GPS Update

Just noticed the sticky thread above regarding the recommended process for GPS updates. Probably being paranoid but unfortunately when I got my watch, I remember only testing GPS for a minute or two to see how pace etc looked.

I have since used GPS a lot for running and cycling so I am wondering if you think a reset / re-calibrate is recommended for the best possible GPS results or will it be okay?

'After applying GPS software updates, for best results please allow the device to track GPS signals continuously for 15 minutes. This one-time process will allow the device to re-accumulate satellite information lost in the update process.'

0 RadAd over 6 years ago

I think that Garmin is just saying that after an update, GPS results may vary until the watch has collected 15 minutes of data. To my knowledge the watch uses all GPS data it collects to improve accuracy, and it doesn't matter is this data is collected inside or outside of this initial 15-minute period. However, if you're still bothered by this just give Garmin support a call and they'll give you a definitive answer.

0 Dr Phil over 6 years ago

Just make sure you get a good GPS lock before starting any outdoor activity using satellites. Sync regularly with Garmin Connect Mobile or Garmin Express to keep the epo.bin file up to date to help with locking quickly.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

Yeah I usually leave it to get a decent lock for at least 30 seconds before starting and always sync with GC after every activity. I was more concerned that because I didn't keep an activity running for at least 15 mins immediately after updating GPS software a few weeks ago, it might have an impact - but I would be surprised if that's the case

0 Dr Phil over 6 years ago

I've had Garmin GPSdevices for many years now and have never left any of them to 'soak' for any length of time. The most we used to do with the FR305 was to leave it outside to get a signal while we put shoes on. Now, we don't even do that as the signal gets locked on (usually) very quickly.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

The 15 minutes are most probably to get a GPS fix and download/verify ephemeris data. The data is stored in /GARMIN/RemoteSW/EPO.BIN on the watch and is used to predict which satellites to look for.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

Yup - the wording suggests what it's for. Again my concern would be that because I didn't run GPS for the 15 mins on first use after update, that it wouldn't have had time to get this information for future use and now only uses a select few satellites. Probably over-thinking it but will contact Garmin to be sure.

0 Dr Phil over 6 years ago

If you have concerns, get a satellite soak now. Leave out it for 15 mins or so. The fact that you didn't do so initially will not be of any relevance if you do it now. I've never done it.

The epo.bin file is updated whenever you sync to Garmin Connect. You can check that you have a current file somewhere buried in the System information on the device. The other way is to look at the date of the epo.bin file in the REMOTESW folder on the device.

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

would the activities I have completed since not account towards satellite soak? I have completed around 10 all with GPS and over 30 mins, including some 1.5 hour cycles.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

would the activities I have completed since not account towards satellite soak? I have completed around 10 all with GPS and over 30 mins, including some 1.5 hour cycles.

Of course. The EPO.BIN contains data to get a quick satellite fix. If you get a GPS fix in a few seconds, you're totally fine. Only if your watch takes like a minute or longer to get a proper GPS fix, you should leave it in GPS mode for a few minutes. (Ephemeris data is also sent from the satellites and the watch stores that in the EPO.BIN, too.)

0 chatlow over 6 years ago

hmm, well Garmin aren't so sure and suggesting resets etc so I am replying now asking for more info. the fact they say this 'one time process' does suggest it's type of calibration that you should do post update in order to get better results in future activities.