GPS bugs on Suunto9

isazi

@bastpp then did anything change in you runs in the last month? Maybe as @Shrek3k suggested you started running in an environment with more buildings and less space?

bastpp

@isazi Because of the actual French policy, we are not allow to run more than 1 hour and 1km far from our home so I started shorter and closer runs. But before, I ran 10-15km in the city without this GPS bugs…

zhang965

it’s not a bug, we call it as a feature for S9.

isazi

@bastpp then it’s not a bug, it’s just how GPS works, and it does not work well in small spaces. When the lockdown will be over, you’ll see that everything works well again.

sartoric

@bastpp
Did you try to use glonass too ?
Maybe it can helps a little

bastpp

@sartoric Yes I tried all the GPS options…

Saketo Nemo

among the options I have not seen gps + beidou. Have you tried that?

Shrek3k

as @Saketo-Nemo mentioned - Beidou is definitely a chance for improvement.
Additionally I found an article about GPS on a french website, even if your issue might not be solved by it, it might nevertheless give a explanation. In case you don’t like direct links, the website is www.montre-cardio-gps.fr

Cuba1hr

@Saketo-Nemo said in GPS bugs on Suunto9:

gps + beidou

Yes, the GPS (with all other systems) is not good, it is a hit or miss. Sometimes it is OK, sometimes way off even with GPS + Beidou. Totally unreliable.
I use my old trusty SirfStar powered GPS watch and waiting to sell S9B.
Waiting for more GPS reviews of Polar Grit X to get that one or to stay with V800 until the manufacturers start to put in something better than the latest Sony’s GPS solution…which is crappy, but it saves the battery…which on the other hand Firstbeats features drain insanely:)

Brad_Olwin

@Cuba1hr I agree with you. But I am not sure it is just the Sony chip, Suunto dropped the external antenna on the Ambit as well, except in the S5, which does get the best tracks of the S series watches for me. I would love an S5 with a barometer. Suunto does work to improve the GPS and I think it is reasonable, but not as good as the Ambit.

isazi

@Brad_Olwin when I bought my S9 last August my tracks were okay, but nothing better than that. Since the last update I had almost only amazing tracks, and I mean in normal suburban to urban environment. When I am out in the open, it’s even better. Nowadays I really can’t ask much more in terms of tracks.

nseslija

@isazi I totally agree…

Cuba1hr

@isazi
I did not have such experience, I hope to get out more during the next weeks. Like I wrote, hit or miss since last update, but only for short walks.

Which setting do you use @isazi & @nseslija - GPS or GPS+Beidou?

isazi

@Cuba1hr I’m now on GPS+Beidou all the time. I got pretty nice tracks with GPS only too, but simply I don’t want to play change settings often so I haven’t gone back.

nseslija

@Cuba1hr since the last update Beidou only, walks are most challenging, arm movement and slow speed… when your amr is in the pocket the results are better. Tracks when cycling are great. Haven’t hike yet, COVID lockdown…

Cuba1hr

Thank you both, I have to test GPS+Beidou for a run session. Soon…

I know, but to miss that much, even with waiting after acquiring the signal.
GPS+Beidou

BTW, I was moving on that road most to the right, not the road nearest to the buildings.

nseslija

@Cuba1hr it could drift on the watch wearing side… and I think it is normal when the watch is, lets say, in this position /- for a longer time, if you look at the watch more often and the watch is leveled you will be back on track…

Cuba1hr

@nseslija
I know, but that is too much…for 2020 and such amount of $$$. Then the watch I bought for GPS and OHR is practically trash and I am (along with others) a sucker in the end. It is not worth that kind of money for such performance. For 600-700$ watch I would expect the spot on positioning and heart rate monitoring.

I had never such thing on any of my previous (cheaper) GPS devices. That “middle of the building” is …I guess more than 20 meters away from the second road where I was. On the way back, couple of hours later, it was better, but not perfect.
If it acts like that here and there…it just cannot be used for data comparisons.

nseslija

@Cuba1hr I totally disagree, the watch is great, and I don’t think that I am a sucker . The S9B is really good for everything I am using it for, cycling, hiking (with route navigation), pool swimming, indoor cycling and walking. It is accurate and reliable. Maybe you expecting to much for such a small device.

freeheeler

@nseslija
my tracks are also very good! (GPS+QZSS by default, but I’m not in Japan ) very slow cycling uphills in the forest… the precision is sometimes a bit off the road, maybe 3-4m, not more and for sure nothing to complain about. Suunto team did a great job on that