Use WAAS or not?

 

I have a Nuvi 350. I travel mostly in semi-rural areas and small communitites of under 100,000, very infrequently in urban canyons. I notice the Nuvi 350 has the option of WAAS on or off. I realize the <3 meters accuracy possible with WAAS, but if I m not calling in artillery shots, do I need to consume the extra battery power that WAAS "ON" would use?

If you're running on battery power

And want to extend run time, sure, turn off WAAS. But if you're plugged into the car, what's the worry?

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

Power Source

is the central criterion. If, as kch50428 says, you're running portable off the battery and need to maximize the run time on the battery, then turn WAAS off and you'll get some extra time. I you're running off the vehicle electrical system, then there apparently is no reason not to turn WAAS on.

Use WAAS or not?

I usually keep mine on, even though I haven't really noticed any difference in the accuracy of my unit.

--
Not doing anything worth a darn.

Something to think about

cellis wrote:

..... do I need to consume the extra battery power that WAAS "ON" would use?

The nuvi 350 updates the display approximately every second. If you're traveling at 60mph, you're covering approximately 88 feet every time the GPS updates. That means the display 'could be' off by 88 ft plus the error of the GPS (at the instant just prior to the GPS updating). If you're using the GPS for vehicle navigation, what does 3 meter accuracy matter??

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

`

retiredtechnician wrote:

If you're using the GPS for vehicle navigation, what does 3 meter accuracy matter??

At highway speeds, it does not.

However, if stationary, it could mean all the difference in the world for an EMS crew finding you on the side of the road, or down a steep embankment, not visible from the road.

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

That's exactly

kch50428 wrote:
retiredtechnician wrote:

If you're using the GPS for vehicle navigation, what does 3 meter accuracy matter??

At highway speeds, it does not.

However, if stationary, it could mean all the difference in the world for an EMS crew finding you on the side of the road, or down a steep embankment, not visible from the road.

1. That's exactly why I specified "If you're using the GPS for vehicle navigation"!!
2. If the EMS can find you within 10 feet, they can find you within 20 feet.
3. If you're capable (after an accident) to find your cell phone, dial it, find the GPS, get the coordinates, you will be able to turn the WAAS on before calling.

The point is WAAS isn't necessary for vehicle navigation!

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

It may not be necessary, but

It may not be necessary, but it can't hurt.....

--
I don't know where I'm going or remember where I've been...without Garmin.

To WAAS or not

If you search WAAS on WIKIPEDIA, it goes through a thorough explanation of it. The most interesting thing though, it that it isn't meant for land based vehicles. It is designed for aviation use to insure that a pilot is lined up with the runway specifically with altitude. (3D space) Unless you plan on flying your car on a regular basis, and I don't mean speeding, I don't really see the point in using it.

Can't Hurt? Not Necessarily

loadingzone wrote:

It may not be necessary, but it can't hurt.....

Nothing is perfect .... this includes WAAS. Do a Google search for "disadvantages of WAAS", you'll find several sites. Just a few 'hurts' mentioned in GPS forums are longer access time, higher GPS current drain, sometimes with no better accuracy; in some conditions, it actually hurt accuracy.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Too bad I don't have a GPSr

Too bad I don't have a GPSr with WAAS that can record a track log. Otherwise, I can compare the two in term of accuracy instead reading some articles that might be out dated.

I have an Edge 305 with a SirF chip, but no WAAS. It can be quite accurate one day then recorded some odd tracks the next.

Some interesting numbers

Ein wrote:

Too bad I don't have a GPSr with WAAS that can record a track log. Otherwise, I can compare the two in term of accuracy instead reading some articles that might be out dated.

Are these typical numbers?? Don't know, but this is what I got.

First, direct from the horses mouth (Garmin) concerning higher current drain with WAAS on, the tech told me battery life with WAAS on is 4-5 hrs, with it off is 6-7 hrs.

Driving on the same road during the same time of day (so weather conditions aren't a factor), using the GPS accuracy indicator:
WAAS Off: varied between 17-19 feet.
WAAS On: varied between 19-23 feet.
Factoring in the 88 foot display error, neither on or off play much of a factor while traveling at 60mph.

Stationary:
WAAS Off: best accuracy was 15 feet, achieved in 1 minute from turn-on.
WAAS On: best accuracy was 13 feet, achieved in over 3 minutes from turn-on. Incidentally, the 'Off' accuracy of 15 feet was achieved in 90 seconds, a full 30 seconds longer.

Like I said, I don't know if this is typical; but for me, I'm leaving WAAS off for vehicle navigation.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Thanks! Think I'll be turning WAAS off...

Had it turned on on my c330 but didn't notice any difference in accuracy. Just had it on because I could, and thought it might be better with no downside. Now I've learned from this thread that any theoretical gain from WAAS will be at the cost of higher power draw and won't be significant or meaninful under normal driving conditions anyway.

