Introduction to the VTN-EXTEND 10 m GPS Antenna Extension Cable
VTN-EXTEND 10 m GPS Antenna Extension Cableis a purpose-built accessory for TIMENET Pro time-server systems designed to give installers and end users flexible antenna placement without compromising GPS signal quality. As a 10 metre (32.81 ft) low-loss RF extension lead, it lets you position the GPS antenna head where it has the clearest view of the sky — on a roof, an external sill, or outside a window — while leaving the TIMENET Pro device itself in a convenient, secure location indoors.
Key features at a glance
- 10 m length ideal for medium-distance antenna placement
- Low-loss RF construction to preserve GPS lock and signal strength
- Designed specifically for use with TIMENET Pro GPS antenna systems
- Supports up to two extension cables plus the standard 5 m lead for a total reach of approximately 25 m
- Enables external mounting of the antenna head for improved satellite visibility
Detailed specifications and benefits
This extension cable is presented by the manufacturer as a high-quality, low-loss RF lead. The primary specifications and benefits are focused around physical length, signal preservation and compatibility with TIMENET Pro systems.
- Product code:VTN-EXTEND
- Length:10 m (32.81 ft)
- Intended use:GPS antenna extension for TIMENET Pro time-server antenna
- Maximum total antenna lead:Up to ~25 m when combining two 10 m extensions with the standard 5 m TIMENET Pro lead
- Cable performance:Low-loss RF lead to preserve GPS signal strength
- Connector type:Not uniformly specified by resellers — confirm SMA vs RP-SMA and gender before purchase
- Environmental/mounting:Facilitates external or window mounting of the antenna head (note: the antenna head itself is subject to TIMENET Pro outdoor-rating)
GPS signal levels are extremely small by the time they reach consumer hardware. Using a low-loss extension cable reduces signal attenuation compared to standard, thin coax leads. That means more reliable satellite lock, faster time-to-first-fix in marginal locations, and improved long-term stability for time-server applications — critical in network timing, telecommunications, financial trading platforms and industrial control systems that depend on accurate time synchronization.
- Greater freedom for antenna placement to avoid obstructions and reflective surfaces that degrade GPS reception.
- Ability to move the TIMENET Pro unit indoors for security or connectivity while placing the antenna outdoors where necessary.
- Expandable reach — up to two extension cables can be added to achieve longer runs when the site requires it (confirm total cable loss for very long runs).
Use cases and scenarios where VTN-EXTEND excels
The VTN-EXTEND extension cable is especially useful in any installation where the GPS antenna supplied with TIMENET Pro cannot be mounted in an optimal location due to access, security, or environmental constraints. Typical use cases include:
- Data centres and server rooms where the TIMENET Pro unit must be rack-mounted indoors but the antenna requires a rooftop or external window location for reliable satellite reception.
- Banking, trading and telecom environments where consistent, accurate time is essential and antenna placement options are limited by security zones.
- Factory floors and infrastructure sites where building structures block sky view at ground level — extending the antenna to a mast or rooftop clears obstructions and multipath reflections.
- Remote telemetry or critical monitoring stations where the time-server is housed in a weatherproof enclosure but the antenna must be mounted outside for signal access.
- Retail or office units where the device must remain behind counters or in locked cupboards; the antenna can be routed to a window or façade using the VTN-EXTEND lead.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Extension leads for GPS antennas are available in a range of constructions and lengths. When evaluating the VTN-EXTEND against alternatives, consider these factors:
- Many generic extension leads use thinner coax (e.g., RG-174) that exhibits higher loss per metre. For runs of 10 m and beyond, a low-loss cable such as the one specified for VTN-EXTEND preserves signal integrity better, improving GPS lock reliability.
- Higher-grade low-loss cables (e.g., RG-58 alternatives or specifically engineered GPS coax) may offer marginally better performance, but they can be bulkier and more expensive.
- Some cheaper extension leads come with mismatched connector genders or RP-SMA variants that don’t fit TIMENET Pro antenna sockets. The VTN-EXTEND documentation advises confirming connector type before installation — an important practical advantage over one-size-fits-all cables that can lead to returns or field adapters.
- 10 m is a common mid-length option. Competing products are sold in shorter (2–5 m) or much longer runs (20–30 m). Very long runs increase loss and may require an active antenna or inline amplifier to maintain lock.
- VTN-EXTEND’s compatibility with up to two extensions plus the standard 5 m lead gives flexible reach up to ~25 m without immediately requiring amplifiers — but always check total loss and expected signal margins for your site.
At a suggested price of 42.00, the VTN-EXTEND positions itself as an affordable, specialist accessory for TIMENET Pro installations. Comparable low-loss extension leads from general RF suppliers may be available at a range of price points — lower-priced options may sacrifice cable quality or connector precision, while higher-priced leads may provide premium shielding or factory-fitted, specified connectors.
Customer testimonials and feedback
There are no official, attributed customer testimonials included with the product specification. Typical feedback themes from installers and end users choosing this type of accessory include:
- "Improved GPS lock after moving the antenna outdoors using the extension — solved intermittent timing drift issues."
- "Easy to route and robust enough for external window mounting; just be sure to check connector type before ordering."
- "Good value for a purpose-built accessory — better than improvising with generic thin coax cables."
These representative comments reflect common installer experiences rather than verbatim published reviews. If you require verified testimonials, check reseller pages, TIMENET Pro community forums or reach out to the vendor for customer case studies.
Installation notes, compatibility and safety
Before installing VTN-EXTEND, confirm the connector gender and type on your TIMENET Pro antenna lead — manufacturer references commonly mention SMA connectors, but reseller listings may vary. Mismatched SMA vs RP-SMA configurations or male/female differences can prevent direct connection and require adapters. Follow these practical tips:
- Verify connector type on both the TIMENET Pro antenna lead and the extension cable before purchase.
- When running the cable to an external mounting point, use appropriate grommets or sealant where the cable penetrates walls to maintain weatherproofing and building integrity.
- Avoid tight bends and kinks; maintain the cable’s minimum bend radius to preserve low-loss performance.
- For very long total cable runs (near the ~25 m upper guideline), consider measuring signal quality after installation and, if necessary, evaluate an active antenna or inline amplifier as an alternative to longer passive runs.
- Check local installation and safety regulations when mounting on rooftops or external facades; use appropriate fixings and fall-prevention measures.
Conclusion: Why VTN-EXTEND is a strong choice for TIMENET Pro users
The VTN-EXTEND 10 m GPS Antenna Extension Cable is a focused, practical accessory for TIMENET Pro time-server installations that require better antenna placement without relocating the entire device. Its low-loss RF construction preserves GPS signal strength across a useful mid-range distance, enabling clearer sky visibility and stronger, more reliable time synchronization in both professional and industrial environments.
While確認ing connector compatibility is essential before purchasing, the ability to extend the antenna up to approximately 25 m (when combined with additional extensions and the standard lead) offers real flexibility on sites with constrained mounting options. For installers who prioritise signal integrity and tidy, secure installations, VTN-EXTEND delivers a cost-effective way to improve GPS reception and therefore the performance of TIMENET Pro time-server systems.
For best results, verify connector type, plan cable routing carefully, and test signal performance after installation. When these steps are followed, VTN-EXTEND is a sensible, budget-conscious choice to extend antenna reach and maintain dependable GPS-based timekeeping.
