New here, need to find a device can track GPS route

[gamerhk]

Hi I am new here, need to find a device that can track my GPS hiking route and can export to Endomondo such as below to record basic data like time start/end, the actual track on map, distance, altitude etc.  Which model should I get?  I know Versa needs to use the smartphone GPS but will that drain my phone's battery?  Is Ionic is a better choice?

Thanks!

Gordon

[RatedE]

I’d go with the Ionic. I rarely had issues with the GPS in the year and a half that I had mine. My Versa has been unreliable with the connected GPS. Also less battery life in a Versa compared to the Ionic.  Plus with connected GPS you are always going to need cell service....GPS is pretty reliable unless there’s a lot of cloud cover.

[gamerhk]

Thank you for your reply.  Seems Ionic is a better choice as you stated.  How's the battery life for each?  I am currently using Garmin Fenix 2 (very very old model) and does not last for >8 hours.  I assumed both Ionic and Versa can track the route as shown in my early attachment?

I assumed can use for tracking sleep pattern for both?  I am using a Flex which is also quite an obsolete model.  What to get 1 to replace both that I have to wear daily.

Thanks,

Gordon

[Rich_Laue]

Im not sure what syncs between Fitbit and Endomondo,  it looks like exercises do. For more info see endomondo.

[LZeeW]

@gamerhk   What is the total distance of this hike and how long does it take you to complete the route?  The Ionic specs list 10 hours of battery life using GPS. 

[RatedE]

You’ll definitely get more battery life out of the Ionic. It’s rated at 4-5 days (that’s without using GPS I think) whereas the Versa is 3-4 days. It’s a bigger watch therefore bigger battery. 

[gamerhk]

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@Rich_Laue wrote:

Im not sure what syncs between Fitbit and Endomondo,  it looks like exercises do. For more info see endomondo.

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Thank you!  It appears so from reading your sent link that only works with Ionic (Only Fitbit device that comes with GPS) can sync to Endomondo as "workout" but not sure can track actual GPS route.  However, by reading further related articles it says Strava can but just unfortunately I dont use Strava but only Endomondo.

[gamerhk]

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@LZeeW wrote:

@gamerhk   What is the total distance of this hike and how long does it take you to complete the route?  The Ionic specs list 10 hours of battery life using GPS. 

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Hi there, it is usually not more that 10 hours so should be fine with Ionic!  Thanks for the reply.

[gamerhk]

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@RatedE wrote:

You’ll definitely get more battery life out of the Ionic. It’s rated at 4-5 days (that’s without using GPS I think) whereas the Versa is 3-4 days. It’s a bigger watch therefore bigger battery. 

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Thank you again!

[Rich_Laue]

@gamerhk  the new devices that run Fitbit OS, with the exception of the ionic, are able to connect to and use the phones GPS. Either device will work for Endomondo as long as GPS was used.

Ionic

Uses its built in GPS no need for a phone

Smaller GPS antenna,  on cloudy days or heavily covered forest it may take a while to get a GPS lock. If it does.

Need to charge the ionic after the event

Real long walks may kill the ionic,  may be charged during breaks with portable power pack. 

Versa

Uses the phone for GPS, doesn't drain the Versa battery as much.

The phone has a bigger GPS antenna,  allowing a better GPS lock in adverse conditions

With longer walks the phone might die, power pack won't be able to add much of a charge,  resulting in not having a complete recording. 

Phone needs to be charged after event. 

[Wizegeezer]

Hi @gamerhk .  None of the Under Armour Connected Fitness apps (Endomondo, MapMyRun, MapMyFitness, etc.) sync GPS and heartrate data from directly from any of the Fitbit devices.  Steps and time will be synced, however.  As you pointed out, Fitbit does sync this information with Strava.  You can manually insert the GPS and heartrate information into Endomondo by downloading the .tcx file from Fitbit using a laptop or desktop computer and then importing into Endomondo. 

I get around 7 hours of battery life with my Ionic with GPS on.  If I also listen to music from the Ionic using bluetooth headphones with GPS on, my battery lasts 2-3 hours.  

[gamerhk]

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@Rich_Laue wrote:

@gamerhk  the new devices that run Fitbit OS, with the exception of the ionic, are able to connect to and use the phones GPS. Either device will work for Endomondo as long as GPS was used.

Ionic

Uses its built in GPS no need for a phone

Smaller GPS antenna,  on cloudy days or heavily covered forest it may take a while to get a GPS lock. If it does.

Need to charge the ionic after the event

Real long walks may kill the ionic,  may be charged during breaks with portable power pack. 

Versa

Uses the phone for GPS, doesn't drain the Versa battery as much.

The phone has a bigger GPS antenna,  allowing a better GPS lock in adverse conditions

With longer walks the phone might die, power pack won't be able to add much of a charge,  resulting in not having a complete recording. 

Phone needs to be charged after event. 

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Hi @Rich_Laue, thanks for the detailed reply.  This really helps!

[gamerhk]

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@Wizegeezer wrote:

Hi @gamerhk .  None of the Under Armour Connected Fitness apps (Endomondo, MapMyRun, MapMyFitness, etc.) sync GPS and heartrate data from directly from any of the Fitbit devices.  Steps and time will be synced, however.  As you pointed out, Fitbit does sync this information with Strava.  You can manually insert the GPS and heartrate information into Endomondo by downloading the .tcx file from Fitbit using a laptop or desktop computer and then importing into Endomondo. 

I get around 7 hours of battery life with my Ionic with GPS on.  If I also listen to music from the Ionic using bluetooth headphones with GPS on, my battery lasts 2-3 hours.  

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Hi @Wizegeezer, good to know it can be exported as TCX format which does do exactly what I want to - record the GPS data.  Thank you!

[Rich_Laue · Accepted solution]

For more info on what and how to sync with Strava,  let's go to Strava's help site.

[gamerhk]

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@Rich_Laue wrote:

For more info on what and how to sync with Strava,  let's go to Strava's help site.

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This is great!  Thank you @Rich_Laue !