Garmin

[suzannews]

What model do you have? Love it? Hate it? Wish you had a different one? What features do you use and which do you not bother with? Easy to use?


Thanks to my fellow Super Goofs for all of their suggestions. I REALLY want one!

[runningjusme]

i just bought a 205. i already have a HRM and dont like wearing that one, so might as well not spend extra money on the 305. the 405 wasnt out when i bought mine.

i got it from Amazon, 149.65 total thanks to prime shipping.

i really like it, i only use it for running.

the negatives i have found so far though:
- sometimes the pace is really wonky. i will be going THE SAME pace and one second, its 14:12, the next its 26:15 ... i KNOW i didnt slow down that much in the course of a second... not sure if it has to do with satellites or what..

- i have yet to find a 'quick' start that you dont have to set a time / distance cap. my first long run, i set for 45 mins. 45 mins into my run, the garmin told me i was done. well that's fine, but i was about 8-10 mins from my house... wish there was a way to just GO... (maybe there is and i just havent figured it out yet???)

despite those 2 things, i love it and wear it every time i run...

if i had to do it again, i'd probably still get the 205 cause the wheel on the 405, i dunno .. reminds me of the iPod wheel which is really sensitive and i always pass what i want to select.

[Lynn G]

I have the garmin 205, and yes, sometimes the pace is screwy, but I pay more attention to my average pace when it does. I do have trouble with it in Orlando, I think because of all the trees - there are no trees where I am in Wyoming! I understand that the 305 and 405 have better satellite reception. I have never had a problem with it telling me my workout is over, but I guess I do not use that program, I just turn it on and go. I do have it alarm at every half mile and I run for .1 miles every half mile. I have wondered if I would train better with a heart monitor, but I am happy with the 205. I used it for bike riding the other day for the first time, it seemed to work well. It gave me the same milage that I get walking the same route, and also gave me my average pace in mph. I did not look at it while I was riding, it was my first bike ride in years, and I was busy getting used to the bike!

[cryssi]

I love my 205. I don't use a lot of features, but I have it set up with 4 windows - elapsed time, pace, distance, and time. It laps at every mile, so I can see how I've done. Really great on the long runs to see that I'm hitting my average goal pace. I really should figure out how to use the GPS though...

cons:
takes FOREVER to find a satellite...I've solved this problem by turning it on while I'm still in the house and warming up...by the time I'm ready to go outside, it's ready!

some may think it's bulky, but I've gotten used to it so it doesn't bother me!

I certainly couldn't train without it...it's great!

[Villains_Rock]

I also have the 205...and I love it! I use it anytime I run outside...basically like the PP that said they have the 4 split windows. I have mine set to alarm when I go 5 miles to let me know when to take Gu. I love getting home and checking my averages..it makes you feel really good about what you've just accomplished. It is really big though...so if you have small wrists I would recommend going to your local Dick's or whatever and seeing if they have one you could try on first.

[wfloyd]

- i have yet to find a 'quick' start that you dont have to set a time / distance cap. my first long run, i set for 45 mins. 45 mins into my run, the garmin told me i was done. well that's fine, but i was about 8-10 mins from my house... wish there was a way to just GO... (maybe there is and i just havent figured it out yet???)



If you don't use any training program, you can reset it (hit and hold the lap button for 3 seconds) and then hit the start/stop button and just go. I have mine set to beep every mile but it keeps going until I stop it.

I have the 305 and the 301. I have enjoyed both of them and I think the 305 does have better reception and lock capabilities. I don't use the HRM that much but it is interesting to see every now and then.

Bill

[wtpclc]

I have teh 204. Does teh job, but I have signal issues at times and it's huge. I am used to it, but am secretly prayign it will die so I can upgrade. ;)

[Big Vic]

I have a 301 and like it very much. However, I have some pretty good intel indicating I may be receiving a 405 for Father's Day. ::cop: :banana:

[scoolover]

205 here also. Some issues. Long time locating satallites and I wish I had gotten the HR monitor. Other than that I love it. A charged battery lasts a long time.

[SamSam]

205 here and I love it! I always use when I'm outside, even if I'm doing a short walk. I don't use many of the features and I still love it. I have mine set to tell me when I go above or below a certain pace. The screen also always shows my distance, pace, time. In my area it always finds a satellite quickly so that's not an issue for me.

