Outdoor Gearzine "Outdoor Gearzine"

Review: Tips and tips for 100% outdoor use of the Casio PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20, you won't let go, even if you notice it.

Yasushi Hisatomi

It has been about a month since Casio's first PRO TREK, the GPS-built-in PRO TREK, was released.

As mentioned in the previous article, its performance and ease of use exceeded expectations, but as I continued to use it for trekking and everyday life, I became more and more attached to it, and at some point this new partner turned from just a simple hobby gadget to outdoor gear, which is essential for the field.

This time, I would like to revisit the appeal of outdoor smartwatches that have satisfied serious outdoor enthusiasts, and share some tips and tips on how to use them after trying out various ways to use them, mainly for trekking purposes.

table of contents

A review of the charms and features I've experienced again after using it for a month ( see the previous review for details )

Appearance and hardware

Here is a review of the hardware features and usability evaluations of the WSD-F20 from the previous review.

In particular, it has been used in the rain for the past month or accidentally slammed it on the ground, but there are no particular problems, and even after using it over the past month, it has been confirmed that it has sufficient durability unless it is in very extreme conditions.

Features and software

As I used the functionality and software, I created an environment that suited me, and as a result, I was able to completely eliminate stress and waste of battery consumption. High satisfaction with the hardware makes Android Wear's high degree of freedom in setting up this way really reassuring.

Tips and tips for 100% using it when climbing

As mentioned in my last review, even if Android Wear devices have excellent hardware and standard features, they do not mean that any user can enjoy them immediately without any stress. Unlike iPhones (Apple Watches), individuals can customize their own options to a certain extent, but in order to use them 100% more comfortably, you need to tune your hardware settings and apps you use in your own way.

So, from here on, we will look at the tips and key points, starting with the basic settings, including what settings and how to use the WSD-F20 comfortably when using it for mountain climbing or trekking.

Preparation for outdoor use of WSD-F20

First, let's look at the preparations required to use the map, activity meter, and progress notification function. This procedure is a must-read for your outdoor use as it is a path you will need to follow. For detailed instructions, please refer to the Casio support page.

Although it is not necessary at this time (June 8, 2017), the system itself may be updated in the future, so don't forget to check if the Android Wear system is up to date and update it if necessary.

What's the best app to use while you're on the move, whether it's genuine or otherwise?

Perhaps the most troubling thing when mastering your Android Wear device is which app is best to use. Of course, if you just want to check the map and altitude, the included functions are sufficient, but if you're wearing a smartwatch, there's no reason not to use more advanced features such as understanding and notifying you of various situations, saving and sharing your activity history.

If it's an activity that has a lot of users, such as running, there are countless apps available, so it's honestly awkward to decide which one to choose. In comparison, there are a handy number of apps for mountain climbing, so it may be relatively easy to consider.

However, to be honest, as I'm still not making any decisive points like this, it's not easy to find an app that everyone recommends. After all, the only way to not regret knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each app is to choose the app that suits you.

Here we have picked out some of the most representative apps that make trekking more enjoyable and comfortable, and compared the characteristics of using them in various conditions, from everyday use to the field.

Candidate 1: Activity app (+Location Memory, MOMENT SETTER)

First, the original Casio outdoor app is included as standard on your device. Once you set the elevation that will be your goal and start measuring, it is convenient that you can immediately check the hour of the day, the altitude remaining to the goal, the elapsed time, and the trajectory you have walked on the map while you are on the action . The accuracy of the GPS trajectory can be adjusted using "Accuracy Priority/Battery Priority" which we will discuss later. Even if you prioritize the battery, it won't be that rough (photo below), so I think that's enough for a trekking speed.

In addition, when the activity app is running (measuring), Casio's original app, MOMENT SETTER, is keeping an eye on the activities and will automatically notify you at times such as "how many meters left until the finish line" or "how many hours have passed .

The good thing about this app is that it has the most efficient battery power at the moment . I will talk about this later, but I have found that if you keep the most number of times you view maps with the optimal settings, you can use it with confidence, so that you can use it for around 8 hours a day, leaving plenty of room left. It also works well (although it may be a little sluggish) , and is as expected from the fact that it is optimized for hardware. also happy that (although I haven't tried it) it is possible to set and display the movements not only for trekking but also for a wide range of activities, including cycling, fishing, paddle sports, and snow sports.

