Database Info

How to track a run with GPS?

So I went for my first run with just the watch - no phone. I started the S Health run tracking on the watch as I left. Initially it said it couldn't find location but then this message went away. Throughout the run the location icon on the watch was flashing grey to white. I don't know if this meant actively tracking or trying to find location?
When I came back the data synced over to S-Health on my phone, but there is no map.
I don't know if the distances and speeds have been tracked based on steps and cadence or by GPS?
How is this supposed to work? I presumed the watch GPS data would produce a map when synced with the phone?

It should show you a map in s health. You have to click on the specific run activity though to see it. If it isn't there then maybe GPS wasn't working for some reason. Did it show you the map on the watch in the completed workout summary?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

photojonny said:
So I went for my first run with just the watch - no phone. I started the S Health run tracking on the watch as I left. Initially it said it couldn't find location but then this message went away. Throughout the run the location icon on the watch was flashing grey to white. I don't know if this meant actively tracking or trying to find location?
When I came back the data synced over to S-Health on my phone, but there is no map.
I don't know if the distances and speeds have been tracked based on steps and cadence or by GPS?
How is this supposed to work? I presumed the watch GPS data would produce a map when synced with the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have had this happen with other watches and with a Gear Fit 2. I did a run this morning and had the map show up instantly on my watch at the completion of my run (LTE version). When you have the watch in S Health Run mode and hit the start button you will see a small icon at the top left that looks like a balloon, it is the icon for your GPS. It will be flashing. Once it is always on it means you have a GPS lock. Sounds like you never got a lock.
I recommend 2 things. Go outside with your phone and put the watch in run mode. Watch for the GPS icon, it should lock very fast since you have your phone working with the watch. Now put your phone inside or turn it off so you can try a stand alone test. Put the watch into run mode and see if you get a quicker GPS lock.
Good Luck

cdd543 said:
It should show you a map in s health. You have to click on the specific run activity though to see it. If it isn't there then maybe GPS wasn't working for some reason. Did it show you the map on the watch in the completed workout summary?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. No map, it's appears it failed to get a lock over the whole run.
Bladder61 said:
I have had this happen with other watches and with a Gear Fit 2. I did a run this morning and had the map show up instantly on my watch at the completion of my run (LTE version). When you have the watch in S Health Run mode and hit the start button you will see a small icon at the top left that looks like a balloon, it is the icon for your GPS. It will be flashing. Once it is always on it means you have a GPS lock. Sounds like you never got a lock.
I recommend 2 things. Go outside with your phone and put the watch in run mode. Watch for the GPS icon, it should lock very fast since you have your phone working with the watch. Now put your phone inside or turn it off so you can try a stand alone test. Put the watch into run mode and see if you get a quicker GPS lock.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I'll try this but a bit concerned it failed to get a lock over the whole run. I hope the GPS chip isn't faulty after the hassle actually getting hold of it.
Edit: I should say I'm in the UK so this is the non LTE version. Don't know if that makes a difference.

I don't think the non LTE has GPS. It would only acquire GPS from your phone.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

cdd543 said:
I don't think the non LTE has GPS. It would only acquire GPS from your phone.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course it does.

Fozzee1970 said:
Of course it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need the phone. But if you have the phone connected, the connection will be faster as it uses the phone for GPS locking
Sent from my SGP521 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Fozzee1970 said:
Of course it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep you're correct. My bad.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

photojonny said:
So I went for my first run with just the watch - no phone. I started the S Health run tracking on the watch as I left. Initially it said it couldn't find location but then this message went away. Throughout the run the location icon on the watch was flashing grey to white. I don't know if this meant actively tracking or trying to find location?
When I came back the data synced over to S-Health on my phone, but there is no map.
I don't know if the distances and speeds have been tracked based on steps and cadence or by GPS?
How is this supposed to work? I presumed the watch GPS data would produce a map when synced with the phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check your location settings on your Gear. You should have GPS+ wifi not only wifi.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA-Developers mobile app

