GPS

[GIngerBlonde]

I’ve used the run option 3 times now on the same route and it’s been a different distance each time, anyone else experiencing this?

[Jim_R]

GPS is an approximation. When you think about the technology behind it, minute timing differences between 3 satellite signals, it’s really amazing.  My runs have all been slightly under estimated mostly it seems because corners have been rounded off.  Not a huge deal in my opinion. 

[GIngerBlonde]

I’m not talking slightly out, I’m talking half a K out. Was with someone wearing a Surge so you’d think the technology in my Ionic would be better ......

[SunsetRunner]

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@GIngerBlonde wrote:

I’ve used the run option 3 times now on the same route and it’s been a different distance each time, anyone else experiencing this?

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It might be helpful if you provided a little more information, rather than just "different distance". For example, how did you start the activity, where were you running, how far, what were the differences, do you have the GPS tracks, have you looked at the .gpx file, etc.

[MikeF]

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@GIngerBlonde wrote:

I’m not talking slightly out, I’m talking half a K out. Was with someone wearing a Surge so you’d think the technology in my Ionic would be better ......

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Remember that the technology associated with GPS is sin space. The differences between Surge and Ionic won't be making that much difference to GPS perofrmance as that's outside the control of either device.

[bcalvanese]

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@GIngerBlonde wrote:

I’ve used the run option 3 times now on the same route and it’s been a different distance each time, anyone else experiencing this?

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Are you waiting for it to connect before you hit start?

[GIngerBlonde]

Good answer, I’ll make sure it’s connected next time and hopefully it’ll be correct like my second run. Thank you

[GIngerBlonde]

Where do I find the gpx file? 

[bcalvanese]

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@GIngerBlonde wrote:

Where do I find the gpx file? 

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if you go to your dashboard on the website and open an activity, you should have an option to save as a TCX file.

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[bbarrera]

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@GIngerBlonde wrote:

I’ve used the run option 3 times now on the same route and it’s been a different distance each time, anyone else experiencing this?

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Really depends on the specifics. I've double-tracked a lot of cycling rides (iPhone and GPS Bike Computer), and in general the mileage is within 1% of each other. Say on one of my standard routes, a 40.2 mile ride, I'd see 40.2 on bike computer and 40.5 on iPhone 5s or 7. Sometimes they match, 40.2 and 40.2. When I look closely at GPS track, the GPS bike computer has a cleaner track versus the cellphone which is on my back (in a jersey pocket).

From an accuracy standpoint, I'd say its reasonable to expect mileage accuracy within 2% - unless you are running in a heavily wooded area and then its not going to be as accurate.

In conclusion, if you are running 5km without heavy tree coverage, and getting 4.5km or 5.5km that is 10% error and not reasonable. Just post the actual mileage for the 3 routes and we can better comment.

[AndrewPf]

Two issues I've noted with mine, which happen maybe every other run:

1. corners get rounded off

2. it shows me running on a parallel street or walkway

Maybe 1-2 times/month it'll completely screw up and lose signal for a km, but like others have said, the accuracy is based on three satellites.  If my displayed route is 20 feet to the left of where I ran, it's not a huge deal.  If it starts screwing up Strava segments I'll be ticked.  So far, it's been good enough.

FWIW, the Ionic acquires satellite signal twice as fast as my Apple Watch S2 did, and a little faster than my Surge. 

[Raygold]

I can't even get my GPS info to show up in the exercise log. it shows up as not using GPS when I know it was connected and felt the vibration before I started. not sure if it's the ionic or software app. I can use my IPhone and using the Fitbit app to connect to GPS  and it will log the info no problem...just like my Charge 2 did.  any ideas on how to troubleshoot that?

[GIngerBlonde]

Sorry no, and my GPS is still out. I make sure it’s connected at the start of my run but everytime I look down it’s not connected. 

[GIngerBlonde]

So it turns out I had a faulty Ionic, replaced it and the GPS on the new one is spot on!

[Raygold]

I called fitbit support and they are sending me a New Ionic.

[Aaronchase75]

I have had great Gps signals for my runs until I went to Belize, apparently I can run on water.

[wegdan00]

Based on feedback received from Fitbit, calculation on the distance is always done on steps and not what GPS measures! Advice was to adjust the step length to get a better approximation. I wonder why Fitbit deceided to have GPS built in when not to more exactly measure the exercise outdoors. Only to show the route on the map?

Other manufacturers use the GPS exactly for this.

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@GIngerBlondewrote:

I’ve used the run option 3 times now on the same route and it’s been a different distance each time, anyone else experiencing this?

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[GIngerBlonde]

Thank you, that makes more sense 👍🏼

[SunsetRunner]

Got my ionic on Friday and the GPS for running always says connecting and never connects.  I have ensured the settings allow GPS, I have tried both restarting and factory resetting the device. Should I be thinking of getting a refund? 

[SunsetRunner]

Tried turning it on and off several times and no tall buildings and the weather is lovely, any other suggestions? Seems like a bit of a cop out to me. For a £300 device this is pathetic