What are the best GPS settings for Suunto 9?
Suunto 9 comes in two models – Suunto Peak and Suunto Baro are the two models on offer as of August 2021. Both models are known for top class GPS connectivity. GPS data provided by the Suunto 9 series watches is accurate and precise. What are the best GPS settings for a Suunto 9 watch that could improve your GPS experience on a Suunto 9 smart watch?
Suunto 9 supports the five satellite systems in the world. The Suunto 9 watch series comes with a chipset that has in-built support for the following satellite systems in the world. This is unlike the Garmin smart watches that have the Sony chipset with support for GPS, GLONASS and Galileo satellite systems.
GPS Systems supported by Suunto 9
GPS – the US owned global navigation satellite system that offers 24 satellites for GPS connectivity. The US Government has been operating 31 satellites at all times, and promises to provide GPS services from 24 satellites with 95% availability. These 24 satellites are grouped in six orbital planes for better geographic accuracy.
GLONASS – the Russian owned satellite system that offers GPS connectivity from 24 satellites. These satellites are grouped in three orbital planes. In all Russia space agency has 27 satellites for GPS navigation support and at any point of time, 24 satellites are used to provide GPS connections to the compatible devices.
Galileo – European Union’s Galileo GNSS offers services of 24 satellites. As of August 2021, the Galileo GNSS has a total of 26 satellites in three orbital planes. These satellites are used in conjunction with the GPS or GLONASS satellite systems for pinpoint accuracy of GPS data.
Beidou – Suunto 9 also has in-built support for the Chinese satellite system – Beidou. It currently has 24 medium earth orbit satellites, 5 geo stationary satellites and 3 geo inclined stationary satellite to provide locational data.
QZSS – Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite system comprises of four satellites that provide is=insightful GPS data for the Asia-Oceania region.
Suunto 9 has coverage for all these satellite systems. China’s Beidou or Japan’s QZSS systems are more suitable for Asian regions, while the GPS and GLONASS are suitable for worldwide GPS connections.
Best GPS Settings for Suunto 9 Peak and Suunto 9 Baro
Suunto 9 should work fine with GPS only setting. This should provide reliable GPS data. However, if you are in a dense area such as a deeply forested tree, or in a city with tall buildings, there is a chance of loss of GPS connection. In such cases, we add another satellite to the GPS GNSS and use GPS + GLONASS satellite systems on the Suunto 9 watch. This setting should be more than sufficient for most users.
You may use GALILEO alongside GPS if you are in Europe. And, if you are in Asia, you may opt for Beidou or QZSS. Beidou may be the most suitable GNSS for China.
If and when you choose to change the GPS settings on the Suunto 9, please follow the instructions below:
- On your Suunto 9 watch, choose Settings
- Choose Navigation
- Choose GPS system and select GPS+GLONASS
This GPS system setting is suitable for cities and areas where relying on one GNSS may not yield the most accurate GPS data. The downside to using two satellite systems is obviously the battery drain. If you are exercising or doing an activity in an area that is not so dense in terms of buildings, tall structures or trees, you can continue to use the GPS as a standalone GPS system. This should provide accurate GPS data.
Helen Kurt is a geeky nerd who loves to cover the wearables space. She has over 5 years of experience in the smartwatch domain. You can reach her on email at [email protected].