The only con for me is that my wrist is small and there are times on a LW that it bothers me quite a bit.

[Kira G.]

I also have a 205, and I love it. It does take a long time for it to find a satellite signal, but I have gotten in the habit of putting it outside on my steps while I'm getting my shoes on and then it works fine for me.

I have not tried many of the features yet, but I did use for bike riding the other day and it worked great.

It's one of the best toys I ever got!

[Cruella de mom]

305 and I love it. I even use the heartrate monitor too. I have used it for running, biking, and walks.

I even used it in the parks at WDW when I was doing Goofy. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't spending too much extra time on my feet. Plus it was fascinating to see how (NOT) far apart all the attractions are from each other.

It does have a little lag time on the pace but if you are running less than 15 or so miles you can set it to check the satellites more often and then the pace is closer to true time. This drains the battery though so you can't use it for a 20 mile run but you aren't supposed to worry about pace on those runs anyway.

I highly recommend one if you plan to train for more races.

[twoWDWfools]

Another one here with the 205. Love it even with the satellite issue.

I bought the bike mounting kit ($15 on Amazon) and it comes with a velcro wrist strap you swap it to and that makes it fit better.

[Caseydilla]

I have the 305 as well. I really like it and use it every run and race that I do. Sometimes it takes a bit to connect with the satellites but it's not too bad. I usually just try and remember to turn it on right as I'm starting to get dressed so that it's ready in time when I leave. I honestly don't use the heart rate feature but use quite a few of the many features. I have become so used to running with a Garmin, I feel lost without it.

[funwalker]

I have the 305 and really like it. I use it all the time for all my walking & biking.

I like the size, route mapping, and the seperate sports tracking features. Have not experienced problems losing connections in this area.

The HR monitor: Have not used it.
I take BP meds and was told it would not be accurate… I know I should find what is accurate for me but I haven’t.

[jam217]

I have the 205 and love it as well. I do agree that the pacing can get a little screwy especially when I'm going through an area with a bunch of trees. Rather than waiting for it to find a satellite, I set it by an open window while I'm stretching. By the time I'm done stretching, the Garmin is ready to go.

[CarolA]

I have the 205. I want the 405, but will have to wait since I gave up waiting on them to produce the thing and bought the 205.

I have discovered the secret to getting the thing to find the sattelites is to take it outside and NOT move it. Trust me it takes just a minute if it's sitting still outside. If you walk around, strech etc, it takes FOREVER! It also struggles inside so I don't even try that!

[Duanerice]

I have the basic, the 101. Never run or bike without it. The biggest drawback is I can't download into the computer. Yea it takes AAA batteries, but I use rechargeable so it's not an issue.

I too start it up while I am getting dressed. I also get a pace that jumps all around. I have it set based on all the advice I read and it still jumps around. When I review once finished my pace seems accurate but while running it's a crap shoot. Luckily I pretty much know what my pace is so it is not a big issue.

Wish I had the 305 for a couple of reasons. It is supposed to obtain a satellite a little faster, it has heart rate monitor and I can upload it into my computer. I'll get one eventually.

enjoy,
Duane

[skfulkers]

the negatives i have found so far though:
- sometimes the pace is really wonky. i will be going THE SAME pace and one second, its 14:12, the next its 26:15 ... i KNOW i didnt slow down that much in the course of a second... not sure if it has to do with satellites or what..


I'm not sure if you have tried this, but if you go into the settings, you can set "Pace smoothing." It basically changes the intervals in which the Garmin attempts to calculate your pace (ie--every second as opposed to every half second, etc). It really helps to eliminate the problem of weird pace readings due to arm swing, etc. When I first got my 201, I had the same problem and it drove me nuts :eek: until I figured out the Pace Smoothing option.

I have the 305 now and I love it. I will admit I'm having new toy envy over the 405, but anyway.... Yeah, I do like the 305. I use the heart rate monitor about 50% of the time. Mostly on shorter distances so I can train the appropriate HR zone. I use it for both biking and running. I'm guessing it's water resistant enough to use for swimming, but I'm scared to try just in case it's not. Anyone tried this?

Steve

[runningjusme]

If you don't use any training program, you can reset it (hit and hold the lap button for 3 seconds) and then hit the start/stop button and just go. I have mine set to beep every mile but it keeps going until I stop it.

