Eventually managed to solve the problem (sort of).  I changed the settings on the 405 to make it force send to the computer.  This sends all the data on the device to the computer so I at least have today's run now.  Whether it works properly next time remains to be seen.

NOT loving my Garmin 405 today. I loved it on Thursday when it rather impressively recorded my max speed as 405mph!  Today, however, having just completed my longest ever run of 11 miles, the data won't upload to my computer.  The ANT agent appears to be connecting OK, it says it is transferring the data, it then says that it has successfully transferred the data but it's just not uploading today's run.  I've tried uploading it in GRG, Training Centre and Garmin Connect, but to no avail.  

Has anybody else had this problem?

Loving my Garmin 405.  Had no idea I was so fast - 2012 here I come!

http://img.skitch.com/20100304-g72agxkfrp29gxr14y8xrnjw2g.jpg

Hi Portman - That's great, thanks for confirming this.  No problems at all recommending suppliers on the Forum if you've had a good experience - I'm sure other people will be interested in this.  Hope you enjoy your new toy!

Hi John,

Just thought having brought a Garmin 310XT which arrived today, I can confirm that it does work okay with GRG Garmin Uploader.  Looking forward to trying it out over the weekend.

I am not sure if I am allowed to recommend companies on the Forum, but I want to recommend a company that sells HRM/GPS online. The website address for the comapny is:  http://www.heartratemonitor.co.uk/   I have purchased all my running watches/accessories from them using there online site on many occassions over the last 8 years or so with no problems at all.  I have found there prices very competative. They are a UK company, based up in Norfolk and if you order before 1300hrs on a  working week day they deliver by special delivery by 1300hrs the following day.  The staff are very helpful and a guy called Tristain that works there is very knowledgeable on just about every brand of HRM that is about on the market. Well worth checking out if you are looking to buy or upgrade!

I'm almost certain that you should be able to use a Garmin 310XT with our Garmin Uploader as it looks like is uses the same transfer capability as the Forerunner 405.  We don't have one of these models though so can't test it to be 100% sure.  If there is anyone else using one of these, perhaps they can confirm?

Please excuse this very basic question but I am not very great with modern technology.  I am thinking about buying a Garmin 310XT.  Will I still be able to download my training sessions into my training log on this site as I have done with my Garmin 305? 

Thanks Andy & John.  I've compared my GPS map with the route I'd previously mapped and spotted that I'd followed a slightly different path on the previous route. This probably accounts for the difference - it was only around 2 tenths of a mile anyway.  Apart from that the GPS route seems to be very accurate.  There's only one place where the path cuts through a wood where I'm not sure if the GPS was accurate, but I'm not sure if I'd mapped it correctly anyway as it's impossible to see the path on the satellite map.

Thanks for all the info though - I'll make sure I check any GPS routes I upload in the future.

Hi Helen - Unfortuntely, while GPS devices are easy, convenient and normally very reliable, they are still subject to inaccuracies, so its best to check what's been recorded on a map first if it is suggesting that a route is a different length than you thought.

GPS routes can come out slightly shorter than mapped routes if the device loses the GPS signal during the run.  As Andy said, this can happen in built-up or densely wooded areas.  The device won't be able to record any coordinates when it doesn't have a GPS signal so would just join the last known point with the next one it gets with a straight line.  The effect of this is to cut off any corners during the time that the signal was lost, resulting in a shorter route than you actually ran.  It's also worth bearing in mind that the accuracy of the GPS recording is affected by the GPS signal strength and other issues such as atmospheric conditions and signal reflections from buildings.  My understanding is that the best accuracy for non-military GPS devices is 3-5 metres, with a clear view of the sky, with average accuracy levels normally a bit less than this.  So, it is worth checking the detailed route map for your GPS route to make sure it has been accurately recorded - you can then edit the route if necessary to make any corrections.  It's best to do this with the satellite maps to give the most accurate route measurement.

Hi Helen,

Very interesting that the GPS was shorter than the mapped distance. Was it much shorter? I've found there to be a good correllation unless under a lot of trees or near some high buildings. I only use a 205 but have found it suprisingly accurate and great fun to download all the info later of course.