Garmin Foretrex 901 vs Kestrel 5700x Result

[Beyond The Myth]

I've been experimenting with two devices and I'm curious to know if anyone can explain why their calculations differ slightly.

The difference is probably minor, just a few mils? but I'm still interested in understanding why. Or this is completely normal between two different devices.

Both devices have identical profile settings.

Profile from Kestrel

Profile from Garmin

 

[6.5SH]

Probably a mismatch of environmentals or the various earth based effects enabled/disabled between them (DoF/Wind direction, Coriolis/ Eotvos, Spin drift, Aerodynamic Jump)

 

[_Windrider_]

Probably a mismatch of environmentals or the various earth based effects enabled/disabled between them (DoF/Wind direction, Coriolis/ Eotvos, Spin drift, Aerodynamic Jump)

That’s def where I would start. Zero the wind. Turn of Aj and spin drift. Make the DoF 000 and go from there.

Also maybe @DocUSMCRetired has some feedback.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

So a couple things here.

1) Did you lock the environmentals, and are they exactly the same? If you don't lock them they will continue to update in your hand.
2) Did you double check latitude is the same in both?
3) Are all secondary effects equal?
4) Check the range card. Specifically check your Wind Hold, Remaining Velocity, and Kinetic Energy.

 

[Beyond The Myth]

So a couple things here.

1) Did you lock the environmentals, and are they exactly the same? If you don't lock them they will continue to update in your hand.
2) Did you double check latitude is the same in both?
3) Are all secondary effects equal?
4) Check the range card. Specifically check your Wind Hold, Remaining Velocity, and Kinetic Energy.

Thanks for all the suggestion. Here is some screenshot after I lock the environments.

What is the secondary effects? Thanks again.

Wind are all zero

Set the Temp SP and RH the same

Auto update off

Leave the setting default

Range Card below. Start with the 100 yards is already 0.02 difference.

 

[_Windrider_]

Thanks for all the suggestion. Here is some screenshot after I lock the environments.

What is the secondary effects? Thanks again.

Wind are all zero
View attachment 8315866

Set the Temp SP and RH the same

View attachment 8315867

Auto update off

View attachment 8315868

Leave the setting default

View attachment 8315869

Range Card below. Start with the 100 yards is already 0.02 difference.

View attachment 8315870

View attachment 8315874

Secondary effects are what we said above. Spin drift Aj etc. turn all that stuff off.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Thanks for all the suggestion. Here is some screenshot after I lock the environments.

What is the secondary effects? Thanks again.

Wind are all zero
View attachment 8315866

Set the Temp SP and RH the same

View attachment 8315867

Auto update off

View attachment 8315868

Leave the setting default

View attachment 8315869

Range Card below. Start with the 100 yards is already 0.02 difference.

View attachment 8315870

View attachment 8315874

Also you need to set your latitude, and firing directions the same. I see the results are becoming much closer. Once you are within say 1 click of a turret or two. That is considered within rounding.

 

[BeteNoire]

Also, remember that the Garmin 901 does not have internal environmental sensors...gets them from an external source. If you are trying to compare ballistic output to the 5700, make sure you manually set the Garmin's temp, RH and pressure to match.

 

[Beyond The Myth]

Also, remember that the Garmin 901 does not have internal environmental sensors...gets them from an external source. If you are trying to compare ballistic output to the 5700, make sure you manually set the Garmin's temp, RH and pressure to match.

Ah totally didnt know this. So i guess i will need to pair to kestrel all the time. Thanks

 

[BeteNoire]

Ah totally didnt know this. So i guess i will need to pair to kestrel all the time. Thanks

Yeah, it's kinda lame. Just set 50% humidity, 65 deg and your typical pressure for your area and I bet it will be pretty darn close most of the day. Adjust as needed.

