Connected gps range - more than 30 ft?

[jamiejal]

No idea if this is the right place for this question, but has anyone tried using a device with connected GPS but going over the 30ft recommended range from their phone? As daft as this sounds, I want to be 35/40 ft away from my phone while wearing a Fitbit band, and want to know what happens if i go over the 30ft range? Does the GPS just cut out, then connects again when I'm back within range? Thanks!

[WavyDavey]

Hi @jamiejal,

The GPS doesn't cut out, but the connection between the watch and the phone is limited by bluetooth range, which is around 30 feet. I've gotten more distance than that (and less), depending on if there's wireless interference and I believe line-of-sight.

As I recall, the GPS data will reconnect, but it does alter the route map because of the missing data.

Give it a try and let us know how it worked for you.

[jamiejal]

Thanks @WavyDavey , helpful info. For what I want, tracking distance while playing football, it seems like i might be able to get away with wearing a cheaper fitbit, if my phone's nearby. Thanks!

[Dominique]

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@jamiejal wrote:

For what I want, tracking distance while playing football, it seems like i might be able to get away with wearing a cheaper fitbit, if my phone's nearby. Thanks!

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If your phone is not on you while playing football (in other words, if it is sitting still outside the field), no movements will be detected by GPS (since the GPS device is the phone, and it’s not moving with you). Ideally, you would need a tracker that features built-in GPS (e.g. Fitbit Ionic). OTOH, my understanding is GPS tracking is not optimal when moving within a relatively confined area (like a football field) and with lots of changes in direction (as is typical when playing football).

[jamiejal]

Ah, I didn't realise the phone had to be moving too...almost defeats the object of having a band in the first place! looks like I'll have to go straight for the Ionic then.

In terms of gps tracking movements within a confined space, I've been told by others it's worked relatively well for them. I'm not so concerned with getting a heat map, as it were, more just an overall impression of how far I've travelled and what my hearts like during a game. Thanks @Dominique 

[LZeeW]

@jamiejal  You can get a rough estimate of the distance with the GPS off.  When you run with the GPS off, you will get a steps x stride length distance.  This will be a ROUGH estimate, since you are not doing distance running (similar stride length throughout) and your Fitbit might also pick up arm movements as steps.

We can help you with the settings to turn the GPS off if you tell us what tracker you use.