Thanks for all the helpful info!

--
David A Potter

waas

i go with waas, i think it's better

--
[URL=http://www.speedtest.net][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/693683800.png[/IMG][/URL]

WAAS the big deal...

--
nüvi 660 & 670 - Hello I'm a Mac :))

Real numbers

amontman wrote:

IT WASS HERE

And here (wikipedia).

alofficial wrote:

i go with waas, i think it's better

It would be interesting if you could do some real number crunching, both with WAAS on and off, and post the results here. Check both the accuracy and time required to get that accuracy.

Thanks.
RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Turned it off...

Used to have it on. After reading more about it, I turned WAAS off. Haven't noticed any difference with it on or off.

No WAAS for me

SimphulGUY wrote:

Used to have it on. After reading more about it, I turned WAAS off. Haven't noticed any difference with it on or off.

I have tried a few weeks with WAAS on and found no difference in accuracy either. In fact, the nuvi seemed to take longer to acquire satellites from a cold start while WAAS was on.

--
Brent - DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S

re: Turned it off...

SimphulGUY wrote:

Used to have it on. After reading more about it, I turned WAAS off. Haven't noticed any difference with it on or off.

Same here. I'm going to try it for a week to see if there's any difference.

Which nuvis can turn it off?

Which nuvis have the capability of turning WAAS on and off? Is this done from the satellite screen (which the 2x0 series lacks)?

--
><> Glenn <>< Garmin nüvi 2598

nuvi 350 does

gdfaini wrote:

Which nuvis have the capability of turning WAAS on and off? Is this done from the satellite screen (which the 2x0 series lacks)?

To select/deselect WAAS in the nuvi 350: from the start-up screen, press the 'Settings' wrench, press 'System', and press the 'On' or 'Off' to the right of 'WAAS/EGNOS'.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

nuvi 2x0 lacks that too

retiredtechnician wrote:
gdfaini wrote:

Which nuvis have the capability of turning WAAS on and off? Is this done from the satellite screen (which the 2x0 series lacks)?

To select/deselect WAAS in the nuvi 350: from the start-up screen, press the 'Settings' wrench, press 'System', and press the 'On' or 'Off' to the right of 'WAAS/EGNOS'.

RT

The nuvi 2x0 lacks that too.

--
><> Glenn <>< Garmin nüvi 2598

WASS or Not

WASS is not needed with a sirf III receiver. that is
why it comes turned off.

EMS

kch50428 wrote:
retiredtechnician wrote:

If you're using the GPS for vehicle navigation, what does 3 meter accuracy matter??

At highway speeds, it does not.

However, if stationary, it could mean all the difference in the world for an EMS crew finding you on the side of the road, or down a steep embankment, not visible from the road.

First of all, how many threads are we going to have about WAAS? LOL

Second, I often wondered how many ppl have used their GPSr and given emergency workers coordinates to get help. The next time I call the police because of a traffic accident I see (or involved in), I am going to give coordinates along with streetnames.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

`

asianfire wrote:

The next time I call the police because of a traffic accident I see (or involved in), I am going to give coordinates along with streetnames.

If you call a 911 dispatch center that's equipped the latest in e-911 technology from your cell phone, they'll already have your coordinates when they answer the call...otherwise, ask if they'd like the coordinates.

--
*Keith* MacBook Pro *wifi iPad(2012) w/BadElf GPS & iPhone6 + Navigon*

That is true, I wonder how

That is true, I wonder how many police departments have that capability.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Combine Threads??

asianfire wrote:

... how many threads are we going to have about WAAS?

If one does a search of this site for WAAS you'll find MANY threads. Maybe they should all be combined???

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

I didnt look, but we need a

I didnt look, but we need a WAAS FAQ if there isn't one...lol.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

That doesn't address the real problem...

This topic isn't the only one with multiple threads. We really need to have people search before creating a new thread to keep the forum more organized and streamlined.

--
Garmin nüvi® 660, iPhone 8gb (Technology is not the solution. It's only a tool to help you achieve it.)

I second that

theTraveler wrote:

... We really need to have people search before creating a new thread to keep the forum more organized and streamlined.

I second that motion!!

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

It isn't going to happen

theTraveler wrote:

This topic isn't the only one with multiple threads. We really need to have people search before creating a new thread to keep the forum more organized and streamlined.

We all know that isn't going to happen!

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

Have you guys seen the new

Have you guys seen the new sticky that Jon has put at the top of the hello welcome forum area? We are hoping that this will work.
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/6680

Miss Poi

Poster's permit

You should make them take a quiz after the FAQ to make sure they actually read it. If they pass, then allow posting..... wink

my 2cents

--
Garmin nüvi® 660, iPhone 8gb (Technology is not the solution. It's only a tool to help you achieve it.)

lol

lol

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

I agree!

theTraveler wrote:

This topic isn't the only one with multiple threads. We really need to have people search before creating a new thread to keep the forum more organized and streamlined.

