GPS Improvements?

Did an "unofficial", and not too precise comparison today between a route I hiked using a Fenix 5x, and today used my Spartan WHR Baro. Granted they were on different days, but the "obsticles", the trees, bushes, etc are very similar between the two hikes. Note that in the "easy" stretches, the tracks align pretty good, but in the difficult parts, the fenix does rather poorly. Note the long straight line at the top, this is a valley/canyon/gully/arroyo on one side, and houses, trees, fences, etc on the other. This is the best (IMHO) comparison between how these two work. The Fenix was set a 1 sec recording, GPS Best, No GLONASS, the Suunto was set at GPS Best with No GLONASS also.
Before I chastised about being different days, I'm fully aware of that, but the similarties of the tracks in the "easy" parts should indicate that GPS conditions were at least similar.

Question is, has the firmware updates done anything to improve these problems?

http://mygpsfiles.com/app/#GelL9FVs

0 FabriziodeCa over 7 years ago

Which FW version do you have?

0 OEAGLEO over 7 years ago

Which FW version do you have?

It was the 8.0 firmware.

0 Lubomir over 7 years ago

This is my problem with GPS accuracy - sprints. Some ideas how to fix this? Thank you. This was on 8.0 FW, also 9.10 and 9.20.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Interesting .... I'm seeing similar issues on mine. This track is between my old FR220 and my new F5x.

I'm thinking of returning my F5x and getting the new Suunto 9, but I really like the maps on my F5x

http://www.mygpsfiles.com/app/#Ni9IxpUe

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Did an "unofficial", and not too precise comparison today between a route I hiked using a Fenix 5x, and today used my Spartan WHR Baro. Granted they were on different days, but the "obsticles", the trees, bushes, etc are very similar between the two hikes. Note that in the "easy" stretches, the tracks align pretty good, but in the difficult parts, the fenix does rather poorly. Note the long straight line at the top, this is a valley/canyon/gully/arroyo on one side, and houses, trees, fences, etc on the other. This is the best (IMHO) comparison between how these two work. The Fenix was set a 1 sec recording, GPS Best, No GLONASS, the Suunto was set at GPS Best with No GLONASS also.
Before I chastised about being different days, I'm fully aware of that, but the similarties of the tracks in the "easy" parts should indicate that GPS conditions were at least similar.

Question is, has the firmware updates done anything to improve these problems?

http://mygpsfiles.com/app/#GelL9FVs

This is a little off topic, but I'm really thinking of returning my F5x (still within the REI window) and getting the Suunto 9. I'm a little worried the Suunto 9 (very similar to your Baro HR) is a step backward from the F5x and there is no mapping. I've come to like the course routing and topo, but OMG mine seems so inaccurate.

Since you've used both the Baro HR and F5x, what are your thoughts on the two?

0 sis651 over 7 years ago

Interesting .... I'm seeing similar issues on mine. This track is between my old FR220 and my new F5x.

I'm thinking of returning my F5x and getting the new Suunto 9, but I really like the maps on my F5x

http://www.mygpsfiles.com/app/#Ni9IxpUe

I read in DCRainmaker reviews Suunto 9 GPS performance is worse than Fenix 5X Plus. So if you can return your Fenix 5X, try Fenix 5X Plus.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

I read in DCRainmaker reviews Suunto 9 GPS performance is worse than Fenix 5X Plus. So if you can return your Fenix 5X, try Fenix 5X Plus.

I also read that review. I always take some pause when it comes to reviews on pre-production gear. He also noted that it was a pre-production model and didn't think the GPS would be an issue by the launch date. If I do return my F5x, I won't get the F5x Plus. Its just to much money. $800 for a GPS watch. No thanks.

0 sis651 over 7 years ago

Then wait a bit, to see Suunto 9 GPS improvements and go on...

0 bohemians over 7 years ago

From my understanding the only improvements in GPS accuracy will come from the GPS firmware rather than the main firmware. GPS firmware in currently on 4.4.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

From my understanding the only improvements in GPS accuracy will come from the GPS firmware rather than the main firmware. GPS firmware in currently on 4.4.

That makes sense. This would only help if there is an issue with the main unit's firmware interpreting the GPS data. If the issue is in the GPS, then nothing changes.