Final construction

Construction is now final and testing will be done early next week.

Antenna can be used with our devices as follows:

SA: With or without the amplifier. 

HA: Only with the amplifier 

Device is equipped with 1.37mm thick antenna cable to optimize the weight and size. Cable length is 2m. This is especially useful in motorcycle applications, no more huge loops of antenna wire under the seat. 

Below is an example how the antenna could be installed to a Yamaha R6 rear fairing made by CRC. Antenna is below the fairing and amplifier can be glued to the fairing as well. Antenna and amplifier is fitted with a normal SMA connector for quick install.

Test

As always with GPS, comparison testing has to be done at the same time. Otherwise results are not comparable.

Flex antenna was installed as shown above and a normal antenna was installed above the fairing. Fairing was then on the dashboard of the car, inside of the car.

Result

	Normal antenna	Flex antenna
Satellites	12	12
HDOP (Lower the better)	1.05	0.9

No difference in amount of satellites but Flex has better HDOP, so winner of the test is Flex antenna. Track testing is next week, with different vehicles.

 

 

 

 

Update Oct 2022

First track test was performed in Jerez in late September. 

Corner test

Signal strengths from the Flex and standard antenna were recorded. No noticeable difference with amplifier but some WB interference was received in one corner and needs improvement.

Drive test

Rear fairing was then installed to the rear parcel shelf and I drove few laps around the track. 

Red = Flex antenna

Green = Pulse GPS0010

So far all looks good, now it is time to finalize the amplifier and do the final test before starting track tests.

 

Original idea

I have been working on this on and off for a while. Idea was born while back from watching MotoGP and other motorcycle series. I have been wondering why there are no smaller antennas available. Typically there is an antenna belonging to the team and series organizers antennas for location and timing.

The weight of the antenna is 1gr and 0.1mm thick. Antenna can be covered with your favorite sticker.

I have made few prototypes along the way. The system is now almost final and ready for production. Limited deliveries are planned to start in September after summer vacations.

Standard vs Flex Antenna

Construction

Antenna consists of 2 parts:

• Flex antenna
• Amplifier

 

Antenna itself is a sticker that can be installed on any ABS plastic surface. Antenna can be covered with your favorite sticker, antenna element is replaceable in case of an accident.

In addition to the size, other advantage is that the antenna is tuned to work with ABS plastic and ground plane is not needed.

Amplifier can be installed under the fairing. Amplifier is 15mm x 15mm x 1mm thick.

Test results

Test is done with 2 separate GPSL20 SA receivers and logged with MoTeC C125 display logger.

Flex antenna: GPS ... channels

Standard Antenna: GPS...L20 channels

Satelites used

Test route was 84mins long and contains highway, open areas and mountain areas.

	Flex	Standard
Average sats	22	22
Maximum sats	33	35

Average is the same for both but standard has 2 more in one area. Winner is Standard antenna but Flex is very good and close.

Track accuracy, roof test

Red = Flex antenna

Blue = Standard antenna

Track accuracy, 50deg tilted

Track accuracy, mountain route

Zoom in

Antenna will be available for free with all eTesta 100Hz receivers and works with any GPS receiver. 

First motorcycle test

 

Contact us for more details, pricing and reserve yours as availability will be limited for first units and 10 units will be built.