Proxicast Active/Passive GPS Antenna SMA - Through Hole Screw Mount Puck Antenna with Right Angle SMA Male Connector on 18 inch Low Loss Coax Lead - 28 dB LNA (ANT-190-005)
Quick take
This Proxicast GPS puck antenna is built for permanent external installs, using a through-hole screw mount and an 18 inch low-loss coax lead that ends in a right-angle SMA male connector. It’s a solid fit for cars, trucks, vans, boats, or RVs where placement and weatherproofing matter, and buyers report improved satellite acquisition compared with basic or indoor antennas. The main caveat is installation, since the puck mounting process and coax lead can be tricky in tight spaces.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Permanent, low-profile mounting: Through-hole screw mount puck design for vandal-resistant installation and no exposed cable.
- Improved reception focus: Narrowband L1 filter centered at 1575.42 ± 1 MHz aimed at better signal-to-noise and positional accuracy.
- Built-in low-noise amplifier: 28 ± 4.5 dB gain (with compatibility for 3 to 5V DC GPS receivers).
- Weatherproof outdoor use: IP67 rated for vehicles and marine/RV installs.
Cons
- Fit-and-install can be fiddly: The cable lead is not very flexible, and threading the assembly in confined areas may take planning.
- Shorter lead length: At 18 inches, you may need to route carefully or use an extension/jumper if your GPS unit is farther from the mount point.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence centers on signal performance and real-world durability. Multiple purchasers describe noticeably faster or stronger GPS locking, especially after moving from an included or indoor antenna to an externally mounted puck. Several comments also highlight that the antenna holds up over extended periods and across seasons when installed outdoors. Installation experience is the other recurring theme, with buyers advising careful placement and noting that getting the mount and cable assembly sorted in tight areas can be challenging.
Who this antenna is best for
- Vehicle and outdoor GPS installs: You want a low-profile puck antenna with a weather-resistant, permanent mount.
- Drivers who need more reliable fixes: If your current GPS setup struggles to acquire satellites quickly or consistently, an external antenna upgrade can help.
- Builders and integrators with external antenna SMA ports: The right-angle SMA male connector is useful when space is limited behind the receiver mounting area.
- Receivers that support active antenna power (3 to 5V): The antenna includes an LNA intended to boost GPS signals.
Key specs that matter in real use
Mounting and form factor
- Through-hole screw mount puck: Designed for permanent installation, with the mounting style intended to reduce exposed cable risk.
- Low-profile exterior design: Better suited to confined vehicle surfaces than larger external antennas.
Connector and cable routing
- Right-angle SMA male connector: Helps with tight clearances where a straight connector would press against panels or housings.
- 18 inch low-loss coax lead: Enough for many dashboard, trunk, or roofline routing paths, but not long if your GPS module is mounted far away.
- Narrowband L1 filter: Targeting the GPS L1 center frequency (1575.42 ± 1 MHz) to improve reception characteristics.
- Built-in low-noise amplifier (LNA): Rated 28 ± 4.5 dB gain, intended for compatible GPS receivers that can power active antennas (3 to 5V DC).
- Stronger performance after upgrading to an external puck: The combination of filtering and the LNA is aimed at improving signal quality, which aligns with buyer-reported gains after moving from simpler antennas.
- Outdoor-ready build: IP67 weatherproofing is a practical benefit for installs exposed to rain, spray, and seasonal conditions.
- Cleaner installation approach: Through-hole mounting helps keep the setup stable and reduces the “dangling cable” look.
- Plan your install path: Reviews suggest the mount assembly and coax routing are easier when you can access the mounting post and clearance around the connector.
- Don’t assume the cable length will reach: If your GPS unit is more than roughly 18 inches from your chosen location, you may need additional planning (like routing adjustments) rather than treating it like a long cable.
- Mounting style: Choose a through-hole puck when you need a permanent, low-profile external mount. If you only need temporary placement, a different antenna type may be more convenient.
- Connector type and space constraints: The right-angle SMA helps in tight installation environments. If your receiver has a different connector standard, you may need an adapter.
- Active vs passive setup: This antenna includes a gain/LNA and is intended to work with GPS receivers that can provide 3 to 5V DC to the antenna path. If your receiver cannot power an active antenna, performance expectations may differ.
- Cable length: 18 inches is workable for many vehicle placements, but longer runs usually require careful routing, extensions, or alternative cable antenna solutions.
Signal filtering and amplification
Pros and cons, translated into buying decisions
Advantages you can expect
Tradeoffs to consider first
Price and availability
Pricing and stock can change. Use the button below to confirm the current price and availability for the exact configuration you want.
Comparison guidance (how to choose your GPS antenna)
If you are deciding between this puck antenna and other options, compare by these factors:
Verdict
The Proxicast active/passive GPS puck antenna is a strong pick for buyers who want a permanent, weatherproof external GPS antenna with an LNA and a right-angle SMA connection. It’s especially appealing if you’ve experienced slow satellite acquisition or inconsistent fixes with an included or indoor antenna. Just be ready to take your time with placement and installation, since the mounting assembly and coax lead can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces, and the 18 inch length may require thoughtful routing.
FAQ
Is this GPS antenna active or passive?
It includes a low-noise amplifier (LNA) with rated gain, and it is designed to be compatible with GPS receivers that provide 3 to 5V DC power for an active antenna setup.
What connector does it use?
It uses a right-angle SMA male connector on an 18 inch low-loss coax lead.
Is it suitable for outdoor installation?
Yes. It is IP67 rated, which supports outdoor use for vehicles, boats, and RV-style applications.
Will the 18 inch cable be long enough?
It depends on where you mount the puck relative to your GPS receiver. For short vehicle routes it often works well, but if the receiver is farther than about 18 inches, you may need to plan routing carefully or consider a different cable length solution.
Is this antenna hard to install?
Installability is mainly about access. Reviews indicate it can be tricky in confined areas because the puck mounting assembly and coax lead are not extremely flexible, so planning placement before drilling helps.
Does it improve GPS reception compared with indoor antennas?
Buyer feedback points to improved satellite lock and reception quality after switching to this externally mounted puck from simpler antennas, though results still depend on antenna placement.
What GPS frequency does it focus on?
It uses a narrowband L1 filter centered at 1575.42 ± 1 MHz.
Specifications
| Product Title | Proxicast Active/Passive GPS Antenna SMA - Through Hole Screw Mount Puck Antenna with Right Angle SMA Male Connector on 18 inch Low Loss Coax Lead - 28 dB LNA (ANT-190-005) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Antennas |
| Brand | Proxicast |
| Manufacturer | Proxicast |
| Model Number | ant-190-005 |
| Color | Black |
| Item Weight | 2.3 Ounces |
| AntennaDescription | Through Hole Screw Mount Puck Style Active GPS Antenna - 18 inch Lead |
| UPC | 850021295509 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Mfr Part Number | ANT-190-005 |
| Warranty Description | 1 year |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Antenna | Through Hole Screw Mount Puck Style Active GPS Antenna - 18 inch Lead |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
Available variants
Size
- 3 ft lead - SMA Male
- 18 inch lead - R/A SMA Male
- 6 ft lead - SMA Male
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