I have the 305 and the 301. I have enjoyed both of them and I think the 305 does have better reception and lock capabilities. I don't use the HRM that much but it is interesting to see every now and then.

Bill

ohhh, nice! thanks!!

I'm not sure if you have tried this, but if you go into the settings, you can set "Pace smoothing." It basically changes the intervals in which the Garmin attempts to calculate your pace (ie--every second as opposed to every half second, etc). It really helps to eliminate the problem of weird pace readings due to arm swing, etc. When I first got my 201, I had the same problem and it drove me nuts :eek: until I figured out the Pace Smoothing

thanks for the pace options guys, i appreciate it!!

[postesf]

I got the 305 as an early anniversary present! I love it!!! I just go. I don't mess too much with the settings. I really just care about how far I've been and my avg pace. I'm very happy with it! :thumbsup2

Stacie

[Dennyha]

I use the 205 for my training, and on runs. I have a Polar HR monitor that I also wear occasionally.

I like that I can download my run into the computer and see what I did. Mine seems to pick up satellites pretty quick, maybe a minute or so.

[FatElvis]

So I went from only vaguely knowing what a Garmin was, to absolutely desperately coveting one, in the space of one weekend. Awesome! Not affected by marketing AT ALL! ;)

Anyway, I found the 205 at Tiger Direct for $160. That seems pretty good, no? They also have the 305 for $229. Is the biggest difference in those two the heart rate monitor?

If anyone has any good suggestions for good deals, I'd love to hear them. My husband just kind of laughed and rolled his eyes and told me to order it as an early birthday present. I think that's because I thought they all cost $500 so when I said $160 he was relieved.

[wfloyd]

I'm guessing it's water resistant enough to use for swimming, but I'm scared to try just in case it's not. Anyone tried this?

Steve

That would be the wrong guess from what I have heard. It is water resistant enough to stay out in rain and sweat but not be submerged. People that use if for swimming (Tri's and such) put it under their rubber swimming cap and use it that way.

Bill

[smileyk8]

i've just done something a bit impulsive and ordered a 405! It was £60 off bringing it down to US prices so i did it. Here's hoping it wasn't a giant mistake, but i can't wait to start playing with it.

Anyone got any must know tips for a first time garmin owner? :goodvibes

[skfulkers]

Anyway, I found the 205 at Tiger Direct for $160. That seems pretty good, no? They also have the 305 for $229. Is the biggest difference in those two the heart rate monitor?


Yep, you're correct. The only difference between the 205 and the 305 is the color (blue vs red) and the heart rate monitor. I'm not sure, but I'm also guessing the optional cadence sensor you can buy (for biking) only works with the 305 as well.

But if you're not going to use the HRM or the cadence sensor, go with the 205 and save yourself a little cash. Have fun with the new Garmin! I'm thinking you'll love it. It is the ONE item, other than my shoes, that I won't leave for an outdoor run without.

Steve

[CarolA]

i've just done something a bit impulsive and ordered a 405! It was £60 off bringing it down to US prices so i did it. Here's hoping it wasn't a giant mistake, but i can't wait to start playing with it.

Anyone got any must know tips for a first time garmin owner? :goodvibes


I am jealous. I want one! Let us know how it works!

[bunnyfoo]

i've just done something a bit impulsive and ordered a 405! It was £60 off bringing it down to US prices so i did it. Here's hoping it wasn't a giant mistake, but i can't wait to start playing with it.

Anyone got any must know tips for a first time garmin owner? :goodvibes

You did?! :goodvibes I saw one at the running store today and just stared! I put down a 405 on my birthday wish list but that isn't for months.

Let us know how you like it!!

[dsnyfan21]

I did preorder the 405 black and am waiting for it to arrive. I got an email at the end of May stating that tigergps just got there shipments from Garmin and were getting ready to ship them out and I would get an email when mine shipped. I have not gotten that email yet. I will wait till next week and then check on it again.

I currently have the 205 and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I don't go anywhere while training without my good friend "Garmi".

[Lynn G]

I had heard that the 305 picked up satellites a little better than the 205???

[FatElvis]

After obsessing like a crazy person, I gave in and ordered a 305. I used it for the first time yesterday and holy moly, how much do I love it already?! This thing is amazing! I can't wait to see how far some of my runs really are, I always just kind of estimate based on how long it takes me to run them.

