- Outdoor GPS/GNSS antenna (model 8230)
- Surge suppressor for lightning protection (model 8226)
- Low-loss LMR-400 equivalent RF cable to connect the antenna to the surge suppressor and the surge suppressor to the GPS/GNSS receiver (type N)
A selection of accessories are available in the Orolia Online Store (shipping to US addresses only).
Our systems approach offers standard GPS/GNSS antennas and related accessories for its precision timing products with embedded GPS/GNSS receivers.
A typical installation uses an outdoor antenna installation to collect and reliably transmit the RF of the collected signals to the embedded receiver (such as Spectracom's GPS NTP Servers). As a solutions provider, Spectracom offers best-in-class GPS antennas and accessories from 3rd parties into fully qualified and warranted systems. If you have a specific need for your application, we can assist with sourcing and procurement.
- Mounting accessories for a roof-top antenna installation
- Indoor GPS/GNSS reception options when an outdoor installation is not practical
- Options for long antenna-to-receiver cable runs (> 400 ft, 125 meters)

GPS/GNSS Outdoor Antenna
The Model 8230 is a high gain (40 dB) GNSS outdoor antenna covering GPS L1, Galileo E1, GLONASS L1, and BeiDou B1 . It uses a three stage low noise amplifier, a mid-section SAW, and a tight pre-filter to protect against saturation by high level sub-harmonics and L-band signals.
Key Specifications
- High gain: 40 dB
- Wide band L1 (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou)
- Powered by 5VDC from the timing receiver
- Compact weather-proof housing (IP67)
- Type N connector
- Mounting accessories are available
Its conical radome is made of high impact UV stabilized polycarbonate to minimize ice, snow and debris build-up. It can be mounted in a 19mm diameter (3/4 inch) through hole or via its L-bracket.
Antenna Location
The GPS/GNSS antenna must have an unobstructed line of sight to the sky. Rooftops that are clear of other structures or geographic features overhead, with views to the horizon, generally make good installation locations. Such a clear view allows the antenna to track the maximum number of satellites. Installations with obstructed views may experience reduced reception quality and may not be able to track the maximum number of satellites. When installing a GPS/GNSS antenna, select a site at which the antenna will not become buried in drifting or accumulated snow. It should not be covered by foliage or placed in a position where it could become obstructed. If possible, avoid placing the antenna in close proximity to broadcast antennas.
Antenna Cable & Accessories
Spectracom recommends low loss coaxial cable such as Times Microwave LMR-400 for the antenna cable. The attenuation characteristics of the LMR-400, or equivalent, at the GPS L1 frequency (1575.42 MHz), along with the high gain of the antenna limits the cable length to a maximum of about 125 meters (400 feet). Spectracom offers standard and plenum rated cable assemblies.
For installations where the antenna cable length exceeds 125 meters Spectracom offers a variety of accessories to extend cable lengths including inline pre-amplifiers (Model 8227), fiber optic links and frequency down-up converters. The receiver powers the GPS/GNSS antenna and most accessories. Spectracom recommends installing a lightning protection device in the antenna line to protect the receiver and connected devices. Spectracom offers a Surge Protector, Model 8226, to shunt potentially damaging voltages on the antenna coax to ground.

Anti-Jam Antenna
The Model 8230AJ is a high gain (40 dB) GNSS outdoor antenna. It uses a three-stage low noise amplifier, a mid-section SAW, and a tight pre-filter to protect against saturation by high level sub-harmonics and L-band signals. The Anti-Jam antenna rejects signals for the lower elevation angles – where most of the interference comes from.

SAASM GPS Outdoor Antenna
The Model 8225S is a GPS outdoor antenna covering GPS L1 and L2. It is compatible with all other acccessories for the recommended RF cable installation including the model 8226 surge suppressor and CAL7 RF cable.
Key Specifications
- L1: 1575.42 MHz and L2: 1227.60 MHz
- Type N connector
- Removeable "survey mount" with 0.625-11 UNC thread, 0.7" deep
- Aluminum antenna mast included
The Model 8230AJ is a high gain (40 dB) GNSS outdoor antenna. It uses a three-stage low noise amplifier, a mid-section SAW, and a tight pre-filter to protect against saturation by high level sub-harmonics and L-band signals. The Anti-Jam antenna rejects signals for the lower elevation angles – where most of the interference comes from.
The solution for indoor GPS timing. Consisting of an indoor GPS antenna panel, a configuration of Orolia's SecureSync® modular GPS time server, and an interconnect cable, Skylight opens new possibilities for accurate GPS time.

