Related
Options

Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire GPS accuracy problem??? PLEASE OFFICIAL HELP

9834031
over 4 years ago

Hi Garmin,

I'm not the forum or geek guy who uses tons of the smart watch functions, I use it mainly as a basic activity tracker and generally 99% of problems I solve by carefully reading the manual.

However, this time I really have a serious issue with Fenix 6 Sapphire watch, and after reading few people having the same or similar issue, I simply wan't to get a official reply from Garmin experts.

I have Fenix 6 Sapphire watch for 5-6 months, I was more than satisfied with all functions (running, cycling, swimming, daily activities etc.) and watch really looks nice to me.

Until some time, probably month or so, don't know exactly, I'm facing serious GPS accuracy problems while running.

The watch finds GPS upon activity start relatively fast, not sure is it slower than before, and when I run it basically shows totally nonsense pace values. Yesterday while running the half marathon I got totally frustrated as I knew for sure how fast or slow I ran approximately, I knew that I was around 5:40 min/km (and confirmed from my friend running next to me), and it showed me 7:40 or similar, then 6:20, then 5:00 then 8:50 etc. and on every 1km report it showed (I hope) values that I expected e.g. 5:42 min/km. I'm well aware of hardware possibilities and GPS capabilities, I know that the accuracy is not the same in the woods or on open space (please don't refer me to those or similar articles), and I know that this issue appeared on some moment and it is software related!

I looked for similar reported problems, I have CPE Current, tried setting to every second measurement instead of smart, and the problem still persists! My current software is 19.20 (0fe794a). I've just tried the factory reset and I'll be extremely happy if I could brought back the previous software when everything was functioning perfectly, will see in the next few days.

And BTW, this watch is 800€, I expected reliability, which is the reason why I bought it, and instead I got watch with serious GPS fault readings, so my question is, how much does someone needs to pay for a watch to get a higher quality watch with accurate tracking? 6000€ or more??? Should I buy it instead of a car???

So please Garmin guys, tell me what to do step by step, software upgrades or downgrades etc., I'm still willing to use this watch!!! If not, I don't see any other option to go back to shop and to ask for a money back, as I don't see the point to have expensive smartwatch with useless GPS tracking!!!

Thanks for understanding, and sorry for being frustrated!!!

Greetings,

Boris

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to Ɛpsilon

    I've uploaded a new version today (0.9.15 BETA). There is no algorithm changes in this version but there will be later on. This new version support Pace rounding in 1/5/10/15/30 second steps. So the user can choose how the Pace will be presented on the device. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I've friends with Fenix who are happy and others, like me, who own the Sapphire version who complain about GPS accuracy. My humble opinion is that mineral glass shields even more the GPS antennas making the febix sapphire versions less accurate. When running in the city I measured a good 10% difference from the lower cost smartwches ... and I know exactly the distances by now. Nobody will give you an official answer I guess. If you need accuracy vs durability (sapphire) or aesthetics (Fenix is really nice...)...switch to a "plastic" device...945 735 and...

    I'm as frustrated as you....

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Giannix
    Giannix said:
    My humble opinion is that mineral glass shields even more the GPS antennas making the febix sapphire versions less accurate.

    Then you can add me to a third list of happy users with Sapphire glass. Distance is almost spot on (sometimes overestimated) on easy GPS conditions and within reasonable limits for tough conditions (city with high buildings, trail with dense tree cover).

    For pace accuracy it is not within reasonable limits regardless of conditions but I don't care since I don't use instant pace as metric for planning my runs. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    If you want truly accurate pace, you'll need to pair it with a footpod. For me it's as simple as that.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to WhatSteveDid
    WhatSteveDid said:
    If you want truly accurate pace, you'll need to pair it with a footpod. For me it's as simple as that.

    Agree, and I do use a Stryd but still don't pay much attention to the pace. To be honest I'm probably still old school and primarily use HR and HR zones, one of my 15 years old Polar would probably still meet my needs but I do admit that the more graphs the more fun :-)

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I have exactly the same gripe with mine, always falling short in officlaly marked race courses, GPS drift all over the place. Pace is up and down and very inaccurate compared to my friends with a FR45, FR935 & FR945. So I can't rely on in being correct for speed sessions or PacePro strategies. Honestly thinking about getting a COROS but looking at reviews all modern GPS watches seem to be the same issues/similar issues with GPS.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to TobiasLj

    ah ! if you own a Fenix 6 Sapphire and you're in love with GPS behaviour...you'll go the the 3rd list of exceptionally lucky users :-) When I run (really) outdoor is fine, anyhere else and in the city/downtown etc...when I see the track it looks like I've been "flying over" all the time ! That's why I sent a feedback to Garmin as well to enable a feature for using smartphone's GPS (or external, not sure if possible now), for me to decide. You know...bad feelings when you can't trust an "instrument" (and Garmin is it), I'm thinking to move to a "plastic" Garmin proven to be more reliable with GPS (735/945 etc...), the difference may be in the GPS chipset (non-SONY) or later with SONY's but...plastic helps. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to LSH80

    Sorry, which model are you referring to ? Still Fenix ? and Sapphire ?

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to TobiasLj

    Fourth - me. I run road and trail, in terraced streets, wooded areas and wide open spaces. I have the occasional off day for tracking in some places, but generally on the whole I am seeing perfectly acceptable traces and the like. 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to TobiasLj
    TobiasLj said:
    Distance is almost spot on (sometimes overestimated) on easy GPS conditions

    I have the over-estimation of distance issue - my parkruns show 3.11 miles on screen but I need to run about 50 or 60 yards more to get to the finish.

    Its kinda cool though as it means my Strava 5k time is faster than the measured time :)