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Settings That Improve the Distance and Speed Accuracy of the Approach S44 or Approach S50

There are many factors that contribute to incorrect speed and distance on the Garmin Approach® S44 or Approach® S50 golf watches. Some are outside of your control, such as GPS Drift and environmental factors. However, there are changes you can make to the settings of your watch that can improve the data captured during an activity. 

Recording Methods

Many Garmin watches offer the ability to change the recording method, with a choice between Smart Recording and Every Second. This setting refers to the interval at which GPS data is recorded during an activity. Smart Recording is the default setting due to the balance it achieves in detail and battery consumption, but enabling Every Second recording can improve speed and distance accuracy.

Smart Recording vs. Every Second

Smart Recording

Smart Recording saves GPS points when changes in direction, speed, heart rate or elevation are detected. Smart Recording is the default setting of many Garmin's watches for the balance it achieves in detail and battery consumption.

Every Second Recording

Every Second recording will record a GPS point once per a second, regardless of direction, speed, heart rate or elevation. Every Second recording will produce highly detailed tracks of your activities. A more detailed track will lead to more accurate speed and distance data.

Example of Smart Recording vs. Every Second Recording

In the picture below, the upper track represents Smart Recording while the lower track represents Every Second recording. You can see that Every Second recording creates a more smooth track line, and picks up small changes that Smart Recording does not. 

Smart Recorded Track versus Every Second Recorded Track

Changing Recording Methods

  1. From the watch face, press and hold the Top button.

  2. Select Settings.

  3. Select System.

  4. Select Advanced.

  5. Select Data Recording.

  6. Select Smart or Every Second.

GPS Settings

The Approach® S44 and Approach® S50 allow you to adjust the GPS settings on specific activities which can improve the data captured during an activity. Rather than having to choose between GPS + GLONASS or GPS + Galileo, the All Systems setting found on newer watches allows for connecting to various multi-GNSS satellite systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BeiDou, and IRNSS (NavIC). Some satellite systems are not available in all areas of the globe. For more details, see -https://www.gps.gov/systems/gnss/.

There are two different GPS settings for each activity:

  • GPS Only: Balances battery life and accuracy.

  • All Systems: Improves accuracy but has increased battery usage.

The steps below will walk you through how to change this setting on your watch:

  1. Press the Top button.

  2. Select 4 Color Dots.

  3. Select an activity.

  4. Select Gear Icon.

  5. Select Settings.

  6. Select GPS.

  7. Chose between GPS Only or All Systems.

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