Different distances since 16.70?

chrisinthesun over 4 years ago

Since 16.70 my usual 5km run has suddenly become 4.8km.

Here is an example of the difference I'm talking about. What's going on?

https://ibb.co/RgN1FL2

https://ibb.co/CmdYKKr

Top Replies

xyan over 4 years ago +1

My half marathon (known route I’ve been running a lot: 21.1) is 21.2 according to my Suunto 9 baro and 20.02 according to the fenix (yes my recording is set to 1sec). That is 1.1 km difference for crying…

All Replies

0 AndersB over 4 years ago

The start and finish points is not in the same places on both screenshots. So they are not comparable.

0 chrisinthesun over 4 years ago in reply to AndersB

The start points are the same. The end points are different. That's the whole issue. Both runs are 5km according to the watch, but as you can see from the two maps, they are not the same actual distance in reality. The one with the earlier start point was before the firmware update. That has been my 5km finish point on this run for years across 3 different Garmin GPS running watches. No issues until this latest update.

0 xyan over 4 years ago

My half marathon (known route I’ve been running a lot: 21.1) is 21.2 according to my Suunto 9 baro and 20.02 according to the fenix (yes my recording is set to 1sec). That is 1.1 km difference for crying out loud. The pace/distance accuracy is ridiculous on my f6x. Everything is updated and I decided I use Suunto for running and Garmin for hiking/navigation.

0 6928399 over 4 years ago

I reported the same here:

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/265881/very-poor-gps-track---runs-a-lot-slower-than-should-be

basically, my Fenix has been rather poor at getting measured distances right (usually too short), but lately it has gotten completely ridiculous. I guess it's also related to the last firmware update. I reverted back to 15.20 today. Lets see if that solves the problem.

0 halfofabanana over 4 years ago in reply to 6928399

Please report back if it does. I am considering doing the same.

0 NoTex over 4 years ago

I noticed the same. Just had a terrible GPS performance with the new firmware. This wasn't the case with earlier versions.

0 chrisinthesun over 4 years ago in reply to halfofabanana

How do you revert back to an earlier firmware version?

0 Fieser-Kardinal over 4 years ago

I don't experience different distances. A few meters here and there, but thats a variety in GPS Coverage.

0 reittila over 4 years ago

I have not seen any difference in distance measuring. I have ben comparing my F6Pro with my E-bike's odometer before and after uppgrading to 16.70 and there has ben no change after uppgrade.

0 6928399 over 4 years ago in reply to chrisinthesun

You can download the latest beta version, and in that zip file is also the previous version before the current. Drop it into the Garmin folder and it will install. Just make sure you're not accidentally installing the one that causes the battery drain. Not sure if Garmin, in their wisdom kept the rubbished firmware or not.
List of Beta releases here: https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/228595/fenix-6-series---9-94-beta-release

You just need to chose the right one for your watch. Oh, and you should save your settings/sports/other important stuff from the watch as I'd otherwise need to change all your settings again.