Temperature on Edge Devices

I can't trust the temp values on an Edge device, because they are generally mounted on a handlebar facing the direct sun, and the readings are often skewed upward by 10 to 15 degs F or more.

Anyone have an idea of how, in a data field, to get a better reading? Maybe by tracking the lowest value over the last 30 minutes and assuming there was shade or cloud cover at some point in the last half hour that provides a better value? Or, a way to interrogate the attached bluetooth phone or a web service example?

Thanks!

jim_m_58 over 8 years ago

The 520 doesn't support the Tempe as a native sensor, but you could use ANT+ to connect to it and then have the Tempe in a better spot. I'm not sure if it's native on the 820 , 1000, or 1030, and if so, no code needed.

You can do background comm in a DF, so you could get the temp from the phone with a companion app, or through the phone from a website.

Former Member over 8 years ago

I can't trust the temp values on an Edge device, because they are generally mounted on a handlebar facing the direct sun, and the readings are often skewed upward by 10 to 15 degs F or more.

Just out of curiosity, what sensor(s) are you currently using as reference, and how do you have them mounted?

jim_m_58 over 8 years ago

There's an internal temperature sensor on many devices. (used in connection to the baro-altimeter). On wearables, they are impacted by body temp, long sleeves, etc,and in the case of things like the edge, by direct sunlight, so it's not really ambient temp in many cases.

The Tempe is an external temperature sensor, which IMHO, works much better, as you can place it where things like direct sunlight don't impact it.

Former Member over 8 years ago

There's an internal temperature sensor on many devices. (used in connection to the baro-altimeter). On wearables, they are impacted by body temp, long sleeves, etc,and in the case of things like the edge, by direct sunlight, so it's not really ambient temp in many cases.

Right, and I am wondering about what sensor external to the Garmin unit he is using to identify the 15 degree discrepancy.

schinder over 8 years ago

Probably just a local weather station. But it doesn't matter, you can easily see the problem just by taking your Edge for a ride and stopping for a few minutes with the Edge in sunlight. You'll see a temperature spike in the FIT file if you do that. Edges are little greenhouses, and you can only really trust the reading when it's cloudy. On a cloudy day my 1000 is pretty accurate compared to local weather stations. But I've often wondered why Garmin doesn't just implement native support for the Tempe in the Edges like they do with most of their watches. There is a CiQ field for the Tempe (I have one, and my Epix and VIRB's both use it natively), but I haven't tried it on my 1000.

DaveBrillhart over 8 years ago

Right, and I am wondering about what sensor external to the Garmin unit he is using to identify the 15 degree discrepancy.

Well, When the Garmin reports 112 degrees and I know it is in the mid 90s, and then when I get in a shade the Garmin drops back down to what I know and expect the temps to be... my only conclusion is that the Garmin is being literally heated by direct sun, like the inside of a car on a hot day.