Automatic notifications when you are taking action using MOMENT SETTER are quite convenient. However, when I first started using it, I had fun setting notifications at various times, including remaining altitude, elapsed time, steps, and the prescribed climbing altitude, but in the end there was so much notification that I couldn't understand what timing it was and it made me feel even more confused. If you think about it, you can check the distance and altitude from other basic displays, so for now I have only settled on "notifications when pressure changes by 1hPa or more per hour" and "notifications when every 500kcal is consumed."

A major drawback is it is not possible to store or share behavior logs such as valuable measurements during actions and trajectories of walking on the Internet . It's fine if you don't run anything on your own, but it's fine if it can smoothly link to major social media services and apps. It's a shame that this is an easy-to-use app that makes use of the advantage of the genuine product.

Also, Mapbox's maps are clear and easy to read, and are responsive when offline, but that the amount of information used as a mountain climbing map is small compared to YAMAP , but personally I don't want the amount of detailed information from a watch, so I don't think it's a problem to use it in conjunction with a paper map.

Candidate 2: YAMAP

YAMAP, now a major Japanese mountaineering app, is a great product that allows you to download maps that contain information necessary for mountain climbing, such as mountain climbing routes, course times, water points, and mountain huts, for free, without restrictions, and use them even in places where radio waves are not reachable . It has been supported with the release of the WSD-F20, and I have been using it since the smartphone app, but this time I hoped it again with great expectations (I'm a free member, by the way).

The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's paper topographic map-based maps that can be seen during action (full-color maps under the Premium Plan) are a little rough and difficult to see compared to Mapboxes, but they are not unbearable. Rather, it is extremely convenient and secure in that you can easily check paper climbing maps on a clock.

Another advantage of YAMAP is its social media functionality that allows you to save and share your activity records after your actions on your own page on your smartphone or PC , and share them with others. These records are valuable as your own mountain hiking records, but they are also useful when you use other people's records to make future plans.

Up to this point, it could be said to be an ideal app in a sense, but there are some things that you won't be happy about without having to go. One isIt's hard to say that the operation is stable. In my case,When in airplane mode to save energy, it often doesn't start when you wake up from sleep and launch the app.*. In addition, it takes time to update your current location. After using it slowly for about a year, I've had a few other unresponsive cases of unknown cause. I think there is some kind of cause for each and every time, but it's stressful to find a solution to these problems, restart it every time, or encounter such problems in an emergency.

Fortunately, looking at the message boards, it seems that they are friendly with their support, and there is a counter when you feel uneasy, so I think it's safe to say that in the end (this is different from the way that overseas product support such as Suunto is so thrilled...).

Another drawback is that if you want to manage a variety of activities, not just mountain climbing but also running, you will inevitably find this special feature, interface, and design (worldview) that is specialized for mountain climbing uncomfortable . This is unavoidable as it has evolved from social media for mountaineering, but when it comes to mountain climbing and training like myself, running is the one who wants to collect and analyze various detailed data later, and as a result, it is true that you will want to choose an app with a richer running management and sharing function. Furthermore, the tone and etiquette of the design that will motivate you are also an important factor.

*As of June 14th, 2016, the latest update seems to have almost completely resolved the issue of not booting properly when returning to sleep in airplane mode.

Candidate 3: STRAVA (+Location Memory)

So what I have come to and put into practice is to use STRAVA, an app that centrally allows you to record, analyze and share a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, from running to canoeing and skiing, and location memory (standard offline map). The only things that appear on this app are elapsed and traveled. This app is mostly just a record of GPS information. With this, the activity app with the various display and notification functions mentioned above and YAMAP, which has a rich map display, is more clear and convenient.

However, this app has the advantages that other apps lack, such as "vervanced" that supports a wide range of activities and devices, and "motivational power" that is detailed with data that is not inferior to Sunnto or Garmin's unique services, and ease of sharing among groups .

So I just have to launch this app almost to retrieve logs for later management, and to check my current location and trajectory I walk, I will start up and use the location memory each time. In a sense, it's a minimal function, but in reality, there are probably some people who don't check their walking speed multiple times while they are on the move, so many people probably think this is enough.

