Garmin 450 vs Older GPS V

[dietersrover]

Hello all.
I still have my GPS V, and It seems like I consistently get accuracy down to 7ft with WAAS.
And on my 450 the best is around 11-12ft.
I'm not saying that's bad, I'm just trying to understand why the difference.
Thanks

[Boyd]

Those numbers are known as EPE (Estimated Positional Error) and should not be interpreted in absolute terms. It's very possible that your older GPS uses a different algorithm to calculate the number. See the discussion here: http://forums.gpsreview.net/discussion/14680/redirect/p1

If you want to really compare devices, do some tests. Place both next to each other with a clear sky view and set them to record track points every second. Then look at the data and see which has a tighter pattern.

The newer chips are much better at acquiring and keeping a satellite lock though. I had a Garmin StreetPilot 2620 back around 2003. It would lose the satellites when driving down a tree-covered road or in a downtown area with big buildings. The new chips rarely have these problems.

[popej]

I still have my GPS V, and It seems like I consistently get accuracy down to 7ft with WAAS.
And on my 450 the best is around 11-12ft.

I think new devices aren't optimized for static measurements. Try to record tracks when moving and then compare results on a map.

[dietersrover]

Thanks for the reply's. I will try your recommendations. I also, thought maybe it had some to do with the antenna's. The GPS V has an external one. Could it have something to do with the gain?