Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so can it measure altitude/elevation? Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so... » Read More Altimeter/elevation? I am trying to figure out what the 305 offers in terms of instantaneous altitude readings. Garmin's specifications page says it does not have a barometric altimeter...so can it measure altitude/elevation? « Show Less
1140565
Having used the Garmin 205 as well as a barometric altimeter, often simultaneously in mountains in Scotland and Spain, I was surprised how accurate the Garmin altitude readings were (when 4 or more satellites were in view). The only time it was 'flakey' was when useable satellites dropped to 3 or less.
1140566
I live in Houston which is totally flat. The altitude readings are not accurate enough to reflect the 10 ft changes up and down as I run. However, I used my 305 on runs in the CA mountains and the altitude readings were surprisingly accurate. Using the latitude and longitude location data I compared the altitude to topographical maps and they were spot on.
1140567
I do a lot of mountain running & hiking & I own a Casio Pathfinder (Triple Sensor) which does have barometric altimeter readings, so were I to purchase the Garmin 305 (which seems likely at this point) I would be using them in tandem. Of course I could not upload the real time data from the pathfinder into any of the websites mentioned, but my question is this (and I hope this is not too tangential to the Garmin 305 discussion) - does anyone have any information on the accuracy of the Pathfinders altitude accuracy?
1140568
In theory, satellite triangulation is one of the most accurate way of fnding your position, not only in coordinates (Latitude and Longitude), but in altitudes as well. Altimeters in watches uses barometric sensors to measure air pressure to calculate altitude. I'm betting the 305 will give me the closest, if not accurate, altitude than the best barometer sensor watch in the market. Add the convenience of tracking and recording altitude, with your heart rate, time, pace, position and distance at the same time. Why settle for anything less?
1140569
Forerunner 305 doesn't have a barometric altimeter, but it's still able to "approximate" the elevation/grade. As CompExpert mentioned, it does do the job, but it's flaky. If elevation/grade matters to you a lot you're better off with the Edge unit that has a barometric altimeter; however you won't be able to wear the Edge on your wrist.
1140570
If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least. The standard speed, distance, time, and heart rate functions all work fine. Hope this helps. If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least.... » Read More If you're interested in Elevation related data, I would not recommend buying the Forerunner 305. I have been through multiple devices and many discussions with Tech support who basically informed me that this function (along with the calorie functions) are useless on the Forerunner 305. Apparently, it is Garmin's GPS based elevation data which is not as accurate as the barometric data reported by other devices. This was a surprise to me as I had thought the opposite would have been true. Unfortunately not. I run/ride exclusively in the mountains and I'm very dissapointed to say the least. The standard speed, distance, time, and heart rate functions all work fine. Hope this helps. « Show Less
1140571
I've heard that motionbased.com adjusts the elevation readings now to reflect more accurate elevations. I don't own one yet, but am looking to buying one and have heard this from a few friends who own the 305. This, from what I understand, is the 305's biggest weakness! However, I still want one above any other of its kind...
254810
It does but it's a little flakey, and that's with good satellite coverage. GPS' just don't work so great when it comes to elevation. The 305 does work 'good enough' though. I do all my runs on mountains so elevation and grades are very important factors. I'm satisfied enough.
313419
I returned my explorist 710, the track time and date was always incorrect. I bought a Garmin Oregon, which I love. I use it to track my rides and hikes. I believe you can download maps, but I haven't. The altitude is extremely accurate.
1687127
I don't recall, as I already have it installed, and yes it will show location/altitude/etc. in the metadata. It's a free download from here:http://nikonimglib.com/nvnx/
2066620
Yes, it does track elevation. I'm not sure if you can view elevation info on the watch itself, but once you upload the run data into something like Garmin Connect or Strava you will be able to see elevation gain and an elevation graph.
927196
There is no GPS on the core. The barometer and altimeter are directly proportional. However variances in either are minimal. Don't try to look at the correlation when using them together. it is best to use them separate and you'll get a more accurate reading.
2109456
I have not been able to find this functionality on the Garmin 220. I have not been able to find anything in the instruction manual about this either.
1686174
I do not think so, but I am not sure. I have not seen anything with a reference to a barometric altimeter.LV
1927264
That seems to be some basic stuff they've taken away. I emailed Garmin as well as Amazon to see if I can get someone to say they are wrong, or maybe amazon can fix their description. A lot of money to spend if it is false. After reading reviews, some say they have the features, and some say they don't. Maybe they are more "previews" than "reviews." I was in particular looking forward to the garmin locate feature, as well as the routing features. I also like the new size of the 1300 series. Thank you for posting this info, I hope to find some answers from Amazon or Garmin. That seems to be some basic stuff they've taken away. I emailed Garmin as well as Amazon to see if I can get someone to say they are wrong, or maybe amazon can fix their description. A lot of money to spend if it is false. After reading reviews, some say they have the features, and some say they don't. Maybe they are more "previews" than "reviews." I was in particular looking forward to the garmin locate feature, as well as the routing features. I also like the new size of the 1300 series. Thank you for posting this info, I hope to find some answers from Amazon or Garmin.
