Is it me or my HR monitor

[SpinBob]

I bought my HR monitor to use for Spinning and in class it seems to work fine, or at least it has worked consistently, responding to changes in pace and resistance.

I've started running and wearing my HR monitor to see what's going on while I run. Here's what's got me puzzled: according to my monitor, my HR goes from around 68 bpm to 158 bpm after running about 15 yards of running. At one point during my run yesterday it had my HR at 223.

Is it possible the model I have wasn't made for running? It's a Polar model M52. Is it time for a new HR monitor? Any thoughts?

[JFK]

Is it possible there's some sort of electrical interference where you are running? When I used to use a HRM on the road, there was one house where the monitor would go nuts every time I went by.

The likelihood of your HR going that high (without you feeling like crud) is pretty low. The mode of exercise should not affect the monitor.

Or maybe you just shouldn't run. :rolleyes:

[yvonne]

what Jen said ~ especially about the not running part :) running hurts!

I've had problems with my hrm while listening to an ipod, it caused eratic performance. I've also had problems when running/riding around power lines, etc.

[SpinBob]

I do run in a residential neighborhood... there are phone poles with all kinds of power lines hanging on them. How would I know if that were the issue and what's the solution?

[Todd S]

I bought my HR monitor to use for Spinning and in class it seems to work fine, or at least it has worked consistently, responding to changes in pace and resistance.

I've started running and wearing my HR monitor to see what's going on while I run. Here's what's got me puzzled: according to my monitor, my HR goes from around 68 bpm to 158 bpm after running about 15 yards of running. At one point during my run yesterday it had my HR at 223.

Is it possible the model I have wasn't made for running? It's a Polar model M52. Is it time for a new HR monitor? Any thoughts?

Is the strap tight (it needs to be tighter when you run than when you bike) and is it moist enough under the transmitter? In cold weather when you're not sweating it's hard to keep the transmitter moist against your skin.

[SpinBob]

I tighten it after my first run, because it did slip. I have to get my strap and my chest pretty wet before I use my HR monitor, as my chest is a bit hairy, so I'm pretty sure conductivity is okay. Although, my strap is about 4 years old, how often do they need to be replaced? There's some kind of battery in there, right?

[Lewis]

I have to get my strap and my chest pretty wet before I use my HR monitor, as my chest is a bit hairy

Time for some manscaping my cycling friend, hair is thy enemy
http://olla.raggoz.com/media/1/20060313-hairy_man%20%28WinCE%29.jpg

[amybatt]

my strap is about 4 years old, how often do they need to be replaced? There's some kind of battery in there, right?

Also, see if you can clean where the sensors are. This was one of my problems with the Polar chest strap, the sensors were covered by mesh which could not be removed and thus couldn't get clean. Crud buildup (not to be gross) started to make the reading inaccurate. The chest strap on my Sigma strap is all plastic, which as uncomfortable as it was to get used to, can at least be scrubbed clean with soap and water.

My guess though is if it's working fine in spinning class, then it's interference or something electrical and not the strap itself.

[SpinBob]

Time for some manscaping my cycling friend, hair is thy enemy
http://olla.raggoz.com/media/1/20060313-hairy_man%20%28WinCE%29.jpgThree words: Sasquatch I'm not. :o

[kszspin]

Definetely change the battery in the transmitter if it's that old! If it's dirty from not wiping the strap down after each use, you can easily build up salt deposits and junk like Amy said, which will cause erratic readings. If changing out the battery and cleaning it up doesn't work (too dirty for too long), then you might have to replace the transmitter altogether. Sorry. :(

[joyofspin]

Spinbob - if it's about 4 years old it might not have a battery in the strap. Which one is it? Is it the coded T33? Only the WearLink ones have batteries.

[SpinBob]

Joy,
Yes it's a T33, I was hoping you'd stop in. Any ideas what the problem might be or any ideas on how to fix it?

[joyofspin]

The T33 doesn't use a battery - sometimes the straps do go and the watch will not be able to read them. Or, if the battery is beginning to weaken it might double read a heart beat or only read half. If a rinse of the strap doesn't do the trick it might be time for a new strap. If the watch still works you might not need to replace it. Of course it's always nice to get a new piece of equipment. LOL

A battery replacement through Polar will cost you around $15 including the shipping charge and whatever it costs to mail it out to them. If you choose to send it in make sure you send your monitor and the strap so they can check both parts.

