heat reflective windscreen - Ford Focus?

nshah · #1 (**permalink**) 31-08-2004, 02:21 PM

Hi,

I've read on the FAQ section that 'newer vehicles' have heat reflective windscreens, and an external aerial would be needed for GPS operation.

I have a Ford Focus, and was wondering if anyone can shed any light on this, i.e would I need an external aerial?

I am thinking of getting the Dell Axim X5 plus TT3 package from this site, and was just wondering whether I would require the external bit as well? Or is it just a matter or wait and see?

Thanks in advance for any help.

**Stevie** · #2 (**permalink**) 31-08-2004, 07:16 PM

if you look at the bottom of the windscreen there is blank patches i think on the Focus

fitter · #3 (**permalink**) 21-09-2004, 06:21 PM

The Ford Focus is not available with a heat reflective windscreen only with a heated windscreen but you may still have problems recieving a signal
HTH Neil

st0cky · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2004, 10:05 AM

I used to have a Focus, plus Palm m505/Navman 500 GPS combination. The heated windscreen element does reduce the GPS signal strength considerably, but still allows enough signal to get through to get a good fix.

However, the signal is weakened, and you can lose the fix by going under bridges etc. It was not really ideal.

Stevie is right. There are patches of windscreen at the lower extremes at either end where there is no element. The GPS worked loads better when I put it there. If you get a bluetooth GPS, you won't have any problems if you stick it at one of the "blank" ends of the windscreen and mount your PDA wherever.

**Charlie** · #5 (**permalink**) 27-09-2004, 10:20 AM

Thanks st0cky, which year of Focus did you have? Seems earlier models didn't have the blank patches.

st0cky · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2004, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie

Thanks st0cky, which year of Focus did you have? Seems earlier models didn't have the blank patches.

S-reg - 1999, I think (or maybe 2000). There was only a small blank patch, but big enough to aim the antenna!

**Charlie** · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2004, 01:20 PM

Cheers mate, I'll add that to my list

ianhski · #8 (**permalink**) 30-09-2004, 02:23 PM

I have a Ford Galaxy and a Ford Cougar, Both have heated screens. I just chuck the wired TomTom GPS to the front and it always works.

**Charlie** · #9 (**permalink**) 30-09-2004, 02:28 PM

Any particular spot in the front ianhski?

fitter · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2004, 12:51 PM

all the focus screens are the same and have as stocky says have blank patches at the bottom corners
HTH fitter
p.s I am a windscreen fitter if this helps anybody in the future