With four different GPS modes and the ability to communicate with all five major satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou) on select COROS Watches, it's important to know when to use what GPS mode to ensure the greatest accuracy in tracking your routes.
As many technical climbers know, it can be incredibly difficult to gather accurate GPS measurements in areas with big walls, overhangs, heavy tree coverage, or general obstructions which cause all too common GPS issues. However, with the COROS GPS mode "All Systems + Dual FREQ On", we have set out to solve these issues and provide the most accurate data possible for the scenarios mentioned above.
All Systems + Dual FREQ On is available on APEX 2/APEX 2 Pro/VERTIX 2
What does All Systems + Dual FREQ On mean?
This powerful GPS mode enables your watch to communicate with satellite systems in two simultaneous frequencies, in addition, to use all five major satellite systems, bringing next-level accuracy even when you are in challenging conditions or environments. As you can see in the photo below (single frequency on left, dual-frequency on right), dual-frequency eliminates many errors that occur when GPS signals bounce off of objects, thus recording a GPS route that appears nothing like the actual route you have completed.
It's important to note that this GPS mode sacrifices more battery life than the other settings in order to gain the most accurate data possible. For example, the VERTIX 2 has a battery life of 140 GPS hours with "Standard GPS Only", while "All Systems + Dual FREQ On" has a battery life of 50 hours. If you expect a need to record more than 50 hours of GPS and will be in challenging environments, it is recommended to bring along a power bank to charge your watch rather than sacrificing the accuracy of your GPS.
Examples of when to use All Systems + Dual FREQ On:
Rock/Ice climbing sheer rock faces in narrow canyons, climbing any big walls, technical routes, or routes with large overhangs. Any time that you want to ensure the most accurate GPS route.
To show the difference between All Systems + Dual FREQ On and standard GPS tracking, here is a comparison of the GPS tracks from a climbing trip using the COROS VERTIX 2 (left) All Systems + Dual FREQ On, versus another brand (right).
We are very excited about the accuracy seen with All Systems + Dual FREQ On GPS mode and hope that you find it to be useful on all of your climbing trips!