Review on Enhanced Garmin GPS Receiver 19x HVS for Next Generation Navigation by Noel Schmits

I do GPS surveys and soil sampling on ATVs. First of all, I was interested in the capabilities of GPS + GLONASS, 5Hz and 10Hz updates, as well as the claimed increased accuracy. I tested many functions of the Garmin 19x HVS. POSITIVES The device feels solid and waterproof. Easy to assemble. It uses NMEA 0183 (version 2 or 3 can be selected using Garmin utility). I've used it at 38400 and 4800 baud with the jumper on and with some computer applications. I like the 5Hz refresh rate, the GPS track is rendered smoother (not sure if it's more accurate at 5Hz, just smoother). GLONASS/GLONASS was disabled when I received the device. Using Garmin Utility, I tested GLONASS both on and off. On open fields, GLONASS is useless in my application (I assume this also applies to any GPS application with a clear view of the sky, such as a boat). Accuracy with GLONASS enabled never exceeded 10 meters (33 feet). The benefit of GPS+GLONASS in this block is urban (or rural) canyons where few satellites are visible in each system. In difficult conditions, when both satellite systems need to work at all, this device will do its best. ACCURACY With a clear view of the sky, I measured GPS + WAAS accuracy better than 3 meters (2D-RMS-95%). With the same sky survey and GLONASS turned on, the accuracy was worse than 10 meters. The reason for the poorer accuracy is that GLONASS satellites are not corrected (like WAAS for GPS) when the measurements are combined to calculate the correction. "in difficult conditions" should be added, "however, in less difficult conditions your accuracy will be much worse." Where I can see less than 50% of the sky and an accuracy of 10 meters is acceptable, I would turn on GLONASS. SUMMARY This is a good GPS for my recon applications and a decent price I leave GLONASS off (as configured on receive) I get over 3 meters accuracy just by using GPS + WAAS in my recon application I have it with me good view of the sky and the Garmin 19x HVS works great for my application.