Audi RNS-E GPS Antenna - Which is Best?

**Turbavanttro** · 02-04-2009 01:41 PM

Is there any difference in the OEM GPS antenna and the aftermarket brands? What should I look for if I want the best signal?

Thanks for the advice-

Bryan

-04 A4 USP Avant 6MT

**Dolphin18T** · 02-04-2009 02:20 PM

The OEM antenna works the best simply because it's located outside the car and can receive more satellites than aftermarket ones that are usually mounted inside the car.

**Turbavanttro** · 02-04-2009 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Dolphin18T

The OEM antenna works the best simply because it's located outside the car and can receive more satellites than aftermarket ones that are usually mounted inside the car.

Thanks. Where is the external GPS antenna located? If I had the Audi Symphony II w/ XM, is it perhaps the same antenna? The one that looks like a shark fin near the USP Avant rear spoiler?

Appreciate the help, nice ride...

**CyberPMG** · 02-05-2009 07:02 AM

The sharkfin has several antennas in it. It has the satellite antenna (for XM or Sirius) and the GPS. To use the GPS antenna, you need a long cable with a Farka connector on both ends. The connection to the antenna is located up top in the back passenger corner of the roof. I believe you only need to take off the rear side panel and not the headliner to get to the connector. You would then need to run the cable all the way to the front of the cabin and connect to the RNS-E. I think there's some details posted here if you search.

**Turbavanttro** · 02-05-2009 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by CyberPMG

The sharkfin has several antennas in it. It has the satellite antenna (for XM or Sirius) and the GPS. To use the GPS antenna, you need a long cable with a Farka connector on both ends. The connection to the antenna is located up top in the back passenger corner of the roof. I believe you only need to take off the rear side panel and not the headliner to get to the connector. You would then need to run the cable all the way to the front of the cabin and connect to the RNS-E. I think there's some details posted here if you search.

Thanks, that helped alot.

**joeycuccaro** · 02-09-2009 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Turbavanttro

Thanks, that helped alot.

Check this out, its pretty easy. DIY

Cable is only $30.

**TurbousMaximus** · 02-09-2009 04:50 PM

I have a gps antenna mounted inside behind my speedometer. I get 6-8 satellites all day. Which is the most you can get, so you dont need to do the sharkfin unless you want to. I have a spare antenna if you want. 15 shipped and its yours. Its magnetic and you stick in under the dash, very easy and convenient.

**03A4Tim** · 03-08-2009 11:35 AM

I also used (temporarily) the antenna behind the instrument cluster (I ran the wires behind the cluster and stuck the antenna to the metal frame just above the fuse box)

I got 6-8 sat's in the open areas.. But once I headed up through the mountains, or downtown in parking garages or between high rises my sats dropped down to 1-3... The Sharkfin is definitely the best use if you are going to be in any areas that is not wide open to the sky above without obstruction...