Inline Amplifier
Model 8227 is a convenient solution when the GPS RF falls below the receiver's recommend minimum input. While the maximum cable length depends on thegain of the antenna, loss of the cable and sensitivity of the receiver, we find that the inline amplifier can extend a cable run by 400 feet.

RF Down-Up Converter Kit
Another approach to long cable runs down converts the GPS RF frequency in a specialized roof-top antenna to minimize signal loss and allows RG-58 cable to extend up to 1,500 ft (450 meters). The kit comes with an upconverter that is installed near the GPS receiver.

Fiber Optic Link Kit
A fiber optic link can bridge a long antenna-receiver distance and provides for electrical isolation. A typical kit can link a fiber transmitter and receiver is via 9/125 micron singlemode simplex fiber (SC/APC connectors) up to 5 miles (8 km).
Datasheets | |
8224 DatasheetMore Info We offer RF splitters as a convenience for building GPS antenna systems. |
pdf - 111 KB Wednesday, November 26, 2014 [ Permalink ] |
8225 DatasheetMore Info This GPS antenna is no longer available from Spectracom. The model 8230 is the replacement with equivilent or improved performance. The 8225 datasheet is available as a convience for previous customers. |
pdf - 111 KB Tuesday, October 1, 2013 [ Permalink ] |
8225S DatasheetMore Info Our standard GPS antenna system for SAASM systems supporting L1 and L2 bands. |
pdf - 105 KB Tuesday, November 26, 2019 [ Permalink ] |
8226 DatasheetMore Info We recommend a surge suppressor for all GPS antenna system installations. |
pdf - 166 KB Tuesday, November 26, 2019 [ Permalink ] |
8227 DatasheetMore Info An inline GPS RF amplifier can support longer cable runs. |
pdf - 112 KB Tuesday, November 26, 2019 [ Permalink ] |
8228 DatasheetMore Info In some instances, an indoor window GPS antenna could provide an alternative if an outdoor roof-top installation. |
pdf - 143 KB Wednesday, July 27, 2011 [ Permalink ] |
8230 GPS-GNSS Outdoor Antenna DatasheetMore Info Our standard GNSS L1 antenna system. |
pdf - 248 KB Tuesday, July 16, 2019 [ Permalink ] |
ANT-35 Epsilon GPS Antenna 35 dB DatasheetMore Info This GPS antenna system is no longer available. The data is available as a convience for previous customers. |
pdf - 81 KB Tuesday, October 1, 2013 [ Permalink ] |
ANT-KT Antenna Mount Kit DatasheetMore Info This kit can be used to mount the models 8230 and ANT-35 GPS antennas. |
pdf - 108 KB Monday, November 25, 2013 [ Permalink ] |
GPS Antenna Fiber Optic Link Kit DatasheetMore Info This kit converts GPS RF to fiber optics for long and/or secure connections. |
pdf - 173 KB Thursday, December 1, 2016 [ Permalink ] |
GPS Antenna RF Down-Up Converter Kit DatasheetMore Info This kit converts GPS RF to a lower frequency for lower signal loss for long connections. |
pdf - 85 KB Wednesday, November 26, 2014 [ Permalink ] |
Technical Notes and Briefs | |
GPS Lightning Surge ProtectionMore Info Facilities with connections to the outside may suffer damage due to lightning. Electronic components are extremely sensitive to high voltage from major energy sources such as lightning, which is the most common danger. It also has the characteristic of being completely unforeseeable. To protect people and equipment from lightning, it is essential to ensure that all wired connections from building exteriors include the appropriate form of protection. |
pdf - 134 KB Wednesday, May 18, 2011 [ Permalink ] |
Outdoor GPS Antenna Installation ConsiderationsMore Info Many Orolia timing and synchronization products utilize an embedded GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) receiver as a primary reference. Typical installations utilize an outdoor active GNSS antenna to collect and transmit GNSS satellite radio signals to the receiver via an RF cable. This technical note describes the main considerations for a successful outdoor GNSS antenna installation for a timing application: |
pdf - 325 KB Friday, January 25, 2019 [ Permalink ] |