External vs. Internal Antenna

[wolverines]

Looking at the LMS 520c and the LMS 522c igps from Lowrance...the only difference in the two is one has an external antenna and the other's is internal. Any thoughts out there to the benefits of one over another? I can't forsee any problems with the an internal antenna based on where I'd mount it...

[waterfoul]

If you mount the 522 up front and then have to tilt it past about 20 degrees... you will lose reception from time to time. My buddy is having this issue with the his and is looking to sell it fairly cheap (used for about 2 months last fall) so he can get the 520 with external antenae unit.

[FERG 06]

Don't know about tilting it but I've got the 522 mounted on the dash, use it for trolling and don't have any issues with reception. In fact when I mounted it, it was 2' under the carport and still picked up some satelites on the horizon.

[wolverines]

If you mount the 522 up front and then have to tilt it past about 20 degrees... you will lose reception from time to time. My buddy is having this issue with the his and is looking to sell it fairly cheap (used for about 2 months last fall) so he can get the 520 with external antenae unit.



What's his idea of fairly cheap??? PM if you need to...

[ERnurse]

I just bought the LMS 520c. The way I went into it I figured it would not hurt to have the external antenna, but it would be a detriment if I needed it and didnt have it. External gives me more options for where I will put the GPS, although I plan to put it into the "dash" of the helm on my boat,( I have a center console.) then I can put the antenna where ever I need to. Or I can have it right next to the unit. Versatility was the key for me.

[wolverines]

I just bought the LMS 520c. The way I went into it I figured it would not hurt to have the external antenna, but it would be a detriment if I needed it and didnt have it. External gives me more options for where I will put the GPS, although I plan to put it into the "dash" of the helm on my boat,( I have a center console.) then I can put the antenna where ever I need to. Or I can have it right next to the unit. Versatility was the key for me.



It already comes with the antenna right? I know they both cost the same so I would hope it does...

[waterfoul]

It already comes with the antenna right? I know they both cost the same so I would hope it does...

Yes, it comes with the puck style antenna. It's about 3 1/2" or so in diameter and about an inch tall.

I just ordered the Hummingbird 595c DGI combo unit for my bow... and I plan on putting the puck right on the bow... kind of behind the trolling motor so I KNOW I won't be stepping on it.

[Cpt.Chaos]

I have both internal and external for my 2 lake boats. I have an external mount Garmin 80 that I put on a 4' antenna riser on the outside of my hardtop, I just used the old Lowran C mount. This wasy it is out of the way with no obstructions around it. I have never lost reception with it. On the other hand, I have a Lowrance 3600C that I put on my deep V, it has an internal mount. I do lose reception time to time on, not too much or for too long, but it does happen. I would recommend the external mount if you can spare the room.

[wolverines]

Yes, it comes with the puck style antenna. It's about 3 1/2" or so in diameter and about an inch tall.



I'm very familiar with what they look like:lol: Some of them are sold seperately...but both being $650 I wanted to make sure it was included since I haven't taken one out of the box...

...so how much does your friend want for the 522? Fairly cheap can be very different to different individuals...I'm looking to buy ASAP if the price is right:coolgleam

[waterfoul]

I think he was looking to get around $450-500 for it. And this is one meticulous guy... his Ranger is ALWAYS spotless. Like I said the unit is basically brand new.

[fishinmachine2]

I would go with the one that has the external antenna!!

Scott

[finlander]

I talked to one local who has the internal and has no problems. Was all set to get one from Cabelas and then I went to Ebay. A few there for under $600 as Buy-it-now's. Just dont know their return policy. Then Cabelas has a pair of them for under $1200 with all the inter-connecting wires. But with only one transducer and one antenna. Tempting.

[waterfoul]

Like I said, I can get ONE of you a 522 for somewhere between $450-500 bucks LIKE NEW.

[sfw1960]

I talked to one local who has the internal and has no problems. Was all set to get one from Cabelas and then I went to Ebay. A few there for under $600 as Buy-it-now's. Just dont know their return policy. Then Cabelas has a pair of them for under $1200 with all the inter-connecting wires. But with only one transducer and one antenna. Tempting.

MOST OEMs will NOT honor a warranty if bought off eBay....
Might be worth the $$$ to buy from an authorized dealer like Three Rivers Marine (http://www.threeriversmarine.net/) (http://www.threeriversmarine.net/ ) or Northeast Marine Electronics. (http://www.northeastmarineelectronics.com)

(http://www.northeastmarineelectronics.com/)

You must call or email TRM for the "real" price as there's a minimum advertised price policy in effect.
:evilsmile

[Robert Hoover]

I have a eagle with an internal antenna.less crap is the way i looked at it,no problems tilting it either, i have it on a ram swivel mount so i can flip it to the bow when i start jigging .

[JJ Mac]

Introducing the new Lowrance LMS 529 iegps with internal antenna, external antenna port, and icefishing pack with puck and dual frequency skimmer transducer. All for $699.00 with a half off coupon for either Lakemaster or Navionics.

:confused::one_eye::one_eye:oops, just dreamin' again.