Adding to what nessnet wrote, agreeing on all points as to HOW & WHERE to mount the GPS puck… if you routed the pucks wiring down the A column, it means you mounted the puck high on the windshield where the roofline would get in the way of the line-of-sight needed by the puck. The idea is to allow for as much amount of line-of-sight in all directions. And that is usually accomplished by mounting the puck to the dashboard. (I also have a F-150. A 2021. I mounted the SDS200 to an aftermarket bracket from BuiltRight Industries. It sits in the glove tray atop the dash. I originally mounted the GPS puck as far forward on the dash as possible but relocated it further back, behind the defrost vents as it was blocking them.)
Sorry to hear you went to all the bother of routing the GPS pick up the A column (I know you still needed to get to the dash but you didn’t need to continue to the topside of the windshield via the A column. I found the only device I needed to route wiring for the top side of the windshield is a dash cam. I wanted as much height without going outside! I suppose I could have used a GoPro but then I’d have to defrost it in the colder months!) My previous F-150 had a radio counsel between the seats where I had ham radios and the SDS200. It was a bear to break down everything when I traded the truck in. This 2021 install version touts cigarette lighter plugs and USB outlets for power sources. And all associated wiring (power, antenna, ext speaker) is simply contained in that flexible split plastic tubing to keep things neat. The entire interior can be transformed back to stock in a matter of minutes. The outside antennas with their electric motor driven fold over capabilities will take longer but at least I won’t need to be underneath the dash in a contorted fashion anymore. It’s not as easy these days at 74 yrs young!
Pictures of installations are common so I haven’t bothered to include one here. But if you are curious I will.