Bladder61 said:
I have had this happen with other watches and with a Gear Fit 2. I did a run this morning and had the map show up instantly on my watch at the completion of my run (LTE version). When you have the watch in S Health Run mode and hit the start button you will see a small icon at the top left that looks like a balloon, it is the icon for your GPS. It will be flashing. Once it is always on it means you have a GPS lock. Sounds like you never got a lock.
I recommend 2 things. Go outside with your phone and put the watch in run mode. Watch for the GPS icon, it should lock very fast since you have your phone working with the watch. Now put your phone inside or turn it off so you can try a stand alone test. Put the watch into run mode and see if you get a quicker GPS lock.
Good Luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I've tested this out and either I have a faulty device or the S3 is useless. I repeatedly tried to get a GPS lock on a long walk today - in open countryside with no buildings around and under clear skies. The watch connects instantly when using the phone GPS via bluetooth. When I disconnect bluetooth the watch will not connect on it's own at all despite repeated attempts. It will try for around a minute and then say 'cannot connect, move to a more open area' - this is whilst I'm stood in a field k's from the nearest building under a blue sky.
After the hassle I had getting hold of this I'm tempted just just get a refund, but if this is just a faulty unit and they generally work I guess I'll give one replacement a go - though I suspect I'll be waiting weeks for one.

photojonny said:
So I've tested this out and either I have a faulty device or the S3 is useless. I repeatedly tried to get a GPS lock on a long walk today - in open countryside with no buildings around and under clear skies. The watch connects instantly when using the phone GPS via bluetooth. When I disconnect bluetooth the watch will not connect on it's own at all despite repeated attempts. It will try for around a minute and then say 'cannot connect, move to a more open area' - this is whilst I'm stood in a field k's from the nearest building under a blue sky.
After the hassle I had getting hold of this I'm tempted just just get a refund, but if this is just a faulty unit and they generally work I guess I'll give one replacement a go - though I suspect I'll be waiting weeks for one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had carried out similar test this evening, the built in GPS worked when the bluetooth of my phone was off.

RayHK said:
I had carried out similar test this evening, the built in GPS worked when the bluetooth of my phone was off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried a factory reset and it's now working. I found a thread on a Strava forum where someone had the same problem and switching the watch on and off worked. Must reset the GPS.
It takes around 30-60 secs to get a lock but it has worked since the reset.

photojonny said:
I tried a factory reset and it's now working. I found a thread on a Strava forum where someone had the same problem and switching the watch on and off worked. Must reset the GPS.
It takes around 30-60 secs to get a lock but it has worked since the reset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if you are going for a run do you just stand there for 30-60 after the 3,2,1 countdown? If so, isn't that going to throw off your average mile times?

awilson181 said:
But if you are going for a run do you just stand there for 30-60 after the 3,2,1 countdown? If so, isn't that going to throw off your average mile times?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, a significant design flaw seems to be the inability to get the GPS lock before you start the run as you do with all dedicated running watches. I'm not sure what happens if you start the run then immediately pause it - whether it will continue to try and get the lock. There should be an option to set the lock then start the run. It's far from perfect.

photojonny said:
Yes, a significant design flaw seems to be the inability to get the GPS lock before you start the run as you do with all dedicated running watches. I'm not sure what happens if you start the run then immediately pause it - whether it will continue to try and get the lock. There should be an option to set the lock then start the run. It's far from perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes definitely not a well thought out design of the software. Did they really test it with someone that actually runs?
It was the major reason I returned my Gear Fit 2 and went with a Garmin. I love my Gear S3, and I di exactly what you mentioned, I start the run program and when it counts down 3,2,1 I immediately hit the pause. I then wait a minute and resume it and make sure I have a locked GPS signal.
I went on too many Gear Fit 2 runs only to get back and find out I didn't have a GPS lock so info was estimated and no map info. Maybe Sammy will do a software update to the run program to fix this. Again, did Sammy have any real runners test the watch and give them feedback?

Bladder61 said:
Yes definitely not a well thought out design of the software. Did they really test it with someone that actually runs?
It was the major reason I returned my Gear Fit 2 and went with a Garmin. I love my Gear S3, and I di exactly what you mentioned, I start the run program and when it counts down 3,2,1 I immediately hit the pause. I then wait a minute and resume it and make sure I have a locked GPS signal.
I went on too many Gear Fit 2 runs only to get back and find out I didn't have a GPS lock so info was estimated and no map info. Maybe Sammy will do a software update to the run program to fix this. Again, did Sammy have any real runners test the watch and give them feedback?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah It doesn't seem like they did as it lacks some basic functionality you would expect as a runner. I'm finding pace to be off as much as 20-30 seconds per mile compared to strava. I no longer have my fenix or I'd compare that.

