HRM Sensor is flaky

[michaeln]

Hello

I received my new Model D on Monday and have been having great fun with it so far. I also bought the HRM adapter to use with my Polar transmitter(s). I have two of the T31 transmitters and the WearLink transmitter I got with the Polar F11 I bought a couple weeks ago.

My problem is that HR reception and display on the PM3 is flaky to say the least. I was careful to install the sensor per the supplied instructions (underside of the beam, 21" from the end), and both ends are securely plugged in.

When I use the WearLink transmitter, I wet the pads with water and place it properly on my chest. When I use the T31 transmitters I put BahBump electrode cream on the pads.

If I wear my F11 wrist receiver, every time I get to look at it it is indicating my HR. But the PM3 will show nothing for about the first 30 seconds, the the heart symbol comes on, and maybe 30 seconds later I will get a number (a reasonable one). Then it will go away sometimes, come back, go away again. As I said, it's very flaky, but the wrist receiver keeps on reading right.

If I have the USB cable hooked up to my laptop, the HR display in RowPro acts just like the PM3... flaky, and it drops out from both at the same time.

I wonder about the placment of the sensor. I *thought* from looking at the instructions that the sensor is to be mounted to the bottom of the beam. Mine is on the bottom, over to the far left (because that's the way the wiring runs). Is the sensor perhaps supposed to be on the SIDE of the beam rather than the bottom?

[michaeln]

Looks like the problem was interference from the laptop. I had tried closing the lid and putting it in hibernate but the problem persisted. When I powered it completely off, the HR problem stopped. Steady indication all the time, even with the sensor on the bottom left of the beam.

So I guess now I will have to experiment with having the laptop much farther away than it has been, which is kind of a PITA because I will have to get off the rower to operate it.

Oh well.

[michaelb]

I would play around with the location more. I have my sensor on the side, and I originally did that because I found that the TV affected it when it was on the bottom, so putting it on the opposite side eliminated that interference. My TV and computer are now up on a shelf in front of me.

For rowpro, I would guess that many of us have to get off the rower to reach the computer. You may find that the display is better when the laptop is at the front of the rower, since that will help keep your head up and looking forward, and not down and to the side if the laptop is up close. I stretch out the mouse cord and put that next to me and/or the keyboard can just reach the front of the rower when I am sitting on it. RP has a setting for online rowing to set a delayed start, so that really helped for starting online races with a computer out of reach.

[rtmmtl]

Hello

I received my new Model D on Monday and have been having great fun with it so far. I also bought the HRM adapter to use with my Polar transmitter(s). I have two of the T31 transmitters and the WearLink transmitter I got with the Polar F11 I bought a couple weeks ago.

My problem is that HR reception and display on the PM3 is flaky to say the least. I was careful to install the sensor per the supplied instructions (underside of the beam, 21" from the end), and both ends are securely plugged in.

When I use the WearLink transmitter, I wet the pads with water and place it properly on my chest. When I use the T31 transmitters I put BahBump electrode cream on the pads.

If I wear my F11 wrist receiver, every time I get to look at it it is indicating my HR. But the PM3 will show nothing for about the first 30 seconds, the the heart symbol comes on, and maybe 30 seconds later I will get a number (a reasonable one). Then it will go away sometimes, come back, go away again. As I said, it's very flaky, but the wrist receiver keeps on reading right.

If I have the USB cable hooked up to my laptop, the HR display in RowPro acts just like the PM3... flaky, and it drops out from both at the same time.

I wonder about the placment of the sensor. I *thought* from looking at the instructions that the sensor is to be mounted to the bottom of the beam. Mine is on the bottom, over to the far left (because that's the way the wiring runs). Is the sensor perhaps supposed to be on the SIDE of the beam rather than the bottom?

I had the same problem so I placed the HR receiver here:
http://www.concept2.com/us/support/manu ... ts0107.pdf Part number 33 1038 Upper Hanger Plastic.

You can pick up a small package of velcro connectors for less than three bucks if you need new ones. Puts the receiver right between your feet, little or no chance of damage though.

Aluminum is, I believe, second only to copper as a RF shield.

[michaeln]

For rowpro, I would guess that many of us have to get off the rower to reach the computer. You may find that the display is better when the laptop is at the front of the rower, since that will help keep your head up and looking forward, and not down and to the side if the laptop is up close. I stretch out the mouse cord and put that next to me and/or the keyboard can just reach the front of the rower when I am sitting on it. RP has a setting for online rowing to set a delayed start, so that really helped for starting online races with a computer out of reach.

My laptop uses a USB wireless mouse, and I can operate that on my leg. So I guess since you can pretty much operate RowPro with the mouse once your stuff is set up, I will still be able to. I'll move the laptop farther forward and see.

Thanks!

[michaeln]

I had the same problem so I placed the HR receiver here:
http://www.concept2.com/us/support/manu ... ts0107.pdf Part number 33 1038 Upper Hanger Plastic.

I tried that position and it still dropped out when the laptop was on. With the laptop off it works there, but it also works in the stock location under the beam and 21" from the end.

I'm pretty sure the issue is interference from the laptop, so I will experiment with moving it farther away.

[Slow Boat]

My HRM worked fine for a year or more. Then one day I decided to move the rower to a different location for a different view. The monitor was super flaky. I kept checking connections, etc.

As it turned out, my new location was near the microwave in the *** DELETE - SPAM ***. Even when it wasn't running, it affected the HRM.

Any microwave ovens in you vicinity?

[michaeln]

Any microwave ovens in you vicinity?

There's one in another room, maybe 25 feet away. But honestly, if a microwave oven that isn't turned on and is 25 feet away is a problem, then Polar, Acumen and Concept 2 have some homework to do.

[jackcs]

I am on my second week with the model D and I also am experience very flacky heart rate monitoring. I have gone so far as to hold the receiver within a couple inches of my chest and it still drops out!

[thadr]

I have a Model D of August 2004. The HR readout was never perfect with the Acumen receiver under the monorail, but it was usable. Then I was required to store the machine for a couple of weeks and I moved the receiver to the top of the front rail. It seemed to work much better in that location.

Then I upgraded the firmware and now the HR readout only works about 50% of the time. During the "off" times I have placed the receiver up near my transmitter (Wearlink) with no improvement. My wife's Polar T-31 transmitter produces the same results. We now place our wrist receivers on a table near the monitor and have no problem with their reception.

I currently think the new firmware is trying to save the battery but the test is still inconclusive.

[ZeManel]

Hi,
My experience is similar to that of "thadr".

Since it appears that Concept2 have gone with these Acumen receivers (the replacement for the Acumen unit that failed on me is also made by Acumen, so I don't have high expectations for this one) are there any alternatives?

One thing is for sure, if this one has the same fate, I'm not giving my money to C2 again for another Acumen lemon.

So, does anyone know how/where to find the receiver made by Polar? Or the Polar part/reference?
A few online shops seem to seel Polar receivers for other indoor rowers (Waterrower or Kettler if I'm not mistaken), would these be compatible with the PM3 (e.g. do they have the same connection type)?


cheers
Ze