Moreover, if you use it in conjunction with the activity app, with the intention of a little battery consumption, you can create a comfortable environment with no gaps, from notifications and map functions during action to comprehensive analysis and social media functions after action .

In my case, I sometimes use Suunto or Garmin outdoor watches, and these watches have the ability to automatically upload the activity logs recorded on each of them to STRAVA , which is very helpful because they can centrally manage records on various devices on this app (SNS).

Tips for choosing an app with WSD-F20

App Activities (standard) YAMAP STRAVA (+Location Memory)
This is ◎
  • The map is easy to see.
  • Operation is stable.
  • Battery consumption is relatively low.
  • You can see data on your actions, such as walking speed and remaining altitude.
  • Automatic notifications prevent you from missing timing.
  • Maps are for mountain climbing and have the most information.
  • You can record and publish trajectory data, diaries, photos, equipment, etc.
  • Community interaction is booming.
  • He also has solid support.
  • It's easy to manage different activities such as mountain climbing, running, and biking.
  • You can centrally manage it even if you use smartwatches from different manufacturers.
  • The design interface is simple and easy to use.
  • He is very motivated, such as goal management and ease of sharing among groups.
  • It's simple and stable in operation.
This is △
  • The amount of information on the map is relatively small.
  • Can't log logs.
  • Operation is slightly unstable (not starting, GPS not displayed, etc.)
  • Recording and analysis of activities other than mountain climbing is relatively weak
  • The content displayed during action is small, based on the elapsed time and distance traveled.
  • Maps are relied on a standard app (trajectory data is recorded).
Map view Maps of MAPBOX can be displayed offline (downloads must be done in advance). Furthermore, you can also choose the visuals of the map, such as "street, satellite, and outdoors." Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's topographic map-based climbing maps can be used offline (the downloaded maps can be saved within the clock as much as the capacity allows). The app itself does not have a map display function.
Recording and saving behavior logs While you are on the move, you can check the hour of speed, time, remaining altitude to the goal, elapsed time, and trajectory on the map, but even after it is finished, the record cannot be saved. * Various data during the course of action can be recorded and published and shared. Various data during the course of action can be recorded and published and shared.
Notifications and announcements A function is available to let the watch notify you when various conditions you have set are matched. None in particular. None in particular.
Activity history management and SNS functions There is no function as it cannot be saved. You can check and share saved activities on your PC or smartphone. The public scope can also be set individually. The paid plan also includes a function that allows other people to display the trajectory they have walked on a map. You can check and share saved activities on your PC or smartphone. The public scope can also be set individually. Paid plans allow for more detailed data analysis and training plans to be designed.
Linking with other devices and apps None in particular. Trajectory data (GPX files) can be imported and exported. Not only can you import and export trajectory data, but you can also automatically upload activities recorded on other devices such as Suunto and Garmin.
Battery consumption efficiency ◎ ◯ ◯

*You can view it on Google Earth by exporting the KML file using the Location Memory app.

Next page: Go to the points of battery energy saving settings

Key points for battery energy saving settings

When it comes to battery life, I felt like it would lose its speed at first, but to be honest, I think it's not that bad, and I'm doing it well. Of course, when I was using the functions unplannedly, the battery would almost run out in about half a day, but that's basically not much different for devices from any manufacturer at this time. By the way, as far as I use it everyday, I have had it for 1-2 days, so I'm sure it's not something I'd be concerned about in terms of everyday use.

I tried launching the app under various conditions over the past month (about 30 patterns) and verifying what settings actually were effective in saving energy. There were settings that showed clear effects, to those that didn't have very clear results, so I've put together some tips and key points to consider when setting energy-saving settings.

GPS tracking settings are set from "precision priority" to "battery priority" → Is the effect limited?

This setting allows you to adjust the tracking interval in the Activity App or Location Memory. If you prioritize battery, tracking accuracy will be slightly reduced, but if you are climbing at a speed, you won't be too concerned about it. Furthermore, according to the manual, the tracking interval is smaller , so the best way to reduce battery consumption is to "prioritize the battery and simply check the map using location memory each time." However, in reality, as far as I have tried out various apps and setting patterns this time, I have not seen any clear effect.