If you posted like that on a Linux forum they'd skin you alive lol...

Ray

--
Garmin Streetpilot i3, Streetpilot C580 and Nuvi 265WT

Linux

raybonz wrote:
theTraveler wrote:

This topic isn't the only one with multiple threads. We really need to have people search before creating a new thread to keep the forum more organized and streamlined.

If you posted like that on a Linux forum they'd skin you alive lol...

Ray

What is Linux, is that made by Garmin? Just kidding...lol.

--
Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

WAAS and NUVI 760

I call Garmin and it's confirmed . The 760 is always WAAS active, so it is always on. We can't change it.

Reference:

Product Support Specialist
2nd Shift Automotive Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-397-8282
www.garmin.com

Great Discussion

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone. This thread answered exactly what I was wondering. My 650 came defaulted with WAAS Off and was wondering what added benefit it was. I think I am going to keep it off for a while and then try it on for a week and see if I can tell the difference.

in either case, wheter

in either case, wheter turning off the WAAS or not, most people fail to realize that you need to let the lithium battery in the device run out and then recharge it to its full capacity otherwise the life of the battery overall is greatly reduced. DO NOT leave your Garmin or any other lithium battery operated device plugged in at all times. Great example is the phone at my work. its been left on the charger for so long now that when its removed it loses power within thirty minutes or so.

--
Nuvi 350 says "enjoy spending time with people in life that make it worth living."

Good bonus info, Matt!

This was a great thread. I'm glad I took the time to read it through even though I had pretty much made up my mind to go go without WAAS fairly early on.

The reminder about letting the battery completely discharge once-in-awhile is a good one. I always forget that about my rechargeable electronics. But, then, when you use the Traffic option, it has to be plugged in. Guess I need to turn it on when I take it in the house with me just so it runs the battery down, huh? =)

By the way, folks! Hello from a newly obsessive GPS user! =) I LOVE my C500... only wish I could've afforded the version that includes XM radio and weather overlays. Oh well... next time, right?

Battery Drain

matt butler wrote:

most people fail to realize that you need to let the lithium battery in the device run out and then recharge it to its full capacity otherwise the life of the battery overall is greatly reduced.

Most people fail to realize that......because it is not true. Not with LiH batteries anyway, and not much with NiMh either. The batteries in your (cordless ??) phone at work are probably NiCad. They are the ones that needed to be "conditioned" when new and suffer from continuous charging. NiMh replacements are available for some common sizes and are better for several reasons.

--
Magellan Maestro 4250// MIO C310X

WAAS

Check this thread out from Garmi on WAAS.To me the feature is well worth keeping on any time I am connected in the car. http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/waas.html

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

i use WAAS all the time. I

i use WAAS all the time. I just keep it on. It really helps with the accuracy of your unit. I keep it on all the time on my Lowrance Unit in my boat, because if i didnt, I would have difficultly finding a certain place such as a brush pile or a rock on the water with out it. It greatly improves that accuracy of your unit. but it really isnt that much of a big deal on the road because of street signs telling you where you are anyway.

-my 2 cents

--
Garmin Nuvi 360, Etrex Legend, Oregon 200; Lowrance 520c. "We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." -General George S. Patton

Lithium-ion Batteries

See Wikipedia's info on Lithium-ion batteries at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion

You'll find discharging isn't necessary as they do not have the memory problem; in fact, continual complete discharge of Lithium-ion batteries can be harmful.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Several threads here

ochsfisher wrote:

i use WAAS all the time. I just keep it on. It really helps with the accuracy of your unit. I keep it on all the time on my Lowrance Unit in my boat, because if i didnt, I would have difficultly finding a certain place such as a brush pile or a rock on the water with out it. It greatly improves that accuracy of your unit. but it really isnt that much of a big deal on the road because of street signs telling you where you are anyway.

-my 2 cents

There are several threads here on WAAS. You'll find that with WAAS on, some have found worse accuracy. Adding in all of the other disadvantage, mine stays off.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

WAAS, or not to WAAS?

I have WAAS disabled and found no ill effect when using the GPS. In the beginning I did have it enabled and depending on the location I was at, it seemed that it gave me a higher accuracy. In the end I think it doesn't make a whole lot of difference for normal everyday use in a car or on a motorbike.

--
Garmin Zumo550

WAAS not

I've not found any advantage to using WAAS, but several disadvantages as some have mentioned above.

--
___________________ Garmin 2455, 855, Oregon 550t

Keeping WAAS On

I have noticed at times when I didn't have WAAS enabled my accuracy suffered. I always make sure it is on.

--
TomTom Via 1435TM & Garmin Nuvi 750

WAAS

Does the TT One XL have this option? I haven't seen it.