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Expedition mode is currently pointless and there are suggestions to improve it

Leivo
over 5 years ago

I just tested Expedition mode with Fenix6xPro Solar on my 2-day backcountry ski hike as I am preparing for two weeks expedition.

Following is the conclusion.

PROS:

  • During this two day it consumes only 2% of battery. From 100% -> 98%.
  • I used setting to have a point in every 15 minutes
  • The track itself was pretty good, the watch was covered with my sleeve, so it makes even harder to contact with satellites
  • First day real track length was 10k and Fenix measured 9k
  • Second day real track was 6k and Fenix measured 5.5 k. 
  • I like predefined screens, there is almost everything I need during 2 weeks expedition. Just one very important thing is missing: elevation.
  • During activity I shows the track on the watch

CONS:

  • BUG: On first day the watch started to count distance and the field "Previous day" was exactly same as my current day. On First day this should be zero.
  • BUG: At the end of second day I finished and saved the track but the track itself wont show on the watch. 
  • No elevation data.

BAD EXPERIENCE: 

  • During my two week expedition there will be only one track placed on the first day in my Garmin connect.
  • By the end of two weeks expedition it will be one activity with more than 300 hours logged in one day. All other days are just empty. No activities.
  • I cant see on the map my daily distances.
  • I cant see on the map my campsites.
  • Expedition mode doesn't log my ascending. Almost every expeditions is touching mountains and therefore it is essential to know the elevation and later on ascending/descending.

SUGGESTIONS

  • Every day should be separate activity, GPX-file
  • Log ascending in every minute using barometric sensor. 
  • Show elevation data on the predefined screens.

Currently the Expedition mode is pointless. I am happy that I tested it but I am not going to use it because of no elevation data and no separation by days. Instead I take additional small battery bank and the charging cable.

Here is the example of two days expedition mode activity with 15min points: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4607108691 

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    This is all great stuff.  Have you emailed it to the Garmin Beta email address?

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Høres uansett ut til å være litt av en tur du planlegger. God tur.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago

    It does say on the initial Expedition screen that all sensors and accessories are turned off to maximise battery life hence no elevation data.

     Maybe you need to create your own power plan and use that while using hiking mode?

    https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/fenix6-6ssport/EN-GB/GUID-A98507AE-C8FE-4CE7-A441-417DEAC99C65.html

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Elevation data is essential if we are talking about real expedition. 
    View daily distances and campsites AFTER expedition is very valuable. Currently it is not possible.

    Sure, I am going to use custom power plan and custom activity.

    Barometric sensor is using almost no power. Some dummy watches with a little battery like 2430 can last one year to show the time and elevation data.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Leivo

    Can confirm that no elevation data are available. Must be an issue (I hope). Otherwise: pointless / useless for real long hikes. Even nice weather Sunday afternoon hikers want elevation data (ok, they won´t use Expedition mode, I think)!

  • 0 over 5 years ago

    Are you sure you can`t see your campsites on the map? I can see my favorites (from scale of 300/200 meters) and pois. I think pois are shown only from a scale of 80 meters. Or which data base have your campsites? Or did I missunderstood something?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Volker

    And maybe a stupid question: were can I select the map I want to take for expedition mode?

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Volker

    You cant have pre-defined track or campsites on the map in Expedition mode.

  • 0 over 5 years ago in reply to Volker

    What I mean by that "can't see campsites on the map". 
    After the expedition the track will be loaded into garmin connect. On the garmin connect I can see the whole track, but I do not have any information how long was my day trip and where I camped. This information is missing, it is just one long track on the map and thats it. This is pointless.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 5 years ago in reply to Leivo
    Leivo said:
    This information is missing, it is just one long track on the map and thats it. This is pointless.

    Because there are no sensors enabled to save battery life. No barometer, altitude, compass, GPS (except once per 15 minutes in your case) which means no maps, no Bluetooth. nothing. How on earth do you expect the maps to work when the GPS sensors are disabled??????

    That information is right there when starting expedition mode. You see it and have to click past it to get into the mode and yet you and others claim it's a bug or that it's useless. RTFM.

    Create a custom app and power plan and then you will be able to get the information you need. Simple.