Garmin 17xd GPS Antenna location

JLR

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2021
Messages
70
Reaction score
8
Points
8
Age
68
Model
Freedom 285
I need to know where Grady put this antenna on my 2013 Grady Freedom 285. I have removed the hardtop for other reasons so the antenna is mounted elsewhere not in sight. I know it needs a clear view of the sky but before I start taking the boat apart, I am hoping someone knows here Grady put this antenna. Thanks.
 

Hookup1

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,035
Reaction score
855
Points
113
Age
70
Location
Cape May, NJ
Model
Islander
Garmin GPS antennas are small 3" diameter round puck that are hardtop mounted. Some/most chart plotters have built-in GPS antennas. Not sure what model the internal ones are. How is it that you know you have a 17xd antenna?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sardinia306Canyon

Sardinia306Canyon

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 11, 2023
Messages
523
Reaction score
101
Points
43
Age
60
Location
Island of Sardinia
Model
Canyon 306
Yep,
@JLR you should be able to see the puck somewhere and most likely on the hardtop itself.
If not here is a slight change that the antenna is installed somewhere else and you can't see it, but honestly that does not make sense.
For normal use the in MFD's built-in antenna is enough to receive reasonable well under a FRP hardtop, but obviously best place is on top of it with full view of the sky.

Chris
 

wspitler

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,365
Reaction score
318
Points
83
Location
Inglis, FL
Model
Express 330
Grady does not typically outfit the electronics. That is typically done by the dealer so standardization is not there. Most GPS antennas do not require a clear view to the sky these days. Also most modern MFDs have internal antennas and do not require an external antenna such as the 17xd. Are you sure you have one? You can follow the NMEA2000 wires from the backbone, but, if you have one, it could be a bit hidden.
 

Hookup1

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,035
Reaction score
855
Points
113
Age
70
Location
Cape May, NJ
Model
Islander
May be internal but I can't find anything on Garmin site. Did not find a GPS 17xd either. Disconnect NMEA 2000 and see if you loose it. Also check system menu's to see devices. Should show up there.
 
Last edited:

wspitler

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
May 16, 2011
Messages
1,365
Reaction score
318
Points
83
Location
Inglis, FL
Model
Express 330
To see if you actually have one attached pull up your communications menu on your MFD and it will show you if you have one and whether it is communicating with your chart plottler.
 

drbatts

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
887
Reaction score
190
Points
43
Location
CT
Model
Express 305
Sometimes they get mounted up on the bow by the lights or windless buttons
 

Sardinia306Canyon

GreatGrady Captain
Joined
Oct 11, 2023
Messages
523
Reaction score
101
Points
43
Age
60
Location
Island of Sardinia
Model
Canyon 306
To see if you actually have one attached pull up your communications menu on your MFD and it will show you if you have one and whether it is communicating with your chart plottler.
Yep, that would work too, if the 17x show up then most likely there is one somewhere hidden.

May be internal but I can't find anything on Garmin site. Did not find a GPS 17xd either. Disconnect NMEA 2000 and see if you loose it. Also check system menu's to see devices. Should show up there.
JLR probably meant the GPS 17x HVS

Chris