Can the Existing GPS Antenna be Shared with a Vesper WatchMate Transponder

Can the existing GPS antenna be shared with a WatchMate transponder

No. Most marine GPS antennas are active antennas and will have a built-in LNA (low noise amplifier) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the incoming GPS signal. The LNA requires power obtained from a DC source from the connected device. Multiple power supplies could run the risk of causing damage to one or all of the devices. Other complications will inevitably arise, as an example: noise introduction signal loss.

The WatchMate 850, WatchMate Vision, and XB-6000 have built-in internal GPS antenna. Installation with a clear sky view may not require an external antenna. If an external GPS antenna is needed, ensure compatibility and maximum performance by using a Vesper Marine External GPS antenna. The recommendation is to use a Vesper Marine external GPS antenna.