Eightwood Waterproof Active Navigation GPS Antenna Fakra Blue C Female Right Angle Magnetic Base for Car Stereo Head Unit
Quick take
This active GPS antenna is built for navigation units that use a Fakra blue C female connector, with a low-profile magnetic base and a right-angle plug for easier routing. It’s a budget-friendly replacement or accessory for car stereo/navigation installs, but build quality is sometimes described as “cheap,” and fit depends on connector type.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Active antenna design with stated RF performance (1575.42MHz, VSWR under 2.0, LNA gain around 28 dB).
- Strong magnetic base for convenient mounting on the vehicle roof or metal surfaces.
- Compact, low-profile form factor (about 1.77 x 1.42 x 0.55 inches).
- Waterproof design for outdoor exposure in the car.
- Fakra blue C female, right-angle connector plus a long 9.8 ft RG174 extension cable.
Cons
- Connector compatibility is specific, so it may not work with head units that do not use Fakra blue C female.
- Some buyers describe the construction as low build quality, even when it functions correctly.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is generally consistent on a few decision factors. Installation tends to be straightforward, and many installs report the navigation system locking onto location properly after swapping to this antenna. Several buyers also mention improved or strong reception compared with an older or missing antenna. The main recurring downside theme is that the antenna can feel inexpensive in build, with at least occasional reports of a unit failing on arrival, though most users report normal operation after installation. Overall, reviews support it as a functional, budget-focused choice when you have the correct Fakra connector.
What this antenna is for
This is an active GPS antenna intended for car navigation head units that accept a Fakra blue C female connector. The right-angle design helps when you need to route the plug in tight spaces, and the magnetic base is meant to keep the antenna stable without complex mounting hardware.
Key specs that matter in real installs
Active RF performance
It’s designed for the GPS L1 band, with a stated frequency of 1575.42MHz ± 3MHz. The antenna is listed with VSWR under 2.0 and an LNA gain around 28 ± 3 dB, which are the kinds of specifications shoppers look for when they want solid reception rather than a purely passive patch.
Connector and cable length
The antenna uses a Fakra C blue female connector, right angle style, and includes a 9.8 ft RG174 extension cable. If your car head unit or aftermarket radio harness expects a different Fakra color or a different gender (male vs female), you may need an adapter or a different antenna.
Mounting and physical size
It’s compact and low profile (about 1.77 x 1.42 x 0.55 inches) and uses a magnetic base. The intent is simple installation, especially for temporary or retrofit setups where drilling is undesirable.
Weather resistance
The antenna is advertised as fully waterproof, which is helpful if the antenna sits where it will see rain, car washing, or long-term exposure.
Compatibility checklist before you buy
- Does your navigation unit use a Fakra blue C female connector? If you are converting a car stereo/navigation setup, double-check the connector on the GPS input harness.
- Do you need extra cable length? This includes about 9.8 ft, which typically gives enough slack for common routes, but verify where you plan to mount the antenna and how you’ll route the wire.
- Will magnetic mounting work for your vehicle? For most installs, a magnetic base is the easy route, but if your mounting surface is not metal or you prefer permanent installation, you may want an alternative mounting method.
Pros and cons, summarized
Choose it if you need an active GPS antenna with the correct Fakra blue C female connection, want a magnetic mounting approach, and prefer an inexpensive replacement that multiple buyers report working right away.
Skip it or verify compatibility twice if your head unit uses a different GPS connector type, or if you need premium-feeling build quality and are worried about lower-cost construction.
Alternatives to consider (by buyer use case)
- If you’re unsure about Fakra color or connector gender: look for an antenna listing that explicitly matches your GPS port (Fakra color, male vs female, and right-angle vs straight if it matters for your routing). Compatibility is the biggest variable.
- If you want a more “rugged” build: consider higher-priced antennas in the same active GPS category, prioritizing construction materials and cable strain relief in the description.
- If you need a different mounting approach: if magnetic placement is not ideal, search for alternatives that support screw/adhesive mounting or include brackets designed for cleaner long-term installation.
Verdict
The Eightwood Waterproof Active Navigation GPS antenna is a practical, budget-friendly option for car navigation retrofits and replacements when your system expects a Fakra blue C female GPS input. Reviews point to fast setup and reliable location performance for many buyers, with the main caveat being that build quality can feel inexpensive. If you match the connector and plan your wire routing, it’s an easy way to get back solid GPS reception.
FAQs
Is this GPS antenna compatible with all car navigation head units?
No. It’s meant for units that accept a Fakra blue C female connector. If your GPS port uses a different Fakra type, you will likely need a compatible antenna or an adapter.
Does it include a cable extension?
Yes. It comes with a 9.8 ft RG174 extension cable to help route the antenna to your head unit.
Is the antenna waterproof?
It’s advertised as fully waterproof, which is useful for long-term use in typical car conditions.
Will the magnetic base stay secure?
The design uses a strong magnetic base intended for mounting on metal surfaces. For non-metal surfaces, magnetic mounting may not work as intended.
Does it improve GPS reception compared with a worn-out antenna?
Many buyers report better or strong reception and successful location locking after installation, especially when replacing an older or problematic antenna. Individual results can vary based on your vehicle and the antenna placement.
Specifications
| Product Title | Eightwood Waterproof Active Navigation GPS Antenna Fakra Blue C Female Right Angle Magnetic Base for Car Stereo Head Unit |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Antennas |
| Brand | Eightwood |
| Manufacturer | Eightwood |
| Model Number | ZGPS057 |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 0.05 Kilograms |
| Product Dimensions | 1.77"L x 1.42"W x 0.55"H |
| AntennaDescription | Satellite |
| UPC | 712321166982 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | ZGPS057 |
| Warranty Description | 6 Month Manufacturer |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Maximum Range | 200 Meters |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 1.77"L x 1.42"W x 0.55"H |
| Antenna | Satellite |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
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