Anything else you need help with - you know how to reach me. - Joy

[SpinBob]

Thanks Joy, I'll try the battery replacement. If I need a new HR monitor, I'll let you know. BTW whenever you want to start working on your business card, drop me line.

[joyofspin]

So swamped with school - only 4 and a half weeks to go and I get a break. I will take you up on that right after finals.

[RaffCycles]

Bob, one of the MIs I know works with a Polar rep and the rep recommends that we should use Alloe Vera Gel on our transmitters. It enhances the connection and doesn't evaporate as fast. If you have the wear-soft strap, you'll need to wash it out each time under the tap (warm water and mild soap like shampoo).

Just your typical alloe vera gel that you'd use on your sunburn is fine.

[SpinBob]

Thanks Raff, I'll try that and I'm replacing the battery, hopefully that will do the trick.

[RaffCycles]

Bob, here's a link to a document on polar's site about monitor picking up abnormal heart rate readings. Mentions an electrode gel, but alloe vera works just the same.

http://www.polarusa.com/service_repair/faq_con5.asp?ID=11

I also had a chat with a polar rep. Here is what they suggested:

Polar Support: Thank you for chatting with Polar Customer Support. How may I help you today?
Raff: Does polar sell a conductive electrode gel? If not, where can I purchase one. Also, will alloe vera gel work just as well?
Polar Support: We do not sell the conductive gel. You can purchase a water soluble conductive gel at your local pharmacy, i.e. KY Jelly.

[SpinningInPrescott]

I've had probs with Polars in the past and have product called BUH-BUMP which is like the cream they use on EKGs...never had a problem since...spit works good too!

:) PS

[Todd S]

On dry cold days I've even used a drop of liquid soap from the gym restroom on damp fingers and applied that to my transmitter strap. Drys slower than just water alone.

[RaffCycles]

I've had probs with Polars in the past and have product called BUH-BUMP which is like the cream they use on EKGs...never had a problem since...spit works good too!

:) PS

Patrick, how does that BUH-BUMP wash out? Is it a cream or a gel? I have the WearLink strap and was wondering if your cream is water soluble.

[kszspin]

Ralph, the buh-bump is a white cream, looks kinda like noxema. I have it and the wear link strap too, but honestly I don't use the buh bump much (always forget to do it, too busy!) so water is my mainstay and seems to work fine.
Don't think YOU would need extra moisture to hold it in place under there! :D

[RaffCycles]

Don't think YOU would need extra moisture to hold it in place under there! :D

Nope. I don't think I have to worry about moisture. But the rider next to me does!!!:D

[SpinBob]

Ok, today I did a test on a treadmill, a Nordic Track with a built in Polar receiver and a grip monitor, that takes your pulse through the hand grips.

Well it looks like, at the very least that I need a new strap and possibly a new monitor. The treadmill picked up my strap but was giving me really weird read outs, as high a 200 bpm, while the hand grips were in the 120-130 range. My wrist monitor read a steady 156 after about 15-20 strides, even though I've replaced the battery. Not sure anyone is interested in this, but thank for all the help and suggestions

[SpinBob]

Anybody got a spare HRM strap to lend me? I want to see if that's really the problem, before I buy a new one. I'll pay the postage, PM me for my address.

[RaffCycles]

Ok, today I did a test on a treadmill, a Nordic Track with a built in Polar receiver and a grip monitor, that takes your pulse through the hand grips.

Well it looks like, at the very least that I need a new strap and possibly a new monitor. The treadmill picked up my strap but was giving me really weird read outs, as high a 200 bpm, while the hand grips were in the 120-130 range. My wrist monitor read a steady 156 after about 15-20 strides, even though I've replaced the battery. Not sure anyone is interested in this, but thank for all the help and suggestions

May be due to interferance from the Nordic Track. I can't ride one of the recumbants at our gym without pushing 300 plus on my HRM.

[Pink]

Anybody got a spare HRM strap to lend me? I want to see if that's really the problem, before I buy a new one. I'll pay the postage, PM me for my address.

Bob, are you serious? If you are, I've got an extra for you to try.