GPS ready and pace problem

Former Member
Former Member
When I start the running activity, the GPS icon is flashing, sometimes not, sometimes I have the message "GPS is ready", sometimes not, so how much should I wait to obtain the best GPS accuracy? Sometimes the pace is active, showing different paces, even if I don't move. It can take from 2 to 8 seconds until it stops. Is this normal? Did that happen to you?
  • If you are using GPS pace (i.e. no footpod), always wait until the current pace shows --.-- (zero). That means the GPS lock is stable enough for the watch to determine your location with maximum accuracy. It's perfectly normal for this to take a few dozens of seconds as the GPS accuracy always gets progressively better after initial fix is obtained (the initial fix is based on the minimum viable number of satellites, then the watch progressively locks to more).
  • Yes, you should wait until the watch gets a solid GPS lock before starting your activity - it is more difficult for GPS to get an initial lock if you are moving. This can take just a few seconds with an open view of the horizon, or somewhat longer if your view is obscured by trees/buildings/mountains.

    There is a dial that sweeps around the outer edge of the watch that will show you progress towards getting a lock - it will turn green when a lock is acquired.
  • Just to add to this, as I mentioned even after the ring turns blue, I recommend waiting 10-15 seconds for the accuracy to improve. Accuracy changes manifest themselves as non-zero pace even when you are not moving (your "position" as GPS watch estimates it changes).
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Blue or green? It's green I think... The "GPS" text should blink or not, when the GPS is locked and safe to run?
  • GPS text goes from red to green, and doesn't blink at all whether it has a lock or not. This is different from the HR, footpod, power meter, etc sensor symbols, which go from blinking to solid when they have a secure connection
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Sorry, my bad, I wasn't referring at the GPS text, but at the GPS symbol, which is an old style phone receptor, which sometimes is blinking, even when the circle is green and complete around the screen. So why sometimes it blinks, while other times doesn't...?
  • That symbol is indicating the connection to your phone. GPS symbol is the text GPS above all other symbols that starts red and then turns green.
  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 7 years ago
    Weird, I don't take my phone with me when I'm running, so why sometimes it shows a connection was made (when it stops blinking)?