AVIC-N1 GPS antenna installation.

Can anyone help?

While it will work with or without without the metal plate, it is "supposed" to work better with the metal plate. The metal acts as a ground plane and helps to reflect (deflect?) the signals. Also the metal plate usually has double sided tape on one side which makes it easy to stick the plate to the dash then the antenna (which is usually magnetic) sticks right to the plate. If you don't like the look of the metal plate, try it without it. If it doesn't work too well, try it with it. Regardless it definately isn't REQUIRED for the antenna to work. Mike

Thanks Mike, I guess trying it without first makes sense... "smack on forehead"

the metal plate gives you better reception, i tryed without and with, and def. better reception with. and it gives the ant. a place stick to if you have a plastic dash.