GPS Accuracy Issues on Enduro 3

Hi,

I've encountered an issue with the GPS accuracy on my Enduro 3 compared to the Garmin 7X Sapphire Solar. I have it set to record every second and use multi-band and all available satellites, but the recorded track is still less accurate than expected. I compared the track with another device (Garmin 7X Sapphire Solar), and the difference is noticeable. I'm not aware of any other settings that could improve GPS accuracy. The settings on both watches are the same.

Another question: Before the update, I liked the bold font in active mode. Now, it seems less prominent. Changing the font size in the system doesn’t help. Does anyone know how to revert the font back to the original bold style during activities?

One more thing, why doesn't the Enduro 3 have the option to back up and restore settings? Ideally, I would like to transfer the data field configuration from another watch, specifically from the Fenix 7X to the Enduro 3. Does anyone know if it’s possible to transfer data field settings between different Garmin watches?

The GPS inaccuracy occurs across the entire route, not just in a specific section. I can send GPX files for comparison and check the extent of the discrepancies. Is there anything you can do to resolve this?

Thank you for your help.

Fenix 7x Saphire solar

Enduro 3

Top Replies

Seatanus 14 days ago in reply to trux +5

Of course, it's important to compare things within the same category, but when it comes to GPS accuracy, the Enduro 3 with multi-band support should really be on par with the Fenix 7. By utilizing multi…
4156085 10 days ago in reply to Seatanus +5

I am sorry to add my own negative experience with the GPS accuracy to the thread. I bought the Enduro 3 solely and exclusively because of the allegedly increased accuracy due to dual band addition to the…
trux 28 days ago in reply to Seatanus +2

Seatanus said:
Sorry, but that statement: "On one side the watch might have been shielded more by the body from the dominant satellites on the opposite side." seems completely nonsensical to me.…

All Replies

0 Seatanus 1 month ago

Garmin-Chris Could you please take a look at this? Thank you.

0 trux 1 month ago in reply to Seatanus

Garmin-Chris does not work anymore at Garmin, so do not expect any reaction from him. However, both of your map screenshots look fine, and within the expected accuracy of +/- 15m. Not sure which of them is more accurate (you did not tell whether you've been running on the same side of the street in both cases, and which screenshot belongs to Enduro 3), but the difference can also come simply from the side the watch was worn on. On one side the watch might have been shielded more by the body from the dominant satellites on the opposite side.

Another possibility is that the other watch had a more recent CPE file with the ephemeris data. The safest way to get a fresh CPE update is by checking for updates on Garmin Express, while the watch is connected to the computer over the USB cable. I would also hard-reset the watch before doing anything else - sync, then press the Light button for some 30s till it completely shuts down (hold the button through the emergency alert, if it comes), wait little bit, and then restart. No worry, no data or settings will be lost with it. [more details].

Personally, I would not bother much about it, but if you see bigger discrepancies, I recommend reaching out to the Product Support through their website at https://support.garmin.com.

0 bluefish 1 month ago in reply to trux

trux said:
Garmin-Chris does not work anymore at Garmin

It depends on which one is meant. There is a new Garmin-Chris ;)

0 trux 1 month ago in reply to bluefish

That's true. I am sure there are more than one Chrises at Garmin, however the one who moderated the Outdoor Recreation forum (incl. Enduros) is no more present here, and it is not the same one as the Chris moderating inReach devices.

0 0x3D6139 1 month ago in reply to trux

That is correct.

Garmin - Chris (note spaces) has left Garmin. Garmin-Chris is current.

0 Seatanus 28 days ago in reply to trux

Sorry, but that statement: "On one side the watch might have been shielded more by the body from the dominant satellites on the opposite side." seems completely nonsensical to me. Such large differences in GPS accuracy cannot be attributed to that.

I assure you that I had the latest firmware – the watch was updated through Garmin Express, and a hard reset was performed as well. I try all basic procedures before posting on the forum...

I’ve also noticed the problem outside on a track in an open area and under an open sky – the current pace occasionally fluctuated quite a bit despite maintaining a steady speed, with all satellites and multi-band enabled. The Fenix 7X did not have this issue – it was much more accurate. Someone should definitely look into this.

0 trux 28 days ago in reply to Seatanus

Seatanus said:
Someone should definitely look into this.

Send them the data

0 Seatanus 28 days ago in reply to trux

Yes, I’ve sent it to support, but so far there’s been no response...

0 trux 28 days ago in reply to Seatanus

Seatanus said:
Sorry, but that statement: "On one side the watch might have been shielded more by the body from the dominant satellites on the opposite side." seems completely nonsensical to me.

It may sound nonsensical, but it is true. I recommend reading the scientific whitepaper (PDF) Effects of Human Body Interference on the Performance of a GPS Antenna (researchgate.net)

0 Seatanus 28 days ago in reply to trux

will read it, thank you for the information. However, I base my argument on real, documented data from my hundreds of runs, not scientific theory. The vast majority of my runs on the Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar have been accurate to the meter, and sometimes even better.