The heart rate monitor is pretty cool too, although my heart rate seemed to be above what it should have. I felt fine, it seemed like an easy run but that rate was sure high. Gotta check more on that.

[dsnyfan21]

Well, my garmi 405 is still on hold, they are again backordered from garmi themselves and they can't seem to keep up with demand. Oh well, I used my 205 for my bike ride today. I changed it over from running to biking and worked great.!!

[suzannews]

I bought the 201 and used it for the first time yesterday. Amazing! Once I got used to wearing it, I forgot it was even there and did a 5 mile walk with no problem. I will never walk/jog/run without it!!

[amykab]

I ordered the 205 and it should be here on Friday! :cool1: I can't wait to play with it this weekend, it will probably motivate me to get out there and put in some miles. :woohoo:

[smileyk8]

ok so i have been on two runs with my lovely garmin 405. I have to say i love how accurate it is and the maps afterwards are cool, but I'm certain I'm not using it to it's full capabilities. Anyone downloaded a running programme from runners world on to theirs? I have it in garmin training centre, but i can't see it on my garmin. Hmm. Still looks great and it does make me keep going that little bit longer :thumbsup2

[bunnyfoo]

I'm planning on picking up the 405 in a week or two as someone's agreed to give me an early birthday present. :yay:

I'm just curious - how many of you have a Forerunner with a heart rate monitor? I've never used one before but I've been doing a little bit of research on it. I'm still undecided. Do you find it useful?

TIA :goodvibes

[Big Vic]

My lovely wife gave me a 405 for Father's Day. I'm still figuring it out. I've actually been wearing it to work as a watch. hehehe

I bought a foot pod for it also. Today I'll get it calibrated at the track, and then see how accurate it is on the TM.

[scuba diver]

I'm planning on picking up the 405 in a week or two as someone's agreed to give me an early birthday present. :yay:

I'm just curious - how many of you have a Forerunner with a heart rate monitor? I've never used one before but I've been doing a little bit of research on it. I'm still undecided. Do you find it useful?

TIA :goodvibes

I have a 305 and use the HRM. I went in for the heart rate testing at my local sports facility so I would know my zones and rates. Knowing your zones and numbers is important so you can use the HRM to keep you were you want. There are on-line tools that will provide estimates.

[Stroller Boy]

Wow, alot of 205's out there :) I've got a 50 with the footpod and HRM, and paid 150 for the whole lot. Works great and has been very accurate for me. Just wasn't sold on the GPS piece yet, and do a decent amount of indoor running (not so much as of late...) The timing has been super accurate (exactly the same as a couple of 5k events I raced in), and I love the software. The size of this unit as compared to others sold me as well.

With that said, I'm saving up for the 405!!! :lmao:

[dsnyfan21]

Had a hard time waiting for my pre-order Garmin 405, so I canceled the order and ordered it from a store that had them in already. Should be here in 4-6 business days. YEAH!!!!!! I will then give my mom the 205 that I have, she will love it!!:cool1:

[mkymsehi]

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/gear/heartratemonitors/

The Garmin 405 w/heart rate monitor is $314.99+ tax, if you are a VIP member ($40 annual fee for discount on all purchases). Free shipping for purchases over $125. Use code CZ1800044

[cryssi]

How accurate are these things anyway? I often feel like I can't be running *that* fast...lol...my stats are consitently decent in my eyes, and it worries me that I may be slower than I think...lol

[mkymsehi]

Whooo hoooo :cool1: I scored a brand new Garmin 405 w/heart rate monitor tonight. Someone had it posted online, and I was the first caller. Charging it up, and will break it in on Saturday. I lucked out and got it for less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Yea!!!

[dsnyfan21]

NNNIIIIICCCCEEEE Jeff!! COOL!!:thumbsup2
I wrote before that I ordered mine, they emailed today and said it shipped out this morning. I can't wait to mess around with it. Let me know the geek factor needed to customize the screens. It took me a year to get to the point where I knew almost everything I needed to know to customize it and use it the way I wanted to with all the menu sceens and stuff.

[mkymsehi]

NNNIIIIICCCCEEEE Jeff!! COOL!!:thumbsup2
I wrote before that I ordered mine, they emailed today and said it shipped out this morning. I can't wait to mess around with it. Let me know the geek factor needed to customize the screens. It took me a year to get to the point where I knew almost everything I needed to know to customize it and use it the way I wanted to with all the menu sceens and stuff.

