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GPS takes time to warm up

adambern
over 3 years ago

I'm running a new, week old, Fenix 6 Pro. I start a walk off by standing and acquiring GPS fix (the bar goes green). I've noticed that the GPS fix on the return leg is far more accurate than that for the way out. I've seem the same whether on GPS+Glonass or GPS+Galilio, with or without 3D speed/distance, and on 16.7/5.00 or 18.80/5.30 firmware/GPS.

Is this typical... that a GPS fix is just the start and as time progresses that the fix becomes more defined?

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    A "fix" just means that enough satellites are detected for basic calculation of the position. The more time you wait before starting an activity, the better the signal gets (more satellites are detected and added to the calculation). If you start right away, the satellite signal detection needs additional refinements because you are moving, thus getting a proper signal takes longer than standing still. In my Garmin Montana, there is an easy way to see the current state of satellite signals, and it is quite interesting to see how the calculated position moves to the real position by each satellite that is added to the calculation :) There is IIRC also the possibility to see the satellites on the Fenix 6, just have a look in the user guide.
    Best is to switch the GPS on, make some stretching exercises on the spot and then start...

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to SPIRITOFPHOTOGRAPHY

    I suspected as much; thank you for the swift response. I wonder if there's an app to show satellite status. I'll look...

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to SPIRITOFPHOTOGRAPHY

    Yep - I tend to get a fix, then tinker with my heart rate strap, have a think etc. If I set off straight away I see the same. I

    Or what I tend to do is rather than run direct from my house, get the watch ready to go (but not pressing start) but walking a few 100m's to a good starting point