Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Timex GPS Users,
I'd like to know "how" it keeps calculating distance. "Normal" GPS 
technology will calculate the distance from where you "were" to where you 
are "now" even if it loses contact with you for a while. The problem is, it 
does so in a straight line. Fine, if you're moving in a straight line, it's 
accurate. If you turn a corner (or switchback) it counts the distance cut 
across.
So, is this watch assuming you're continuing to travel at the same speed 
while "out of touch" with satellites and using that distance instead of what 
the next satellite distance indicates?
I can understand these things being close enough for training purposes, but 
I cringe at the thought they're being used for "official" trail 
measurements. Except of course, in areas where they DON'T lose contact with 
the satellites.
Nancy Mitts



> From: "Jonni Jewell" <jonnij@xxxxxxxx>
> The Timex GPS watch has a "feature" that when the signal goes weak, such as
> heavy tree cover that it keeps calculating your distance and speed, from 
> the
> speed and direction you were traveling when the signal got weak. I have 
> used
> mine a lot, and it is great in clouds, and does well in the woods as long 
> as
> they are not constant for miles and miles. All the watch seems to need is a
> little sky to show once and awhile, and it keeps tracking. I attach the
> transmitter unit to the front of my saddle, instead of using the arm band.
> If I get off the horse, and get the watch any distance from the 
> transmitter,
> then it will lose the reading...but I don't get off the horse much. (tho I
> should!)
>
> Jonni

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