Tracy,

First I registered my serial number at Garmin.com. Then I created an account at Connectgarmin.com. You'll create a username, and password which are required to log into their website and access your account. Be sure to update your time zone, and also set a goal (like how many miles in a week, and the start date of your goal).

Out of the box it took 3 hours to charge it up.

You have a few steps using the bezel and the side buttons to choose language, time zone, etc.

Then you have to take it outside to link up to the satellites and get the GPS going (first time took about 2 minutes). It sets the time and date for you.

Then you have to set up a "run" by starting the timer, letting it run, then stopping it.

Once you've done that, you go to Garmin.com and download the 405 software. After installing it, following certain steps, you then plug in the USB antenna into your computer. DO NOT DO THIS UNTIL THE PROGRAM TELLS YOU.

Then you click the ANT button, and it does a search for the 405, which needs to be within 3 meters (9 feet) of your computer. When it finds your 405, the screen asks you to "pair" your unit, click yes. You also have to give your Garmin a name.

Then you click a few buttons for it to search your activities (walks or runs).
You then have to click the selection box to upload your activities. From there, you can view all your activities.

This is my first Garmin, and it was somewhat simple for me to figure out when reading the quick start manual. Using the bezel to scroll takes a little getting used to.

There are a few additional steps. Updating profile with your birth date, weight, what pace you want to run at, etc. I also put on the heart monitor to test my resting heart rate, so I could input that info as well.

I played around with it for about an hour, and got it set up for what I want.

That's my set up report. I'll take it out for a spin later today and follow up with another report.

Test run report:

I'm back from my supposed "8 miler" bus run. LOL, we took the newbies further on the marathon course, the part that loops through Hawaii Kai area. Well, it ended up being 11.9 miles. He He He. :lmao:

Tiny issue with not resetting my new Garmin 405 at the start. I included a .75 mile walk with my Princess #2 and dog from last night. So I was .75 ahead of everyone else with their Garmin 305's. I told them they weren't running far enough. :rotfl:

Also, the walking measurement last night made today's Garmin pace slower than everyone else's readings, so that's probably the reason I was running to fast for them. Must be the new equipment. LOL. :rotfl2:

[dsnyfan21]

Guess what I got in the mail today.....
My new Garmin 405, here is me checking it out as it is charging.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/dsnyfan/garmi405.jpg

[amykab]

Just got my 205 on friday..I am totally in :lovestruc :love: with it already!

Quick Question: Does anyone know if repeated exposure to sweat would affect the contacts on the back that charge the battery? :confused3

[dsnyfan21]

Amy: I have had my Garmi 205 for about 2.5 years. I do where a wrist band ot cotton piece under my garmi because my humid sweating make the garmin slide down my arm no matter how tightly I strap it on. I have never had a problem with it. Every so often I use a cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol on it to "clean" the contacts but just a bit.

[smileyk8]

Guess what I got in the mail today.....
My new Garmin 405, here is me checking it out as it is charging.

Tracy i'm so pleased it's finally come. Bless you, look at that excited child at christmas face!!!! Let us know what you think :)

[amykab]

Amy: I have had my Garmi 205 for about 2.5 years. I do where a wrist band ot cotton piece under my garmi because my humid sweating make the garmin slide down my arm no matter how tightly I strap it on. I have never had a problem with it. Every so often I use a cotton swab with a bit of rubbing alcohol on it to "clean" the contacts but just a bit.

Thanks for your suggestions, Tracy! :goodvibes

[mkymsehi]

Quick note:

I charged my 405 on Saturday night. Full charge 100% when I ran 12 miles with it on Sunday. Rode to work with it on Monday 6 miles.

As of Tuesday there's 35% battery life left. I hope it makes it through today's 8 miler. I think it should.

Anyone out there know the battery life on a full charge, and using it regularly as a watch and for training? 5 days, a week, longer?

Vic? Tracy?

Tracy, this is for you. LOL, we're twins.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg92/mkymsehi/DSCN3506.jpg

[dsnyfan21]

Jeff: Hey we are twins with SmileyKate and VIc!!. I used mine (405) tonight for a 3.68 mile walk and It was fully charged last night and right now at 9:14 pm it says it is 71% charged. I guess with having it on all the time is one slight downfall of it. You can't really "turn it off". I think the more you mess with the settings and menus the more power it uses.
Loving mine so far and I think the best thing I like is that it much smaller than my 205 and much LIGHTER. I didn't have to put anything under it while wearin it and I did sweat alot during my walk.

