PM5 firmware update and HRM issue

[Aks]

Hi there,

I've updated the firmware in my PM5 this past month (there were 2 updates) and ever since, my Garmin HR monitor is spiking. It seems reasonable for me for the first one or two intervals, but then during rest intervals, where I tend to increase SPM but not effort, it spikes. For instance, my 1000m cool down it climbed to 194bpm. Based on past data, I should have been down to 120 or less. My watch confirms that when I stopped my session, there was a difference of 50 between the watch and the PM5

Normally, I don't really get above a HR of 150 bpm because I tend to burn out or get sloppy.

Is anyone else seeing this?

Thanks

[Tenshuu]

Hi there,

I've updated the firmware in my PM5 this past month (there were 2 updates) and ever since, my Garmin HR monitor is spiking. It seems reasonable for me for the first one or two intervals, but then during rest intervals, where I tend to increase SPM but not effort, it spikes. For instance, my 1000m cool down it climbed to 194bpm. Based on past data, I should have been down to 120 or less. My watch confirms that when I stopped my session, there was a difference of 50 between the watch and the PM5

Normally, I don't really get above a HR of 150 bpm because I tend to burn out or get sloppy.

Is anyone else seeing this?

Thanks

Haven't seen anything drastic like that with mine...

My HRM is the tickr fit armband - so finnicky compared to chest belt, but my only issues have been the HRM takes forever to lock on sometimes. Eg it will hover around 58bpm at the start of my workout for up to 1000m sometimes before FINALLY starting to climb up to my actual heart rate. Other times it's locked in from the start.

I've never seen the HRM spike upwards above current heart rate though, at least not when reducing overall effort....

[Carl Watts]

When did you last change the battery in the HR Strap?

[Ripples]

Garmin HRM (chest strap) and updated PM5. No issues.

[Aks]

Thanks....

replaced the battery in fall 2017. So I'll give that a try. It just seemed odd that it started the day I upgraded my PM5 But it seems unique to me, so it's probably the Garmin and not a firmware glitch.

[johnlvs2run]

It just seemed odd that it started the day I upgraded my PM5

Yes indeed. Please keep us posted with your progress.

[Carl Watts]

I thought the oring seal system on the Garmin would be good enough and I rinse the strap after every use in clean water but when I removed the cover there was evidence of water ingress. I even put a tiny amount of rubber grease on the oring and it still got in. The CR2025 battery really doesn't last that long compared to the huge CR2450 from memory in the old Polar sealed belts that last 10 years. Cleaned the corrosion with a cotton bud and IPA and fitted a new battery and its still working.

Replaceable battery sounds like a great idea, but realistically it will still probably only last 10 years.

[dangobot]

I had the same issue happen after the firmware update as well, but with my Polar H7. I've tried cleaning the strap sensors, removing the (brand new) battery to reset several times, moistening the sensors, connecting directly to the PM5,and connecting through my IPhone 6s to the ErgData app. I can get it to calm down for 5 minutes or so and then it spikes to about double what it should read and stays there. The strange thing is that it will also happen connected to just the Polar app with the PM5 off - so... only thing left to try is a new strap - or replace with a new H7 or H10. Anyone have experience with H7 vs H10? Or other recommendations?

[bobbyws]

The basic version of Tickr from Wahoo Fitness works 100% for me.

[Carl Watts]

Just purchased 2 of the Garmin HRM1G from E-Bay, they are brand new genuine product.They are so cheap the Chinese Garmin factory workers must be wearing them out of the factory strapped on their chests and then flicking them on E-Bay !

My old one started "Spiking" when the molding failed and the battery lid was not sealing. Water got in and it was stuffed. I now have 3 Garmin straps and they are all rock solid.You need at least one spare strap.

No problems on My PM4 running V318 Firmware (old version, V332 is the latest but cannot be used with the older version of RowPro) or my PM5 running V29 Firmware. This PM5 is the first hardware version of the PM5.

You need to post what firmware version you are running as there are two possibilities for the PM4 and two for the PM5.

Buy another strap its probably stuffed.