1840445
I never received a manual. I didn't understand the lack of one. Very spotty in accuracy. Lots of dead air time. I have heard the Garmin or whatever is better. There should be many reviews on line for various products. Try Google etc. Good luck.
1968040
Not on the watch, but in the Run Details it shows the altitude, i guess from the GPS
697978
Thanks N. Search YouTube for "Wonderland Garmin 405" that is what really peaked my interest.Ok, I was able to find the watch at City Sports. I love it and it finds satellites in about 30 seconds or so.I connected it via Garmin Connect fairly easily (using my Dell D620 Laptop and Windows XP), but I can't find how I can export the GPX files anywhere?
1521541
Simpler GPS units use satellites to 'guestimate' altitude - they work in planes (I use old eTrex entry level model). More sophisticated GPS units use altimeters - ie, AIR PRESSURE, which is not accurate in planes with pressurized cabins (ie, all Jets I know of :), but works much better when you are driving or hiking around.
2227339
Hi Poly, I am still getting it up and running but pretty certain that it in itself only measures HR. But why it does that is handy for us who love using our smart phones for strava etc is it will translate all the ANT+ from my garmin tools (Cadence/speed sensor, Power Metre, foot pod) into a bluetooth 4.0 signal for your smart phone to read. Some of these are more or less effective on different Apps, Viii own app will receive and show all this information but for instance Strava won't show reading from the power meter. As i said its still new to me but overall Im happy with it. I looked at DCRainmakers review of the product before buying it and he goes very in depth if you want more info. Cheers Hi Poly, I am still getting it up and running but pretty certain that it in itself only measures HR. But why it does that is handy for us who love using our smart phones for strava etc is it will translate all the ANT+ from my garmin tools (Cadence/speed sensor, Power Metre, foot pod) into a bluetooth 4.0 signal for your smart phone to read. Some of these are more or less effective on different Apps, Viii own app will receive and show all this information but for instance Strava won't show reading from the power meter. As i said its still new to me but overall Im happy with it. I looked at... » Read More Hi Poly, I am still getting it up and running but pretty certain that it in itself only measures HR. But why it does that is handy for us who love using our smart phones for strava etc is it will translate all the ANT+ from my garmin tools (Cadence/speed sensor, Power Metre, foot pod) into a bluetooth 4.0 signal for your smart phone to read. Some of these are more or less effective on different Apps, Viii own app will receive and show all this information but for instance Strava won't show reading from the power meter. As i said its still new to me but overall Im happy with it. I looked at DCRainmakers review of the product before buying it and he goes very in depth if you want more info. Cheers « Show Less
33228
Well.. you should first know what you are using here. This device (unless it has been changed) measures relative altitudes from a starting point, not above sea-level. This means you start at 0 and ascend. If you use the device in the primary mode to measure Peak altitude (as if a rocket) then Yes, it will display what the peak altitude was of your hike. But the other problem is duration. It will not log your rises and falls and I dont think the battery will hold for more than an hour or two of constant use.
313421
You can download GPX files of routes for hiking and biking. Also some maps that you can purchase have these routes printed on them. Yes the GPS does show your elevation very accurately. I have compared it to the elevation markers at the top of hikes and it is within a few feet.
1366675
It doesn't have a data screen like the earlier models---the "where am I" screen which gave all sorts of information about altitude and even latitude & longitude. This model has none of that, however when you program in the address of your destination, it does show the distance and time of arrival. If it's a long trip and stops are made for lunch, gas, etc. it will recalculate the time of arrival. The one nice feature of this model is that it no longer says the irritating "recalculating," instead it merely tells you what you need to do to correct a wrong tunn and then when you're back on track, it tells you to "continue on route." It doesn't have a data screen like the earlier models---the "where am I" screen which gave all sorts of information about altitude and even latitude & longitude. This model has none of that, however when you program in the address of your destination, it does show the distance and time of arrival. If it's a long trip and stops are made for lunch, gas, etc. it will recalculate the time of arrival. The one nice feature of this model is that it no longer says the irritating "recalculating," instead it merely tells you what you need to do to correct a wrong tunn and then... » Read More It doesn't have a data screen like the earlier models---the "where am I" screen which gave all sorts of information about altitude and even latitude & longitude. This model has none of that, however when you program in the address of your destination, it does show the distance and time of arrival. If it's a long trip and stops are made for lunch, gas, etc. it will recalculate the time of arrival. The one nice feature of this model is that it no longer says the irritating "recalculating," instead it merely tells you what you need to do to correct a wrong tunn and then when you're back on track, it tells you to "continue on route." « Show Less
360926
You might want to check out Ascent from Montbello Software. Mac native and runs circles around Garmin Training Center for the 205/305. I'm using it for my 405, but only after exporting a file in windows from GTC and importing it into Ascent.