Garmin GPS 17x NMEA 2000 Installation Instructions Manual page 2

Step 1: Mount the GPS 17x Antenna
You can surface mount the GPS 17x antenna, attach it to a standard 1 in. OD pipe-threaded-pole
marine mount (14 threads-per-inch—not included), or even install the antenna under fiberglass.
Select a suitable location for the GPS 17x
antenna on your boat. To ensure the best
reception, mount the GPS 17x antenna in a
location that has a clear, unobstructed view of
the sky in all directions.
• Avoid mounting the GPS 17x antenna
where it is shaded by the superstructure of
the boat, a radome antenna, or mast.
• On a sailboat, avoid mounting the
GPS 17x antenna high on the mast, to
prevent inaccurate speed readings caused
by excessive heeling.
• The GPS 17x antenna provides more-stable
readings when located nearer to water level.
• Mount the GPS 17x antenna at least 3 ft. (1 m) away from (preferably above) the path
of any radar beam or a VHF radio antenna.
Temporarily secure the antenna in the preferred mounting location and test it for correct
operation. If you experience interference with other electronics, try a different location. When
you verify correct operation, permanently mount the antenna.
Surface-mounting the GPS 17x Antenna
1 Use the surface-mount bracket as your mounting template.
• Use a center punch to mark the three screw locations on the surface.
• Use a pencil to trace the cable-hole in the center of the bracket.
• Set the surface-mount bracket aside. Do not drill through the surface-mount bracket.
2. Select the appropriate drill bit for your mounting surface using the drill bit table
drill the three pilot holes.
NotE: If you are mounting the GPS 17x on fiberglass, it is recommended to use a countersink
bit to drill a clearance counterbore through the top gelcoat layer (but no deeper). This will help to
avoid cracking in the gelcoat layer when the screws are tightened.
3. Use a 1 in. (25 mm) hole saw to cut
the cable hole in the center.
4. Place the seal pad on the bottom
of the surface-mount bracket. Make
sure that the screw holes align.
5. Use the included M4 screws to attach
the surface-mount bracket to the
mounting surface.
6. Route the NMEA 2000 cable through
the 1 in. (25 mm) cable hole and
connect it to the GPS 17x.
7. Make sure the large gasket is in place
on the bottom of the GPS 17x antenna,
place the antenna on the surface-mount bracket
clockwise to lock it in place
8. Secure the antenna to the mounting bracket with the included M3 set screw
9. Route the NMEA 2000 cable away from sources of electronic interference, and connect it to
your NMEA 2000 network.

GPS 17x Placement Considerations GPS 17x Placement Considerations
➊ ➊
Surface-mount Surface-mount
bracket bracket
Seal pad Seal pad
Mounting Mounting
surface surface
➊
.
➋
Better Better
EMI EMI
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)
from engine components from engine components
Above - best Above - best
Below - OK Below - OK
Radar Radar
, and twist it
GPS 17x NMEA 000 Installation Instructions
Best Best
Good Good
3 ft. 3 ft.
(1 m) (1 m)
VHF Radio Antenna VHF Radio Antenna
(page 1), and
➋ ➋
GPS 17x GPS 17x
antenna antenna
➌ ➌
Rubber Rubber
gasket gasket
.
➌