Garmin eTrex Vista HCx WAAS accuracy.

[brian.r.hamilton]

I've noticed that my eTrex Vista HCx has better actual accuracy with WAAS disabled.

 

When stationary, WAAS disabled yields a tighter grouping of track points with zero spurious points. With WAAS enabled, I get quite a few spurious points away from my actual position. Whether I'm stationary or moving, the displayed accuracy is essentially the same (~+/- 10 feet), but the real accuracy (judged by satellite images) is better with WAAS disabled.

 

Anybody else notice the same thing?

 

PS. I have the latest firmware (version 2.30) & have been careful to check the WAAS setting while gathering data.

 

PPS. I'm on the west coast of North America.

Edited August 8, 2007 by B R H

[+Chuy!]

I wouldn't doubt it. I have 100+ finds with my Vista HCx and have not felt a need to engage WAAS yet. Those finds are split between the west coast (SoCal) and the east ( D.C.)

[Rhialto]

All I can say is I was getting +-3m without WAAS and with 8-10 sats I believe. I know it will never show +-2m anyway.

[brian.r.hamilton]

I'm not really complaining, it's just curious why WAAS ON is worse. I wonder if this means anything. With my Vista C, I get 48 & 51, but on my Vista HCx, I always only get 49, never 48 or 51. I can't find any information on 49.