waterproof Active GPS Navigation Antenna Adhesive Mount SMA Male
Quick take
This active GPS antenna targets 1575.42 MHz with an onboard LNA, aiming to improve satellite acquisition compared with small OEM-style patch antennas. It is designed for outdoor-friendly installs thanks to a waterproof housing, and it supports adhesive or magnetic mounting. The main buying caveat is that it is intended for GPS modules that match the SMA male connection and the expected 3 V to 5 V power needs for the active electronics.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Active design for GPS, with listed LNA gain (28 dB) and low-noise figure (2.0 dB typical).
- Weather-ready housing, listed for waterproof testing under running tap water and wide operating temperature (-40 to 85 °C).
- Flexible mounting options, adhesive included and a magnetic mount base indicated by buyer experience.
- SMA male connection with an included coax pigtail cable (15 cm / 6 inch) for module setups.
Cons
- Requires correct integration, including power to the active antenna (DC 3 V to 5 V, around 10 mA max) and proper connection to your GPS receiver.
- Cable run is limited to what you need, it includes a 3 m cable plus a 15 cm pigtail, so it may not suit long-distance deployments.
- Best indoor performance still depends on placement, since several buyers mention needing a window or good sky visibility for quick locks.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is consistent that this antenna helps with getting a GPS lock faster and more reliably than very small stock antennas. Several reports describe strong reception and quick satellite acquisition when placed near a window, on a vehicle, or when used with popular GPS module projects. People also call out the install experience as straightforward once the connector is handled correctly, especially for DIY boards that require careful attachment at a small RF connection. A recurring theme is that the build feels well-made for practical installs, and that the included mounting approach (adhesive and magnet base) makes it easier to position outdoors or on vehicles.
Key specs that matter for real installs
When you are shopping for an active GPS antenna, the important details are the operating frequency, the active electronics requirements (power and gain), and the connection type to your receiver.
- Frequency: Designed for GPS around 1575.42 MHz (also states an overall range of 1575 to 1609 MHz).
- Active performance: Listed LNA gain of 28 dB, typical noise figure 2.0 dB, and out-of-band attenuation intended to reduce interference.
- Impedance: 50 ohms, which is typical for coax RF antenna systems.
- Polarization: RHCP (right-hand circular polarization).
- Power requirements: DC 3 V to 5 V, current draw stated as 10 mA max (with a listed 7 to 10 mA operating range).
- Connector: SMA male.
- Mounting: Magnetic base and adhesive mount included (double-sided adhesive piece provided).
- Weather resistance: Waterproof test described for the housing, plus operating temperature range of -40 to 85 °C.
Mounting and cable setup, explained for buyers
This antenna is built to make placement easy on both vehicles and fixed projects.
- Adhesive mount: Use the included double-sided adhesive pad when you need a low-profile, more permanent placement.
- Magnetic mount: The base supports magnetic mounting, which is convenient when you want to remove the antenna or reposition it quickly (for example, between vehicle and bench testing).
- Cabling: You get a 3 m coax cable, plus a 15 cm (6 inch) RG coax pigtail portion, intended to bridge from the antenna to your GPS module or receiver input.
Installation tip: If your GPS module expects a different connector than SMA, you may need an adapter or a matching cable. Also plan for the active-antenna power path (3 V to 5 V) so the LNA actually turns on.
Pros and cons for different use cases
Best for
- Vehicle telematics and real-time tracking projects where you want outdoor-friendly mounting and a stronger signal than tiny patch antennas.
- DIY GPS modules and embedded builds that can feed 3 V to 5 V to an active antenna and accept an SMA male connection.
- Situations with marginal reception where placing the antenna near a window or with a clear view of the sky is feasible.
Not ideal for
- Receivers that cannot supply the antenna’s active power requirements (or where you cannot add power to the antenna system).
- Long-range cable runs beyond what the included coax length supports, unless you are comfortable re-cabling or redesigning the antenna lead.
- Installations where you cannot provide sky visibility. Even with active electronics, GPS acquisition still needs an appropriate placement.
Verdict
The Bingfu Waterproof Active GPS Navigation Antenna is a practical choice if you are upgrading from very small stock antennas and want an active 1575.42 MHz solution with a weather-ready housing and flexible mounting. It is especially appealing for vehicle installs and GPS module projects that can match the SMA connection and provide the listed 3 V to 5 V power for the LNA. If your setup cannot support those requirements, or if you need a substantially longer coax lead, you may want to compare other antennas built specifically for your receiver’s interface and cabling needs.
Price and availability
Check current pricing and stock status before you buy, since costs can vary by listing and availability.
FAQ
Q: Is this antenna active, and does it need power?
A: Yes. It includes LNA/filter circuitry and lists a required DC voltage of 3 V to 5 V (about 10 mA max), so your GPS setup needs to supply the correct power and connect properly for the active electronics to function.
Q: What connector does it use?
A: It uses an SMA male connection, and it comes with an included RG coax pigtail cable to help connect to compatible GPS modules.
Q: Will it work indoors?
A: Some buyers report quick locks when placed near a window, but indoor GPS performance depends heavily on placement and sky visibility. For best results, mount it where it has a clear view.
Q: How is it mounted for outdoor or vehicle use?
A: It supports magnetic mounting (magnet base) and includes a double-sided adhesive piece for fixed placement.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: The housing is designed for outdoor conditions, and a waterproof test duration under running tap water is described, along with an operating temperature range of -40 to 85 °C.
Q: How long is the cable?
A: The antenna system includes a 3 m cable, plus a separate 15 cm (6 inch) RG coax pigtail portion for module connection.
Specifications
| Product Title | Bingfu Waterproof Active GPS Navigation Antenna Adhesive Mount SMA Male GPS Antenna with 15cm 6 inch RG178 Coaxial Pigtail Cable for GPS Module Receiver Tracking |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Antennas |
| Brand | BINGFU |
| Manufacturer | Bingfu |
| Model Number | BFN00457 |
| Color | Cable |
| Product Dimensions | 5.1"L x 7.1"W x 0.6"H |
| AntennaDescription | GPS |
| UPC | 790404675989 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | BFN00457 |
| Warranty Description | Bingfu |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 5.1"L x 7.1"W x 0.6"H |
| Antenna | GPS |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
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