[dsnyfan21]

Comparison of the 205 and the 405...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/dsnyfan/garmi2-1.jpg http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/dsnyfan/Garmi1-1.jpg

The 205 is about 2 1/8" wide, and 3/4" thick on the side.
The 405 is aobut 1 3/4" wide, and 5/8" thick on the side.

Hope that helps you all out.

[mkymsehi]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/dsnyfan/garmi2-1.jpg http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/dsnyfan/Garmi1-1.jpg


A HA! No wonder you go in circles to the left, all the weight is on the left wrist, and you're not balanced. Time for a wheel alignment Tracy. :rotfl2:

[Scott H]

Now here is a properly dressed 405 LOL

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/scotth5150/DSCN4306.jpg

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg37/scotth5150/DSCN4307.jpg

Pretty KEWL!!! HUH.

[dsnyfan21]

WOW gibitz (not sure if that's the word for the things you put on your crocs) on your 405, I will def look into that!! Thanks Scott.

Jeff: OMG!!! I was on the floor laughing:lmao: :rotfl2: with that comment.! I do have my road id on the other wrist, but yeah I guess I have an alignment problem.

[mkymsehi]

Now here is a properly dressed 405 LOL


Scott,

LOL, better not let Crocs or Gibbitz see that, they're go nuts!

I like it though :rotfl2:


Tracy, a Road Id does not have the same mass or density as the 405, so you really need to get into the pits to solve your front end alignment problems. ::yes::

I left home at 7:15 am with a 100% battery charge. I rode 3 miles, and Garmin went into sleep mode. Now it's 4:40 pm, and it's showing 89% battery life. So by my estimates, 4 days is as long as a charge will hold.

[skfulkers]

I'm having new toy envy over all your 405s. I'm going to have to convince myself that I don't need a new Garmin. My old, ugly 305 will have to do. ;)

Steve

[Scott H]

OK guys some help here, What am I doing wrong. I reset the unit nad go for a run. When finished it seem to add the last run to the total???? I reset the unit as I thought that was what I was doing wrong. Any Ideas.

When I down load it is correct in the distance, pace etc etc.

[Scott H]

LOL, better not let Crocs or Gibbitz see that, they're go nuts!



Jeff they will just rename them and charge more.

[Tiger Lily 03]

I too have 405 envy. Love the new look of it all.

When I finally get one, since my 205 is still working probably never, I know you will have all the bugs worked out, or in, with the Jibitz.

[mkymsehi]

OK guys some help here, What am I doing wrong. I reset the unit nad go for a run. When finished it seem to add the last run to the total???? I reset the unit as I thought that was what I was doing wrong. Any Ideas.

When I down load it is correct in the distance, pace etc etc.

Scott that happened to me between Saturday and Sunday. Go into the training, workout, simple, then scroll up to "do workout." That seemed to work for me.

[Scott H]

Scott that happened to me between Saturday and Sunday. Go into the training, workout, simple, then scroll up to "do workout." That seemed to work for me.


Thanks Man will give it a try.

[bunnyfoo]

Can I join the club? I picked up my 405 after work today. It's a long weekend (sort of) so I thought it would be fun to have something new to play with.

This is the biggest watch I own! Although judging by Tracy's picture, the 405 is quite a bit smaller than the previous models. The watch charged really quickly - I think it took about 1 hr, I was surprised. I started playing with it in the house and I accidentally started the timer and it picked up satellite signal indoors. And within a couple of seconds! Wish I could say the same about the GPS in my car.

I took it out for my walk and got caught in the rain so I ended up running home. I would have liked to play with it a little more but I guess there's always tomorrow :)

Just one question - Does it turn off by itself? I left the charger at DF's house so I won't be able to get it back until tomorrow evening.

[mkymsehi]

Can I join the club? I picked up my 405 after work today. It's a long weekend (sort of) so I thought it would be fun to have something new to play with.

