Ski app problems

I wrote to Garmin support two weeks ago - unfortunately they didn't respond.

I have two separate issues with the Ski app on the Descent MK1:
1. The auto-lap feature is completely wrong - it shows that I made 2 to 3 times more runs than I really made (f.ex I made 10 runs and the Activity shows 30 shorter ones). I rarely stop during a run and I ski down the slope in one go - so it's strange that it gets confused like that. I also catch the watch registering a run while I'm on the lift and going up. This is the primary function I use for skiing and it's irritating that it's not working properly.
2. I get unrealistically high speeds - more than 100km/h, sometimes even 200 or 300 km/h are displayed as top speeds in my activity. In reality I rarely go over 60-70 km/h. I tried with 3D Speed On and Off - there is no difference
Both of these issues were not present on my previous Fenix 3 (non-HR) watch, that was used in the same way on the same ski resorts, pistes and lifts.

Any ideas?
  • Already have done but I am wondering, have you cleaned any debris blocking sensor port? A rapidly fluctuating barometer data or lower/higher than expected altitude may be caused by water or debris in the sensor port, located between the Start/Stop and Back/Lap buttons.

    To do this:

    1. Run water over the port (do not use high water pressure)
    2. Gently remove any visible debris (do not put any sharp objects into the port!)
    3. Shake away excess water and allow to dry at room temp
    4. Recalibrate the sensor

    ***Note: Do not let anyone stick anything sharp in that sensor porthole. ***

  • Garmin-Heath , I have opened a case with Garmin Europe (ID: 13584768K0) and they have already informed me they forwarded this case to the US Product and Support Team. I checked the sensor opening, it looks perfectly clean, however, I can rinse and see if that makes any difference. Another observation, my first MK1 (this one died after the first dives) with Software version 2.20.0.0 didn't show this effect at skiing. I can't say if the new MK1 makes the difference or software version 6.0.0.0. If any log files are needed, let me know.
  • Garmin-Heath I have had the same issue with two different Descent watches, one was week old, never submerged, super clean, the issue is not caused by the dirty sensor
  • rolfsg I had the issues with the version prior to 6.0.0.0 as well. I don't know before that. My sensor is also clean.
    I don't observe such high fluctuations in the altitude as described
    https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3412725442?share_unique_id=16 - in this Activity my top speed was so high, that it logged as 11km/h :D
    ??????
    https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/3328593253?share_unique_id=18 - here I can see some altitude spikes. I have around 10 runs and... 37 laps.
  • Since all of you confirmed that the ports are clean on your device, then let’s look at this a different direction then.

    The Ski Activity uses the Auto-Run feature which observes your movement to know when to record. So, when the device notices you have stopped, it will pause the recording. Then when you start moving 3 mph or more, it will start again.

    So, do all of you think the Descent is pausing more then it should? If so, could you provide me with a few examples?

    Is your Auto-Run feature even turned on? (Menu -> Settings -> Activities & Apps -> Ski -> Ski Settings -> AutoRun)

    If you are one of the users that prefer how Trail Run looks when you are Skiing, then it best that you turn off Auto-Run since that is intended to cut out those non-skiing parts of you ski activity; like standing, or chair lift). With Auto-Run, you will get the complete activity between hitting Start and Stop.

    Also, if any of you are willing to share some of your ski activities and are using 6.00 software, I would really like to review the FIT file. Feel free to reach out the Support Teams or send me the file via a Private Message.
  • Garmin-Heath - the issue was reported to the support two months ago, my logs were provided to your support team
  • MarcinB I just sent you a private message.
  • Garmin-Heath I am unable to set my forum preference to "Enable Private Messaging" so I am unable to communicate in private. I have no issue communicate in public.
  • @Garmin-Heath This is addressing one observation. I have Auto-Run activated, indeed if you check the screenshot you see the station of the chairlift (black circle) and the locations the MK1 logged the first set of data (asterix), the closest astrix is 200 ft from the station.

    The other observation is altitude recording, enclosed a small section of a run, the altitude (HR) seems to refresh every 15 seconds or so only. The position and speed (GG: speed read from the device, Geschw.: the speed calculated from the position) is updated on a 1-2 second interval.

    I will send you this fit file per message.ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1464557.jpg
  • MarcinB, you can find the steps to fix the messaging issue in the forums here and here.

    The reason I reached out to you're privately is due to some local laws in some countries which we need to follow due to this being a public forum, but basically, I was going to ask if you could send us your last ski activity. If you are ok with that, please reply to the last email we sent you with the file and say this is the ski activity that I am asking for. It will get to me that way.