I had GPS+GLONASS on my runs and if I linearly extrapolate the battery drain (20% for 1hr of run) then GPS+GLONASS battery life is < 5hrs. Is this right? Is the promised 13hrs for GPS only? And turning on GLONASS results in this much extra battery drain?
I think a lot of us are waiting for a software update to sort these battery issues. Its not GLONASS though that will worsen it, I went from 100% to 26% in 36 hours with just 90 mins of GPS only use. Thats with backlight off, Garmin watchface, pretty much basic usage aside the one activity. Very disappointed. It's not charging every morning that bugs me so much, just the problem of the battery not surviving a reasonable level of activity.
I disagree. If you have your VA3 bluetooth turned on, and your phone is out of range, you're VA3 is still consuming power searching for that connection. I have no idea how much power the VA3 consumes search for satellites, but it seems logical that it would use more power searching for both GPS and GLONASS then GPS alone.
Yes, sorry, I agree, I think I meant to type "its not just GLONASS....." No point me switching GLONASS on though if I'm only getting 48 hours on a charge with an hours activity though....I have a ticket open with Garmin and have just sent over file packages for them to look at. I'll wait for a response and then return the watch for refund if no solution.
I was experiencing similar issues with the Bike Activity as others. I did experience decent battery life once when I locked the screen. However, I honestly believe the issue is related to sensors and Bluetooth continually disconnecting and reconnecting.
Garmin will get it sorted out with firmware updates
FYI - I traded in my VA3 for a Forerunner 935 (I couldn't wait for the updates). I gotten almost 24 hours and used up only 5% of the battery. I'll get a good idea on Saturday when I go for a long ride.
Yes, it's $200 more that the VA3 but, I do endurance Adventure cycling and a 10 hour run time with GPS enabled is the minimum (I was getting good results with the VAHR but, it died). So, yes I paid a premium price for the better watch but, I got the features I wanted.
Again, I have no doubt that Garmin will eventually fix the battery issue with the VA3. I was not a position where I could wait.
The UltraTrac feature is a GPS setting that records track points and sensor data less frequently. Enabling the UltraTrac feature increases battery life but decreases the quality of recorded activities. You should use the UltraTrac feature for activities that demand longer battery life and for which frequent sensor data updates are less important.
I've heard of it used with things like ultra marathons, and it's only on higher end watches (not the va3)