This is the biggest watch I own! Although judging by Tracy's picture, the 405 is quite a bit smaller than the previous models. The watch charged really quickly - I think it took about 1 hr, I was surprised. I started playing with it in the house and I accidentally started the timer and it picked up satellite signal indoors. And within a couple of seconds! Wish I could say the same about the GPS in my car.

I took it out for my walk and got caught in the rain so I ended up running home. I would have liked to play with it a little more but I guess there's always tomorrow :)

Just one question - Does it turn off by itself? I left the charger at DF's house so I won't be able to get it back until tomorrow evening.



Vicky, Welcome to the techie club! :lmao:

I played with my Garmin for 6 days now. Seems like you have to turn off the GPS system when you're not using it, as that really drains the battery. Be sure to also end your workout when done. Otherwise it thinks it's still keeping track of your last workout.

Mine seems to last about 4 days on a charge. I run 3 days a week, and bike to work when I can.

[dsnyfan21]

You can't really turn it off like the other models 205/305/201 etc. It's "on" all the time, but like Jeff said if you turn off the gps, battery wil llast longer. I had full charge on Tuesday morning, used it for a walk on Tues even and thrusday evening an hour each and Wed for about 30min, and it now (Friday 7am EST) has 21% battery life left. For me, after my walk I hot the stop button and if you don't download your workout into the computer and you then use it the next day you should use the reset button for a new workout, this was also the way on the 205 that I had.

[dsnyfan21]

I just checked my 405 and it said 16% charge left and then gave the low battery warning. So that was about 4 days also. I also learned about turning off the GPS around Wed/Thursday. I started charging it up again and will keep track over the weekend. I need to do a 4 miler Sat and then a 8 miler on Sun.

[mkymsehi]

Tracy,

I fully charged mine last night. I disconnected it at 7 am this morning, and left it on the table at home. I checked it at 5:15 pm, it showed 99%.

So, turning off the GPS, ending the last workout, and locking the bezel, makes the watch use very little power.

[caryndisneydiva]

i cannot live without my garmie. i have the 305 and it's just fantastic. of course i can't figure out how to use all of the features, but i think that will get better soon...

[Scott H]

Did a 10K today and thought the mileage was way off, silly me had it set to metric not statute.

[smileyk8]

random question- do you look at the stats on garmin connect? I've been trying to work out how to get the map to draw the route i ran from start to end rather than displaying it all at once. I'm sure you could just click on green blob and it traced your route, but it's not working. Only reason i'm tryin is because my last run has a really out of place line and i'm trying to work out at what point this happened (or when i lost signal maybe!)

[dsnyfan21]

Kate: You can double click the map to zoom in, but I have never been able to get it to trace the route, it just shows the whole route at once. You can also click the satellite button to show that image. My routes also sometimes show weird lines that I probably didn't walk, but that is just the accuracy of the GPS, depending on where you are it could be 40FT accurate or 100ft accurate as to where you are at that particular time.
Hope that helps.

[bunnyfoo]

So far so good! I'm really loving my Garmin! It did have a slight problem picking up satellites on Sunday morning - I think because it was a cloudy day. It took about 5 minutes before it connected. Quite a difference than previous times!!

I also love that the ANT icon (in the Windows icon tray) is shaped like a hidden Mickey :)

Jeff/Tracy - Thanks very much for the GPS off tip. I've kept mine off and I still have 50% battery left - but then again, I've only used it for three walks and two runs so far.

Kate - I've noticed that problem too. I'm not sure why it goes off the roads. When I've used MapMyRun.com, it calculates one of my walking routes as 2.04 but the Garmin had me at 1.97. It's not a big difference but I just wonder why it doesn't stay on the roads in the maps.

[mkymsehi]

I was playing around with my Garmin 405 that I use for running, and realized that you can input coordinates for Geocaching!

Go into the GPS menu, and you can set your N & W coordinates. Worked great on two caches we just found. :thumbsup2

Go to geocaching.com and look for sites near your area.

[thndrmatt]

"Garmin Forerunner 205 Personal GPS
Buy.com offers the Garmin Forerunner 205 Personal GPS for $142.99. With free shipping"

For those interested in that model... good deal!

[mkymsehi]

So far so good! I'm really loving my Garmin! It did have a slight problem picking up satellites on Sunday morning - I think because it was a cloudy day. It took about 5 minutes before it connected. Quite a difference than previous times!!