Make sure Location is turned on in the settings

I started a thread on XDA comparing the G3 to my Garmin 620. In addition to the GPS issue, the HR wasn't consistent day to day either. I wasn't as concerned with that as I was the GPS. No way did they have somebody actually run with this watch. The lack of lap/split times in the run summary says it all.
Seems like an easy fix to just disregard that whole countdown timer and take you to the run screen so you can see if/when you get a GPS lock. My Garmin has a little satellite that turns solid when it locks. I'd probably get the watch, again, if they resolved this run issue.

After firmware updated today, the built-in GPS locked within 3 to 4 sec (after the count down) without a phone.

awilson181 said:
I started a thread on XDA comparing the G3 to my Garmin 620. In addition to the GPS issue, the HR wasn't consistent day to day either. I wasn't as concerned with that as I was the GPS. No way did they have somebody actually run with this watch. The lack of lap/split times in the run summary says it all.
Seems like an easy fix to just disregard that whole countdown timer and take you to the run screen so you can see if/when you get a GPS lock. My Garmin has a little satellite that turns solid when it locks. I'd probably get the watch, again, if they resolved this run issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll stick with it for now but it seems 5 mins with an actual runner and some of the problems would have been avoided. How are you supposed to time a race with a 3 2 1 countdown? And does the first part of the run not count whilst it's finding the GPS? If they are going after Garmin's market these are bad oversights.
RayHK said:
After firmware updated today, the built-in GPS locked within 3 to 4 sec (after the count down) without a phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw there is an update out. Haven't been able to push it to my device yet. Hopefully it'll show up soon.

running with the watch 2 4g

just got my watch 2 lte 3 days ago and today i went for my first run. No phone with me only my fenix 3 running watch on my other arm to compare accuracy.
The optical heart rate sensor is actually very accurate so thats a good thing.
But in my case the distance was not correct. On my fenix 3 i had a distance of 10.20 km, while on the huawei i had 10.02km, so thats a significant error. The track on the map was very accurate, no difference with the garmin, no zigzag or strange curves.
I begin to wonder if the huawei might be tracking distance with the step counter instead of using gps, so only using the gps to plot the map.
Also i saw that the total running time was 5 minutes more then the fenix 3! I started and stopped the watches at the same time! Very strange.
And lastly i burned more then 30 percent battery life while running for slightly more then 1 hour! Thats ofcourse with all whistles on; gps, heartrate, lte connection and screen always on. Next time i will shut some things down to see how to bring this percentage down. But the advertised 10h gps time are not true im afraid
Its also a pity huawei health doesnt show me a altitude graph. The watch has a barometer so it should be possible. On the watch itself i could see that i climbed 2m (i live in a flat area) but this information is not showing on the phone.
I will take both watches for a couple of more runs to see if the accuracy situation improves.

I've always found with android that it takes a few days for the battery consumption to stabilise. After a few days restart your watch and phone and see how things go. Turning off wifi when out running without your phone will help.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I used yestarday to measuring run. I have TomTom runner 2 too. I don't saw any big problem with distance and hearth rate sensor. Yes time per kilometers are little different, it's about 1-2sec. Only problem I have with statistic in Huawei health. TomTom have simply exported data to many app like endomondo, nike+ and many more. Huawei not. TomTom my sport app show you hearth rate in every sec your trace. Huawei not. But it's not big problem. I hope that Huawei update app and give more option to us.
Odesláno z mého MHA-L29 pomocí Tapatalk

There are some diffrences between Tomtom and Huawei Health. First Huawei Health.

Tomtom runner 2 app.

These differences are quite normal. I upload my activities (same GPX file) to strava, endomondo and runtastic and I get slightly different results in each site. It depends on how they calculate their stats.... how they calculate the distance based on the GPS points, what they consider to be the beginning of the run, pauses, etc. Huawei Health probably has its own way of doing this as well...
I am also getting a 30% drop in a 1h hour run on my HW2... (using ghostrace and google music). I expected the battery life to be a little better, but it is not too bad, and I don't usually run for more than 1 hour anyway.
BTW... Did any of you find a way to export activities from huawei health???... I like the training programs in huawei health, VO2 estimate, etc... But I had to stop using it, because I can't export TCX files or share the activities on strava, etc. And it seems that if I ever uninstall the app, I will lose all my activities.

