Distance to next way point / course point on Fenix 5X

On the Fenix 3, there are data fields for name of next waypoint, distance to next and bearing to next. But it only works if you stay on a straight line between the waypoints. If you go off course and receive an Off Course alert, the data fields will freeze. I have reported it as a bug but never got any confirmation from Garmin.

I believe that the 5X has more user control over the Off Course alert, so it is possible that you can work around if if it has the same bug as the F3.

You can do that on the Spartan Ultra now too, not sure when they implemented it, but you can do it easily.

On the Fenix 3, there are data fields for name of next waypoint, distance to next and bearing to next. But it only works if you stay on a straight line between the waypoints. If you go off course and receive an Off Course alert, the data fields will freeze. I have reported it as a bug but never got any confirmation from Garmin.

I believe that the 5X has more user control over the Off Course alert, so it is possible that you can work around if if it has the same bug as the F3.

I'm not sure about the off course bug, I never noticed that previously however I never got the next waypoint datafields to work anyway. Previously on the 5X even if I entered course points / way points on a course they wouldn't show on the watch, I'd just get a series of 001 002 003 waypoints which made no sense.

If the distance to the next way point was in a straight line and not following the actual course that would make the whole thing useless as well, in the mountains or on trail that difference could be huge.

It seems like from the course editor on garmin connect (see photo) this feature should be implemented, I've just not been able to check on the latest firmware as Ive been missing my watch for several months getting it replaced. It even states on garmin connect that "Add a point along your route. Your device will alert you during activity.".

I'm very surprised that being a hiking/ultra running watch with navigation this has not been mentioned more.

You can do that on the Spartan Ultra now too, not sure when they implemented it, but you can do it easily.

Yes what Suunto do with this feature is perfect, what I'd do for what is shown on the Suunto attachment on the Fenix 5X!ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1315332.jpg

I'm not sure about the off course bug, I never noticed that previously however I never got the next waypoint datafields to work anyway. Previously on the 5X even if I entered course points / way points on a course they wouldn't show on the watch, I'd just get a series of 001 002 003 waypoints which made no sense.

Yes, the Fenix 3 use that numbering too in some cases. But not if I create a course in the watch by stringing together a bunch of named saved locations.

If the distance to the next way point was in a straight line and not following the actual course that would make the whole thing useless as well, in the mountains or on trail that difference could be huge.

Well, for my use, distance as the crow flies would be the desired distance. Perhaps not for your use. But a frozen data field (with no way of seeing that it is frozen!) is worse than both options.

Yes, the Fenix 3 use that numbering too in some cases. But not if I create a course in the watch by stringing together a bunch of named saved locations.

So are you a Fenix 5X owner or still on the 3?

I simply just want add a point along the route as per the functionality in Garmin connect courses, then have the watch show me information regarding distance and ETA to that point using the data fields "Distance To Next" and "ETA at Next".

Is it me being overly optimistic here or is it documented that this should work as I'm intending it too?

I'm very surprised there are no other Fenix 5X users here who use it for hiking or long trail running adventures that don't try and use this feature.

I still have a boxed new Fenix 5X on my desk I'm still not wanting to open!

I tried emailing [email][email protected][/email] 3 days ago asking them, but no reply on that.

Maybe I need to open a new support ticket specifically for this issue or call them, but I know the first thing they will ask me to do from there script is reset the device etc and it's going to be tricky to explain my device is still sealed in the box and I'm trying to establish if this should or should not work.

Hmmmmm.

If there are any Fenix 5X users reading this please test this out for me to make sure it's not just me and "user error" or it was an issue isolated to a bug on my old device.

Thanks!

ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1316954.png

I am still on the F3.

What you simply want to do on your F5X is quite similar to what I simply want to do on my F3. As you, I have had limited success - although perhaps with slightly different problems. And as you, I have difficulty understanding that it goes unnoticed by other users that this function does not work very well. I have tried making a thread about it here, with very limited response. I have also reported it to the beta team for the F3 when I tested a beta firmware - never got a response.

Anyway, if we focus on the naming:
As I said, if I string together a course in the watch, using named saved locations, these names will be displayed. (But I actually have to run the course to see the names. If I just browse through the course in the watch, it will only show me numbers.)

I have experimented with making a course in Garmin Connect, and there is an option to create a named point on the course. But I do not remember if this name showed up on the watch when running the course. I will test this again. I do remember that the naming functionalities in Garmin Connect Web and Garmin Connect IOS were quite different and in both cases non-intuitive.

Thanks for the update, similar frustrations.

Well I have opened a new support ticket just on this specific issue now, my previous ticket combined a lot of issues which resulted in my old unit being replaced so that ticket is closed now. While my device is still under warranty and if this feature is still not working I will apply pressure to try and get a resolution. I will also keep bouncing this tread up to try and get it noticed.

It's a documented feature as per this screen grab and was one I'd checked for prior to purchase, so perhaps I can start looking into the local AUS/NZ consumer law to see if I have any right to return if it still (after almost a year) doesn't match the description provided. Who knows but worth looking into.

My biggest regret is selling my old Ambit 3 Peak which was a true work horse accurate and reliable, it may have had a mono low res screen and line based navigation but it was clear, reliable and the way points you added worked perfect. I got lured with all these new features on the 5X, and it does indeed have some great points but definitely lacking in some crucial ones for me.

Also now I feel I'm in catch 22 as to if I should open the box of this new replacement 5X, I'm inclined to open it so I can re-test the functionality and if needed pressure Garmin to try and get a resolution over the next few months and look into what rights I have if Garmin don't fix this issue. Keeping it sealed and selling it feels like giving up and letting Garmin get away with missing functionality.

However the frustrations of trying to deal with Garmin might out weigh just giving up and selling it though, I know first hand support ticket emails get ignored and to phone them it takes me 20-30 minutes to get through, I've already sat on the phone for probably close to 2 hours with all the calls made so far.

ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1317005.png

with the keywords "ridewithgps", "mcbadger tool" you'll find a lot of posts regarding course points and turn by turn navigation

Emtec, these discussions are usually about a completely different topic than the topic discussed in this thread.

Emtec is right. For my ultra races I tend to load the gpx track into gpsies, add waypoints for aid stations or check points and then export without turn-by-turn directions. Export as track with waypoints as tcx file. The perform a mcbager conversion to fit file.

After copying to watch the data fields next waypoint, distance to next and eta at next all work just fine. If you include TBT then you get the net turn point distance which is less useful.

It should be easier but GARMIN.