 

[CavReconScout]

Also, remember that the Garmin 901 does not have internal environmental sensors...gets them from an external source. If you are trying to compare ballistic output to the 5700, make sure you manually set the Garmin's temp, RH and pressure to match.

Not true. It has an internal barometer and pulls latitude (Has to pull temp from a Tempe, and Humidity set at 50%). Which is why you have to turn auto update off and set everything the same. FYI my Kestrel and 701 match for all my loads with everything setup the same. I would sure think your 901 would do the same.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Ah totally didnt know this. So i guess i will need to pair to kestrel all the time. Thanks

You can pair it to a tempe and then it does: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/107335/pn/010-11092-30

 

[BeteNoire]

You can pair it to a tempe and then it does: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/107335/pn/010-11092-30

Can the Tempe be paired to the 901 simultaneously with an LRF or only one device at a time?

 

[CavReconScout]

I use my Tempe with my Sig 2400 at the same time. That’s with a 701

 

[Beyond The Myth]

Can the Tempe be paired to the 901 simultaneously with an LRF or only one device at a time?

Yea Looks like it. Under the connect page, it has its own Tempe Sensor option and the LRF is connected with AB. Going to get one Tempe and test it.

I use my Tempe with my Sig 2400 at the same time. That’s with a 701

Where will be the best spot to mount the Tempe? To get the correct temperature

 

[CavReconScout]

I keep it in an inside pocket of my pack, or an outside pocket of an insulated jacket during the winter. If it’s overcast I have it on a lanyard attached to my tripod. It seems to read pretty much spot on as long as it’s not in direct sunlight. Only issue with my 701 I have found is it takes a little bit to update in my 701 when going outside during the winter when it’s really cold out. And that could just be because the 701 is an older product.

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Can the Tempe be paired to the 901 simultaneously with an LRF or only one device at a time?

Yes it can be.

Where will be the best spot to mount the Tempe? To get the correct temperature

You want this away from your body (no artificial heating) in open out, out of direct sunlight when possible. I keep mine pinned to a strap on my backpack.

 

[Beyond The Myth]

@DocUSMCRetired Got it. Thank you for all the help. Right now they are within <0.1 mil different. I will assume its just rounding different like you said.

Just one more question is there a Holdover predial setting available on Garmin?

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

@DocUSMCRetired Got it. Thank you for all the help. Right now they are within <0.1 mil different. I will assume its just rounding different like you said.

Just one more question is there a Holdover predial setting available on Garmin?

No, but you can always contact their support department and request it. Garmin does their own firmware and programming so they can add stuff like that in house with enough people requesting it.

 

[TRAINERRANDY]

Ok great thread! My question to Beyond The Myth is if you had to buy only 1 unit, would you buy the Kestral, Garmin 701, 901 mainly for shooting, however tracking is very important as well.
However I would want my Ballistics to be Spot on at the top of the priority list...
I did see Garmin makes a bad ass watch the: Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistic Solar Tactical GPS Smartwatch, which is all the things a guy could want except it doesn't do Scuba! If it did that would be my all around watch even if it cost $3-4,000 (and it had onboard sensors like the Kestral... I suspect the sensors are not on par with the Kestral due to the waterproofing aspect of the devices?)

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

Ok great thread! My question to Beyond The Myth is if you had to buy only 1 unit, would you buy the Kestral, Garmin 701, 901 mainly for shooting, however tracking is very important as well.
However I would want my Ballistics to be Spot on at the top of the priority list...
I did see Garmin makes a bad ass watch the: Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistic Solar Tactical GPS Smartwatch, which is all the things a guy could want except it doesn't do Scuba! If it did that would be my all around watch even if it cost $3-4,000 (and it had onboard sensors like the Kestral... I suspect the sensors are not on par with the Kestral due to the waterproofing aspect of the devices?)

So why not get the Scuba version with AB on it? You can see the list here, and the Descent Mk3 in certain versions is on it. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=L0R2b03k7EArLmL5CvJsD6