# Why doesn't GPS acquire signal using Notecarrier X, but it does when I use a Notecarrier B

**URL:** <https://discuss.blues.com/t/why-doesnt-gps-acquire-signal-using-notecarrier-x-but-it-does-when-i-use-a-notecarrier-b/2653>\
**Category:** Hardware\
**Created:** [January 13, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/why-doesnt-gps-acquire-signal-using-notecarrier-x-but-it-does-when-i-use-a-notecarrier-b/2653 "2025-01-13T18:31:21Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 6:31pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/why-doesnt-gps-acquire-signal-using-notecarrier-x-but-it-does-when-i-use-a-notecarrier-b/2653/1 "2025-01-13T18:31:21Z")

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I have been using a the Notecard GPS capabilities.

When I was advised by Blues to switch to a Notecarrier X from a Notecarrier B when B was not available, the Notecard GPS no longer acquires location.

I’m using the same Notecard and the same antenna, just changing Notecarriers.

What happened?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gwolff](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a88e57/32.png) [@gwolff](https://discuss.blues.com/u/gwolff)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2025, 6:38pm UTC](https://discuss.blues.com/t/why-doesnt-gps-acquire-signal-using-notecarrier-x-but-it-does-when-i-use-a-notecarrier-b/2653/2 "2025-01-13T18:38:50Z")

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**Connect VGPS\_OUT and VGPS\_IN on Notecarrier X.**

The default configuration for using an active GPS antenna is different between the Notecarrier X and the Notecarrier B.

On the Notecarrier B, it defaults to providing a bias voltage for an active GPS antenna.

The Notecarrier X does not default to providing voltage for an active GPS antenna.

Mostly likely, if you have been using a Notecarrier B, the antenna is an active GPS antenna.

Try connecting the VGPS\_OUT and VGPS\_IN pins to each other on the Notecarrier X.

This will apply the 3.8V bias to the GPS antenna so it can power it’s amplifiers.

**Warning:** connecting a passive GPS antenna to a Notecard that is supplying a bias voltage (i.e. configured for an active GPS antenna) can damage the Notecard.