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How do I best verify optimal GPS accuracy before starting an activity ?

MachtGeirich
over 2 years ago

Subject says it all "How do I best verify optimal GPS accuracy before starting an activity ?" so that I don't get some GPS errors on the beginning of the route ?
I notice there is no GNSS accuracy field/app, so how do we know when optimal conditions are achieved ?
I know the activity will give a green signal when a GPS fix has been achieved, but I would like to have not only a fix of "some quality", but of very good quality before pressing start.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    I don't know if there's a better way but generally if you wait 20-30 seconds after GPS goes green you should get a perfect track. I don't think I've had a dud yet and usually just give it about 15 seconds with multi-band enabled.

    I wonder if they always enable multi-gps for the first few minutes and then revert to the user choice to help get that initial lock?

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    The problem is that when you get the lock(aka the green bar), for Garmin, you're already ok so there's no way to understand if it's "perfect" or "good".

    The field "GPS" doesn't look like it's giving more info than the green bar.

    Usually, while i'm finishing the warming up, i tend to be on the activity screen for a minute or 2 so the watch has more than enough time to lock well.

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to Mladen T

    Yeah, I know with the Fenix 6 you had to GPS soak that a bit more and be a little more mindful of it. With the Epix the GPS is a lot better and I find I worry about it way less hence the 15 seconds just to make sure.

    It would be nice if the bar was half the width when it goes green to show it's good to go, but then for those of us that like things to be perfect - the bar could continue to extend as it picked up more satellites with some kind of measure along the bar.

  • 0 over 2 years ago

    Add maps to your activity screen and while it's getting a GPS lock, scroll down to the map screen. As GPS changes from red, to yellow, to green you'll see your current location get more accurate. When it matches where you are, start the activity. 

  • 0 over 2 years ago



    Now do a test using "Saving My Location" and see in how long time the fixed position is not moving anymore.
    It is done in a matter on seconds. Let say 10 seconds.

    Next time you are launching an activity wait 10 seconds after the green light has appeared. 
    And use the AUTO Sat available since 9.33 release. ;-)

  • 0 over 2 years ago in reply to NemoSandman

    Why use Auto Sat, rather than all with multifrequency, if optimal GPS accuracy is always desired ?
    I am guessing Auto could chose something else, if it wants to e.g. save battery or it finds some other parameter most important for this activity.