Set the screen brightness to "1 (lowest)" → Reliably effective

As expected, the effect of the screen display settings on battery consumption was quite impressive. Don't hesitate to set it to the lowest "1" to save money.

Set "Always on screen" to disable → It's definitely effective

This setting allows you to immediately turn off the color LCD display if the operation does not last for a certain period of time. If you tested this with "enabled", all of the power efficiency was poor, so you can assume that this is also effective.

Switch the type of watch face on this unit to "2 layers" → Probably has an effect

This information can be found Casio's support page "Charging and Power Supply" Q4 . It is true that this simple watch face has not yet become extremely poor in consumption efficiency, but the effects were not clearly visible each time, so it was not certain.

Disable "Tilt and turn on screen" in the OS settings → Probably has an effect

This information is also available Casio's support page "Charging and Power Supply" Q4 . With this, it's convenient because you can just shake your wrist and get the LCD screen displayed, but it seems that it's better to turn it off to save energy (though the effect was honestly a bit unclear).

Turn on airplane mode → It's definitely effective

By turning it into airplane mode, you can cut off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication, and save electricity by preventing your smartphone and watch from communicating in the background without your permission. Blocking communication is not realistic for everyday use, but it is almost no problem if it is outdoors where there is no connection in the first place. In tests, many of the patterns that were highly battery-efficient were in airplane mode, so it is likely to be effective.

Turn off "Save Daily Location Information" → Probably has an effect

Turning this setting off will likely limit the "GPS current location acquisition and recording" operation when nothing is done. However, this test did not show a high effect in all cases, so it's probably just "it's better to do it than not."

Register an app that doesn't notify Android Wear → Probably effective

This is not quantitative, but the setting is to reduce the number of notifications you set on your smartphone by limiting notifications from specific apps.

Uninstalling unnecessary apps → Probably effective

Although this cannot be confirmed as a quantitative effect, it is common knowledge on general Android devices, so it is not unlikely that this is ineffective either.

Other comfortable ways to use it - Cooperating with the EX-FR series makes outdoor shooting more fun -

What a messy story has continued, but the WSD-F20 also has fun features that will expand the new possibilities of watches for the outdoors. One of these is linking with Casio's EXILIM outdoor recorder EX-FR series.

This time we have set the FR-200 in the holder attached to the shoulder strap.

I turned off the shutter via Bluetooth from the EXILIM Controller installed on my WSD-F20 (I deliberately took a picture so that I could see it). You can take pinpoint photos of these all-out sky photos without the need for a controller while looking at the view projected on the watch at hand. Of course, you can also shoot videos, as well as self-timers and interval shooting that keeps the shutter running at regular intervals from the clock. However, the only types of photos are photos around the sky, so I wish I could have chosen other ultra-wide-angle sizes.

Summary and expectations for the future

First of all, there must be a variety of variables that we cannot understand regarding the ease of battery drainage this time, and in that respect, we have not yet made an accurate comparison test. For example, GPS information may be obtained from a smartphone or a watch may have its own, and it may not be possible to get a detailed understanding of which one is obtained, so this may be vague in this test. I'll try to add that as soon as I know.

In this review, we have explained that depending on the type of app and the settings, you can adjust the balance to a level that is somewhat satisfying for the user, from ease of use to battery life. The latest PRO TREK is extremely solid in its hardware, a mothership for a smartwatch, and is a great gear that balances stability and customizability, worth tinkering with this fine touch.

Furthermore, the design, which fully utilizes the unique benefits of Android devices, which allow software to be tuned freely and evolved, is highly anticipated for future evolution. Personally, I can put aside the priorities (even if not yet sufficient) about improving hardware performance, so I hope that the application and service will be enhanced that will make you want to continue using this device. As I pointed out in the previous model, in the tough competitive environment these days, where hardware performance is quickly caught up in, the key to choosing for users is what they can do using it (what they want to do). With such a leap forward, I think I'll try to find a way to use it in my liking.

Smart Outdoor Watch PRO TREK Smart WSD-F20
CASIO
55,080 yen

For more information on the lineup, main specifications, accessories, etc., here (official product page) , and for useful information and latest information from the manufacturer, we are currently posting it on PRO TREK's Facebook page

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