ldmelo said:
These differences are quite normal. I upload my activities (same GPX file) to strava, endomondo and runtastic and I get slightly different results in each site. It depends on how they calculate their stats.... how they calculate the distance based on the GPS points, what they consider to be the beginning of the run, pauses, etc. Huawei Health probably has its own way of doing this as well...
I am also getting a 30% drop in a 1h hour run on my HW2... (using ghostrace and google music). I expected the battery life to be a little better, but it is not too bad, and I don't usually run for more than 1 hour anyway.
BTW... Did any of you find a way to export activities from huawei health???... I like the training programs in huawei health, VO2 estimate, etc... But I had to stop using it, because I can't export TCX files or share the activities on strava, etc. And it seems that if I ever uninstall the app, I will lose all my activities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem. Export....
Odesláno z mého MHA-L29 pomocí Tapatalk

There are another exports. First is from Tomtom device. Heart rate is stable and normal. Second from Endomondo app in watch 2. Not good reaction.

BTW... Did any of you find a way to export activities from huawei health???... I like the training programs in huawei health, VO2 estimate, etc... But I had to stop using it, because I can't export TCX files or share the activities on strava, etc. And it seems that if I ever uninstall the app, I will lose all my activities.[/QUOTE]
Huawei Health app can export/share data to Google Fit, MyFitnessPal and UP by Jawbone. I tried Google Fit and is parody.

Another bad thing is battery. 10km run about 1 hour and battery go from 93% to 20%. TomTom runner 2 about 10%down. Yes but TomTom not have Sim card. But HW2 not for long runners.
Odesláno z mého MHA-L29 pomocí Tapatalk

strekib said:
Another bad thing is battery. 10km run about 1 hour and battery go from 93% to 20%. TomTom runner 2 about 10%down. Yes but TomTom not have Sim card. But HW2 not for long runners.
Odesláno z mého MHA-L29 pomocí Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, with the sim card activated during a run, the battery drains fast. A solution is to just activate when you need it during the run.

spenstberg said:
Yes, with the sim card activated during a run, the battery drains fast. A solution is to just activate when you need it during the run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello!
I'm a runner. Because of my job, I need to be available on phone calls. So I decided to try and buy a smart watch.
How long is battery life when using the SIM card and GPS turn on ? I would like to use the Endomondo application.
Can anyone help me with his test?
Thank you!

mercyANDjustice said:
Hello!
I'm a runner. Because of my job, I need to be available on phone calls. So I decided to try and buy a smart watch.
How long is battery life when using the SIM card and GPS turn on ? I would like to use the Endomondo application.
Can anyone help me with his test?
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, endomondo works, but heart rate was not fluently normal at last when I used this app. But using with mobile app is simple. You can everything setup in mobile and watch app transfer these setting via bluetooth. Battery life with Sim is about 63% down after my 1hour of run. When I use only Bluetooth and GPS it's about 20% per hour. Google wear not have how disable data transfer. It's bad thing which drain your battery. Other "clever" thing by Google. APN setting you cannot change. Watch have native app by Huawei but without export of data. Only G fit export is possible. Pre-installed app is Rutastic and works fine, but app not full.
Odesláno z mého MHA-L29 pomocí Tapatalk

Distance Based Interval App

Does anyone know if there is a running app that can be setup for intervals based on distance? The Runkeeper App on my Pixel has this feature, but there is no Gear App.
Here is what I want
5 min warm up
then
run 400m
rest 2:00 min
repeat 8 times
My Garmin Fenix Devices had this. Also Suunto has this. Apple Watch had it with Runkeeper
Any thoughts or ideas. Thanks

Still Unable to find a solution. I installed Map My Run on my phone and watch. Created this scenario on the phone, but it didnt work on the watch. Only offered basic running workouts. UGH

How do u use your gear S3?

Share your usage...
except of the regular notifications, samsung pay and so... What else? what Apps?
Yes im a new user with this watch after more then 3 years with the Moto 360 - which were great (with Google and android wear...) .

This watch helps me in maintaining a healthy activities.
It reminds me to standup after a long sitting, it tracks for my daily steps, my daily stair climbing, etc.

Is it accurate?.... Yesterday I climbed 3 floor on a row... And nada no evidence for it

To me, this watch is a gimmick. I just wear it like a watch and look at it to tell time.

boiteta said:
Is it accurate?.... Yesterday I climbed 3 floor on a row... And nada no evidence for it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes accurate. I climb 8-10 floors x 3-4 times per day and it shows exactly each time.

