Does anyone know if there are any specific boards for Polar HRM's? All I could google was some tri-boards w/ HRM questions. Thanks!

A lot of good info here (http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=10359&highlight=polar+tips)
A polar-only sub-forum would be nice, though.

Lou.

Start your thread right here, I just went to the other post and there is a ton of misinformation on it. Most of the misinformation is due to the fact that people just dont understand how the products are supposed to be used or set up, then they get bad readings or it doesn't work properly and then make the conclusion that the stuff is just junk. So get your info from the source!

Start your thread right here, I just went to the other post and there is a ton of misinformation on it. Most of the misinformation is due to the fact that people just dont understand how the products are supposed to be used or set up, then they get bad readings or it doesn't work properly and then make the conclusion that the stuff is just junk. So get your info from the source!

So are you the "source"?

I just got a 625x a few weeks ago and LOVE it. I've been using it mostly for my cyclocross training rides. Haven't calibrated the pod yet though.

I'm a computer engineer and I have to admit, it's pretty complicated, both the watch and s/w. So it'd be nice to have a place (like this) to share issues, training files, and even logos. I modified the standard one to include barriers and a hill. I noticed ones on the webiste but those are via wav files, I use the IR so that doesn't work for me.

I'll start building this thread then. I'll post my questions individually, in the hopes the get answered in the same way.

I use my 625x w/ 2 separate speed sensors. Each bike has a different name (CX, SS) w/ different wheel diameters. After connecting to the watch, I can go to the run/bike tab. Now here there are 2 tabs for Bike 1 and Bike 2. They appear to be set correctly.

But I'm confused on what the Run/Bike mode drop down list means. It shows Run, Bike 1, Bike 2, and None. What is this used for? I tried playing w/ it and at some point, I erased all the settings on my watch. :mad:

I've created an interval training file for my 625x. When I cycle the intervals, the watch shows "Int" and "Reco" times. It appears to show them AFTER it is completed. For example, if I do a 1 minute interval, it displays "Int 1:00:00" after that 1 minute. Is that the correct way, showing the screen AFTER the activity is completed? Just trying to understand how the watch is supposed to work. Thanks.

I use my watch for cycling and running.

1) In the Polar s/w, I set up the watch via IR. I go to the Run/Bike tab and there is a drop down box for Run/Bike Mode. The selections are Run, Bike 1, Bike 2, and None. How do these selections compare to the Bike 1 and Bike 2 tabs in area below this?

2) Say I configure Bike 1 and Bike 2 for different wheel sizes. I change the watch config (from the watch not s/w) to use running mode or none. Now I go back to configure for bike mode but my wheel sizes are now erased. How come?

I just received my 720i yesterday and used it on a ride last night. After loading the software that came with the HRM, and attaching my IR interface, I could not get the darn receiver to send info to my computer. After about an hour of this I was ready to throw the HRM in the trash.

After trudging around the Polar website looking for answers I happened upon a software update that came out in December '04. I saved the update to my desktop, then loaded it onto my computer and now everything works great! Hopefully you've not had as hard a time with yours as I've had, but if so, then I'd suggest getting the software update.

Here it is: Polar 720i Software Update (http://support.polar.fi/PKBSupport.nsf/Product/S720i?openForm)

After reading about how complicated the high end Polars are, I glad I have the Polar F1. No software to understand, not complicated buttons to set up. I have only one button. It turns the unit on with one push and turns it off with the next. When you turn it off, it displays the on time and average heart rate, otherwise, when on, it gives the instantaneous HR.

Of course, I have to use a separate bike computer and manually enter my mileage and stuff into a log.

I've got a S520 that doesn't want to read Cadence, Heart Rate and Speed at the same time (works correctly about 40% of the time). All the sensors are set up correctly and none are out of range of the receiver. And i wet down the transmitter pads before every ride. Even set it back to Polar and they just replaced the battery. Anyone have any ideas on this one?

I've got a S520 that doesn't want to read Cadence, Heart Rate and Speed at the same time (works correctly about 40% of the time). All the sensors are set up correctly and none are out of range of the receiver. And i wet down the transmitter pads before every ride. Even set it back to Polar and they just replaced the battery. Anyone have any ideas on this one?

Try the Polar Help Desk: Help Desk (http://www.polar.fi/polar/channels/eng/polar/helpdesk.html)

After reading about how complicated the high end Polars are, I glad I have the Polar F1. No software to understand, not complicated buttons to set up. I have only one button. It turns the unit on with one push and turns it off with the next. When you turn it off, it displays the on time and average heart rate, otherwise, when on, it gives the instantaneous HR.

