Parallax GPS module and heat

LilDi

I have·the Parallax GPS module and am planning on mounting it inside my car in the back wondow. It will be inside the plastic rear window center brake light housing.·It has been in the high 90's temperature over the last couple of weeks and·I am worried about frying the unit from the heat. I've heard the temp inside a car in the hot sun can be as high as 135 degrees with the windows rolled up. Can anyone tell me if that will fry the GPS unit or not?

I suppose as long as·I don't open the plastic housing and let the smoke out, I should be OK.·

Chris Savage

Hello,

I don’t have any temperature ratings for the Polstar Module, you could check the datasheet. Most often circuits like that are at least rated commercial (0C-70C). Inside the third tail light assembly aren’t you going to also be subject to heat from the bulbs in there? Take care.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support

LilDi

Thanks for the info Chris. I calculate that to be able to wheather up to 156 degrees fahrenheit. As far as the light bulb adding more heat, I'm guessing the bulb will only be on for 60 seconds or less and only when I am in the car with the air conditioner on. My concern is when the car is sitting in a parking lot for hours at a time. Based on what you have told me, I'm going ahead with placing the GPS unit inside the brake light housing.

DARPA Urban Challenge here I come.

Yah right. Maybe when I secure $1 million in seed money.

CCraig

I've run a unit on the dashboard of the Jeep for some months now. Mine doesn't have a light bulb inside it to add to the heat, but it gets pretty hot. I'm less than 18 degrees latitude and it's hot. Mine is in a black box, almost completely sealed except for a SD slot. I was going to paint the top white, but the glare (I taped it first), bothered me. If it shortens the life of the unit and it fails, I'll find a better place for it. Until then, it has a good view and works really well.

HTH, Chris

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I'm not scared of your robot. I'm covered by Old Glory (youtube)