Controlling media playback...love that I don't have to take my phone out of my pocket to pause or to skip forward or backward when listening to podcasts.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Nice
I already have this option with my ear phones... But not limited too
What else?

boiteta said:
Nice
I already have this option with my ear phones... But not limited too
What else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is one of the tiny Bluetooth earbuds. I can pause and play with it but can't skip forward and back.
Other favorites are quick reply to texts, controlling home automation with a Smartthings app, grocery list with Our Groceries app, and taking the occasional call on the watch like **** Tracy.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

I've never been one to keep much cash in my wallet, I pay for everything (even a 79 cent Slurpee) with a debit card. So my number one favorite use of the watch is S Pay. It works almost everywhere, I so rarely need my wallet, I usually just leave it in the car.
My other primary use of the watch is phone calls and messages. While the battery won't support 90 minute conference calls, it's perfect for the typically short, 7 - 12 calls and couple dozen messages I usually have in a day. The watch is remotely connected to my phone, which stays at home. When I'm out and about, I keep a tablet nearby for running apps and tasks that aren't suitable for 1" screen.
Not having to carry a phone or a wallet has been a major convenience for me. This level of detachment probably won't fit most people's lifestyle, but on your next vacation, you may want to try it!

afblangley said:
I've never been one to keep much cash in my wallet, I pay for everything (even a 79 cent Slurpee) with a debit card. So my number one favorite use of the watch is S Pay. It works almost everywhere, I so rarely need my wallet, I usually just leave it in the car.
My other primary use of the watch is phone calls and messages. While the battery won't support 90 minute conference calls, it's perfect for the typically short, 7 - 12 calls and couple dozen messages I usually have in a day. The watch is remotely connected to my phone, which stays at home. When I'm out and about, I keep a tablet nearby for running apps and tasks that aren't suitable for 1" screen.
Not having to carry a phone or a wallet has been a major convenience for me. This level of detachment probably won't fit most people's lifestyle, but on your next vacation, you may want to try it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure I understand... How do u make calls while connected remotely?

boiteta said:
Not sure I understand... How do u make calls while connected remotely?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LTE versions of the watch have a cellular radio. Call functionality exists regardless of whether it's connected via BT, remote connection, or standalone. But differences come into play with regard to caller ID and messages. The BT only watches can't make phone calls when remotely connected via wifi because there is no VoIP app for the watch.

HW2 - GPS inaccurate. Strava etc.

I go on a regular 5k run which is tracked and run locally as a '5K'...so I know it should be 5k! When using my HW2 watch with Strava I invariably get 4.8k for this same route. I've tried 3 or 4 times now with the same result.
When I use my phone on the same route it tracks 5k on Strava. I would like to not bring my phone with me when running but if I have to then so be it. Question is, I have heard that if the watch detects the phone it will use the phone's GPS. So, what I was thinking was to try this:
1) Run with phone and watch
2) Use Strava on the watch and hope it detects / uses the phones GPS.
3) Record result and see what happens.
Is this likely to result in another 4.8k run or does the watch deferring to the phone's GPS mean I'm more likely to get an accurate reading?
To clarify, the place I run is a park and therefore there are some trees but my Polar watch never had an issue with this and Strava on the HW2 says it has a GPS lock before I set off, so I don't think trees are the problem here.

i've only found the huawei app to work perfectly on the watch itself, while others hit and miss and that includes the built-in runtastic app - some apps you have to start on phone if you want that to record tracking if using the watch, which then makes it pointless wearing the watch.... I had issues with both mapmyfitness and runtastic where it would use the phone gps, but if turn phone off or it runs out of battery it never used the watch gps, so use one or the other...

I've also use only Huawei health built in app, since it records everything in one place - walk, sleep, calories, activity type, etc. I've use runasttic a few times and its seems to work correctly with built in gps.

For runtwstic it was hit and miss with using GPS on Watch, I had to turn off watch for it to trigger. I also found that if you had pro version the built in version wouldn't talk to it and insisted you install basic on phone.
Sent from my Huawei P20 Pro using XDA Labs

Interesting. I have just got a HW2C and tried it out running couple of days ago. Did 16.5k run, which strava and run keeper on my phone registered but the health app on watch have me a reading of 15.7km,despite tracking the route of the run perfectly.
Unfortunately this would be a deal breaker for me. Anyone else experienced this? Gonna try the strava app on the watch next time and see if that makes a difference. Any tips on getting the right distance?