When walking GPS compass often does not take over from electronic compass
Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2021 11:13 am
I've noticed on my 66i's compass page that when walking, the GPS compass often does not take over from the electronic compass. The electronic compass of the GPSMAP 66 is used when the unit is not moving. When the unit i.e. the user starts moving at a certain speed after a certain amount of time the GPS compass should take over.
When walking, the GPS compass is much smoother and more precise than is the electronic compass. When walking, the electronic compass behaves wobbly and varies quickly over a range of 15 degrees to both sides of the bearing. So the preferred compass when walking is the GPS compass. But when walking, unfortunately the GPS compass only rarely takes over from the electronic compass, and I'm stuck with the wobbly compass needle most of the time. I'm usually walking on avarage with a speed of about 3 to 4 km/h. I've noticed that on open smooth terrain the GPS compass often does kick in, but in for example the forest it almost never does, or I should walk at a marathon pace. Also when driving the GPS compass kicks in nicely and the needle moves and varies quietly and smoothly.
Does anyone know for the 66i at what speed and after what amount of time the GPS compass should take over from the electronic compass? I know from another Garmin GPSr that these could be set by the user. As far as I know this can't be done in the GPSMAP 66.
I often use my 66i for geocaching, and the wobbly, imprecise compass when walking is quite annoying and makes me nervous. It also isn't nice when closing in on the geocache as it makes finding it somewhat more difficult. I know I can turn the "auto" compass setting to "off" so that the electronic compass is turned off, but I don't want to do that because I like having the electronic compass when standing still or slowing down.
Does anybody else also noticed this compass behaviour or is it just my unit?
When walking, the GPS compass is much smoother and more precise than is the electronic compass. When walking, the electronic compass behaves wobbly and varies quickly over a range of 15 degrees to both sides of the bearing. So the preferred compass when walking is the GPS compass. But when walking, unfortunately the GPS compass only rarely takes over from the electronic compass, and I'm stuck with the wobbly compass needle most of the time. I'm usually walking on avarage with a speed of about 3 to 4 km/h. I've noticed that on open smooth terrain the GPS compass often does kick in, but in for example the forest it almost never does, or I should walk at a marathon pace. Also when driving the GPS compass kicks in nicely and the needle moves and varies quietly and smoothly.
Does anyone know for the 66i at what speed and after what amount of time the GPS compass should take over from the electronic compass? I know from another Garmin GPSr that these could be set by the user. As far as I know this can't be done in the GPSMAP 66.
I often use my 66i for geocaching, and the wobbly, imprecise compass when walking is quite annoying and makes me nervous. It also isn't nice when closing in on the geocache as it makes finding it somewhat more difficult. I know I can turn the "auto" compass setting to "off" so that the electronic compass is turned off, but I don't want to do that because I like having the electronic compass when standing still or slowing down.
Does anybody else also noticed this compass behaviour or is it just my unit?