I also love that the ANT icon (in the Windows icon tray) is shaped like a hidden Mickey :)

Jeff/Tracy - Thanks very much for the GPS off tip. I've kept mine off and I still have 50% battery left - but then again, I've only used it for three walks and two runs so far.


Bunnyfoo: LOL, I thought I was the only one who noticed the ANT icon was a hidden Mickey. You beat me to posting my observation.

I found another hidden Mickey on the back of the Office Max delivery trucks. Check it out, free advertising for Disney!!! :lmao:

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg92/mkymsehi/DSC00085.jpg

[Scott H]

Bunnyfoo: LOL, I thought I was the only one who noticed the ANT icon was a hidden Mickey. You beat me to posting my observation.

I found another hidden Mickey on the back of the Office Max delivery trucks. Check it out, free advertising for Disney!!! :lmao:

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg92/mkymsehi/DSC00085.jpg


Coincidence......:confused3 :confused3 I THINK NOT!!!!!:lmao: :lmao:

[disneyrunningnut]

Hate to hijack your thread but there are other options. I have the Polar RS800sd with the foot pod. You can also get it with the GPS unit. I think the Foot Pod is more accurate then GPS. especially with instantaneous pace. Before this model I had the Polar S625x.

Been recording speed, distance, and heart rate on every run for over 4 years. Over 8000 miles. The Polar computer interface and software are great. You can analyze about anything. Plus you can wear it as an every day watch.

http://www.polarusa.com/Products/cs/rs800sd.asp?cat=consumer

David

[bunnyfoo]

Jeff - Great pic!! I haven't tried geocaching yet - I'll have to check out the link later tonight.

David - When I use my Garmin downtown, I often wish I had a footpod. It definitely has a hard time with accuracy because of all the tall buildings.

[smileyk8]

ha guess what? i finally found where the runners world programme went in my garmin!!! Apparently i should've done an easy 3 miles yesterday when actually i did 7.1, lol. I'm still puzzled how it can do virtual partner when GPS is turned off. Oh it's a puzzling little 405 beastie!!!! Hope you're all doing ok with yours :)

[Scott H]

Geocaching is fun, good way to get to know an area.

I installed the ANT on a new computer, boo booed adn put the AN in too early, finally found the wrong driver that was installed, and fixed it up, I hate computers, so if ya accidently hook up the ANT before you get to teh Garmin site there is a fix, I will save ya a few hours LOL

[dsnyfan21]

Hey Kate, Mine is doing well. I have learned to lock the bezel and only turn on GPS when doing a walk, this has saved greatly on the battery charging. The heart monitor is working great.

[Tiger Lily 03]

David, I looked at the Polar at one of the events and was intrigued by it. I just wasn't sure b/c it is a pedometer and just didn't think it would work unless I was running instead of the walking/wogging I usually do.

I've also played with Nike+ and feel that it does not do justice to my walking/wogging or whatever it is I am doing.

Still loving my Garmin, interested in most of the other gadgets too though.

[mkymsehi]

I checked on Craigslist, and ran across an add for a Garmin 405 charger, antenna USBus stick, and heartrate monitor & strap. $20.

The guy worked just down the street from my office. He said he lost his 405 during a recent move, and no longer needed the accessories.

What a steal! LOL.

[mkymsehi]

http://dealnews.com/Garmin-Forerunner-405-GPS-Heart-Rate-Monitor-for-184-after-rebate-free-shipping/295395.html (http://dealnews.com/Garmin-Forerunner-405-GPS-Heart-Rate-Monitor-for-184-after-rebate-free-shipping/295395.html)

[mkymsehi]

I'm on the brink of sending my Garmin 405 back. I've had it almost 2 years, but the battery is crapping out on me. I called them, and they said upgrade the new software that was released today 6/24/09. And if it still gives me problems, to ship it back.

Connect your Ant stick to your computer, and then go to this link.

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/store/downloadsAgree.jsp?product=010-00658-10&cID=142&pID=11039

[mkymsehi]

Attention Garmin 405 users. There is a software problem with the latest upgrade for the ANT+ stick. If you haven't already upgraded, don't.

It caused my 405 to not be able to upload workouts to Garmin Connect website. Also causing battery drain problems.

So I contacted Garmin, and they responded with telling me to delete the software I have now, and re-install a previous version. They sent me the file by email. So if anyone needs it, shoot me a email.

[mkymsehi]

http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=3743