Two Questions Regarding GPS (GLONASS/GALILEO off-processing) and Music (AAC vs MP3)

Former Member over 6 years ago

Sorry if this isn't the right spot, but I wasn't sure where else to ask.

Question #1: The 5X+ is paired to a phone, it's my understanding that the 5X+ uses the phone's GPS to track (NMEA data over Bluetooth). However, when GPS + GLONASS or GPS + GALILEO is selected, does the 5X+ use the GPS (US) and either GLONASS or GALILEO on the device or does it split between the phone and device? I want to understand the battery drain in the various scenarios. If I select GPS + "other" without a phone, obviously everything is being done on the device, but if the phone is paired does it share the load/drain?

Question #2: I was unable to find the specifications in the documentation, but what audio codecs are best for streaming from the 5X+? I've been experiencing drops while steaming from the device. I know variable bit-rate (VBR) files can sometimes impact the processing performance whereas, constant bit-rate (CBR) files can help decrease some of that strain. Also, the device seems to support MP3 and AAC. Is one of these formats more favorable over the other? My assumption is that while AAC might offer better compression/quality, MP3 is going to get the job done with less processing. But again, I'm not sure.

0 tmk2 over 6 years ago

Question #1: The 5X+ is paired to a phone, it's my understanding that the 5X+ uses the phone's GPS to track (NMEA data over Bluetooth).

Incorrect. The watch never uses the phone's GPS, certainly not the way you suggest.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

You can certainly get NMEA streams over BT in IOS. Here is an app that does just that: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gps-2-ip/id408625926

Do you have anything that confirm what you're saying or are you just speculating based on experience with the device?

I could start an activity with the phone paired, then turn off BT and see if that introduces noise in the data, but that's not a very conclusive test.

0 jim_m_58 over 6 years ago

CBSsalad. The phone's GPS is never used by a watch, except possibly when the elevation gets calibrated in watch mode overnight, and maybe to get weather data for that widget. I base that on a number of years with different garmin devices and writing a number of CIQ apps that use GPS data.
I rarely have my phone with me when I record a GPS activity. That's the thing about Garmins. They work without a phone!

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I figured someone would know. The device has crashed a few times while running and using TBT navigation on a route. With the current state of the BT connectivity on beta, this helps me better understand what to look for, or where to look.