Gps

[fatandflabby]

Ok, so I finally got the wifi connected, and went for a gentle bike ride. 
but …. according to the map, I must have been in a helicopter. I appear to have cycled through buildings, across fences, through houses. My destination was a completely straight line! And the distance travelled was as the crow flies! 
result: short distance, but accurate timing makes it look like I was cycling very slowly indeed!!!

Fortunately I had MapMyWalk running at the same time so at least I have an accurate record of my bike ride. 
I must admit, this is only day 3 of owning a Fitbit and so far I am VERY disappointed. 
Is it common for Fitbit to be so rubbish?????

[N8teGee]

Hi @fatandflabby.

Was the Charge 5 using the built in GPS or connected GPS (using the phones GPS)? If it was the built in GPS, I have seen people report poor accuracy. Perhaps you could try using connected GPS (if you have your phone with you).

These are the GPS modes available - 

Dynamic: Your tracker sets the GPS type at the start of the workout. If you take your phone with you, your tracker uses your phone’s GPS sensors to map your route. If your phone is nearby but not moving when you start the exercise, your tracker uses built-in GPS.

Built-in GPS: Your tracker uses built-in GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats. This option can reduce battery life on your tracker.

Phone GPS: Your tracker uses your phone’s GPS sensors to track your route, pace, distance, and other stats. This option can help preserve battery life on your Fitbit device.

Note: If the GPS signal is lost during the exercise, Charge 5 doesn't switch to a different GPS type.

[fatandflabby]

Thanks for the reply.
I used the dynamic setting, and had my phone with me. I used MapMyWalk on my phone to get a belt and braces approach to distance, but the two routes were very different. MapMyWalk was accurate, Fitbit was a straight line.

I am new to this - is dynamic the best connection to use?
F&f

Sent from my iPhone

[N8teGee]

I would probably say that it's not just by going from the following statement -

"Note: If the GPS signal is lost during the exercise, Charge 5 doesn't switch to a different GPS type."

If the line is straight I would say there was a good chance you lost GPS, and from the above it would seem it doesn't even try to fallback to the other type. I would probably recommend setting it manually, try device GPS first and see how your experience with that is. If you lose connection it should hopefully at least reconnect then.