GPS Antenna

[KB8ZUN]

Is the antenna plug for the GPS antenna proprietary to Icom?

[n5ebw]

I assume you are talking about the 2820.  Not proprietary.....It's a MCX male connector.  Pretty common and can be had for a couple bucks from Digikey or another parts vendor.

EDIT:  I don't remember what impedance it uses (75 ohms or 50 ohms), but I think it is 50 ohms, so make sure you get the corresponding impedance for it.

[Ground Rod]

I'm thinking on getting a Icom 2820 but I want to use it for a base station.   Will I need to extend my gps antenna out of the "Ham shack" to be on the gateway?

[n5ebw]

Nope, just use any other antenna like you normally would.  The GPS antenna is used only if you're actually using that functionality.  Since you're using the 2820 as a base station, you can omit it from use.

[Ground Rod]

Thanks N5EBW
So why is it necessary to have the GPS unit on the 2820 to have a functioning D star radio.
Like I said before, I haven't got my radio yet so I don't get the function of the GPS to get on the gateway.

[n5ebw]

The GPS unit is bundled with the D-Star module on the 2820, so it comes as a package deal.  You don't have to operate the GPS portion of it, or connect the antenna to connect to a D-Star repeater though.  The module is the only required piece.