GPS/Wi-Fi/Other Antennas and Window Tint

[neod192]

This topic was posted over on the BOF, but I figured I would ask here as well. What's the deal with metallic versus ceramic tint?

 

Does metallic tint interfere with the car's antenna/systems in any way, but ceramic tint doesn't? Is ceramic tint more expensive? Do they look any different?

 

I'm planning on tinting all windows, except the windshield but I can't have the tint interfere with anything in the car. B8BB8B mentioned that his car can't get a GPS fix with the front windows (tinted) closed. Does anyone know where the GPS antenna is located and does the tint really block the GPS signal?

 

Are any other antennas inside the car or can anything else be affected by tint? What about Wi-Fi?

 

Thanks!

Edited May 1, 2013 by neod192

[47Minutes]

I have also been reading up on others tinting experiences. I have seen a lot of mentions that some tints are metallic and can affect radio wave reception inside the vehicle. As far as I've gathered from the different posts the general consensus is that AM/FM would not be affected as that antenna is on the roof. Some believe that the SAT/GPS antenna is housed in the base of the roof antenna. I'm not convinced of that yet. I think the GPS sensor is located in the middle of the dash and is that pyramid nubby thing. My 2010 FFH had it there and it looks just like the USB GPS sensor I once had with a copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips for PC. I don't have a clue as to the actual location of the SAT antenna. I think the primary concern over the metallic tints is cellular reception. It's not as bad as wrapping your car in tin foil, but I could see the possibility of signal degradation.

 

I've been looking at the ceramics. There seems to be a sizeable difference in cost between them being that ceramics are more. I have been eyeing them for better heat blocking properties which is of great interest to me in TX. I have read a little that the ceramics come off a little lighter than their traditional counterparts. I'm even looking into doing a "clear" 90% ceramic on the front windshield for additional heat blocking. Not sure about the legality in TX yet.

 

In all, I'm not sure which is worse, deciding on what tint to go with or finding a reputable shop that will do an awesome job on my baby.

[RedLdr1]

I have used both the older metallic and newer ceramic tint and metallic tint can negatively effect any aftermarket electronics used in the vehicle. But that is only add on electronics not the factory installed Navigation / Radio / Sat Radio. That is because the antennas for the OEM devices are normally either mounted outside the car or in the rear window glass in some cars.

 

High metallic level tints are like putting your aftermarket dash mounted Garmin GPS, or your cellphone, behind a metallic screen or foil...they will still work but their reception may be significantly impaired. This is a really extreme example but think of a tin can with only the top opened...you will only get good reception when the opening is facing the antenna. With some high metallic content tints the only easy way "in or out" for a decent signal level becomes the windshield.

 

 

When the ceramic tints became available I switched over and have had no complaints...or dropped calls. ;) You can see my FFH with FormulaOne Pinnacle 35% Ceramic window tint Here.

 

 

 

I think the GPS sensor is located in the middle of the dash and is that pyramid nubby thing.

 

That is the light sensor for the automatic headlights, toss a hat or some other dark cover on it, and your lights should come on if they are in Automatic mode.

Edited May 2, 2013 by RedLdr1

[neod192]

Thanks RedLdr1! I think I'll go with ceramic too. T-mobile doesn't have great coverage outside the metro area to begin with, so don't want to make it worse. I also have a radar detector mounted on the windshield (front detection would be fine, but side and read would most likely suffer).

 

I saw your pics and that cars looks really sharp!

[Boat Racer]

I also have a radar detector mounted on the windshield (front detection would be fine, but side and read would most likely suffer).

 

I saw your pics and that cars looks really sharp!

Hey neod, have you figured a clean way yet to hard wire your radar detector power supply to the rear view mirror wiring harness? I just purchased a BlendMount device for my Valentine One to hard mount it under my mirror but I don't see how to remove the cover that houses the wiring harness for the rear view mirror to gain access to tap into that power supply.

[neod192]

Hey neod, have you figured a clean way yet to hard wire your radar detector power supply to the rear view mirror wiring harness? I just purchased a BlendMount device for my Valentine One to hard mount it under my mirror but I don't see how to remove the cover that houses the wiring harness for the rear view mirror to gain access to tap into that power supply.

Nope, haven't really looked into it ... It's very low on my priority list.

[acdii]

Well if I were to get poor cell reception in my car, maybe I will be left alone. :)