Of course, I have to use a separate bike computer and manually enter my mileage and stuff into a log.

Don't be scared of knowledge, it's your friend.

Does anyone know if there are any specific boards for Polar HRM's? All I could google was some tri-boards w/ HRM questions. Thanks!

Howdy, OldSkool! Glad to see another refugee from the cyclocross board.

I'm shopping at the moment for a notebook computer, and am considering making the switch to Apple. One major drawback for me would be Polar's apparent heebe-jeebies about all things Apple -- along with e-mail and word processing, the Polar PC logging software is the thing I probably use most on my home computer.

Their website says that you might be able to rig something so you could download your data using an Apple, but probably not. I e-mailed the help desk for more info and their reply, while somewhat more hopeful, wasn't really more helpful. Their reply also focused on the infrared link, while my S520 Polar HRM communicates with the SonicLink interface, buzzing its secrets into a microphone.

Is anyone out there successfully using Apple + Windows-emulating software to download Polar Data? I'd be particularly interested if you were using an S520 with the SonicLink.

Cheers!

Since this is a Polar thread, I thought to through out the following question. On my Polar 720 I've noticed that during today's ride it was doubling the speed/distance. On yesterdays ride, the speed would not read at all for the first 3-4 miles and then suddenly would start reading correctly. At the end of a break yesterday it once again would not show speed for the first few miles. HR and cadence work fine so I doubt it is the receiver battery. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks

Is anyone out there successfully using Apple + Windows-emulating software to download Polar Data? I'd be particularly interested if you were using an S520 with the SonicLink.
Cheers!

I'd give it a shot -- I'm doing something similar with Linux and it works well. I'm using the Codeweavers windows-emulating software to download from my s510 with soniclink. I was having trouble getting it to work until I upgraded to the latest version from Polar, and now it works like a champ. Good luck.

Hi,
We've just released iSMARTtrain which supports the Polar models with Infra-red. We're currently working on adding support for the SonicLink models and expect to have a pre-release version available in a month-or-so. Keep an eye on our website, http://www.ismarttrain.com

Regards

Stuart
OTAG Technologies Ltd

Howdy, OldSkool! Glad to see another refugee from the cyclocross board.

I'm shopping at the moment for a notebook computer, and am considering making the switch to Apple. One major drawback for me would be Polar's apparent heebe-jeebies about all things Apple -- along with e-mail and word processing, the Polar PC logging software is the thing I probably use most on my home computer.

Their website says that you might be able to rig something so you could download your data using an Apple, but probably not. I e-mailed the help desk for more info and their reply, while somewhat more hopeful, wasn't really more helpful. Their reply also focused on the infrared link, while my S520 Polar HRM communicates with the SonicLink interface, buzzing its secrets into a microphone.

Is anyone out there successfully using Apple + Windows-emulating software to download Polar Data? I'd be particularly interested if you were using an S520 with the SonicLink.

Cheers!

I also purchased a Polar 625x last Friday and just love it! It has all the data you'll ever need for all of your activities. I have one question though. How do you turn off the running sensor when riding your bike. The HRM is constantly checking for the heart rate sensor and running sensor. It's gets annoying when you see "check sensor" on the screen.

re: polar and apples

People have gotten the Polar software to work with downloading with Virtual PC and OS X but I never did. It worked perfectly with OS 9. I would go with the iTrainsmart software, but I seem to remember that the imported data was not in the format Polar used or something. Maybe they fixed this in the newer release.

So after you get the data into the Mac you can use virtual pc to run whatever software you want. I'm using Cycling peaks with my PowerTap and it works perfectly.

Howdy, OldSkool! Glad to see another refugee from the cyclocross board.

I'm shopping at the moment for a notebook computer, and am considering making the switch to Apple. One major drawback for me would be Polar's apparent heebe-jeebies about all things Apple -- along with e-mail and word processing, the Polar PC logging software is the thing I probably use most on my home computer.

Their website says that you might be able to rig something so you could download your data using an Apple, but probably not. I e-mailed the help desk for more info and their reply, while somewhat more hopeful, wasn't really more helpful. Their reply also focused on the infrared link, while my S520 Polar HRM communicates with the SonicLink interface, buzzing its secrets into a microphone.

Is anyone out there successfully using Apple + Windows-emulating software to download Polar Data? I'd be particularly interested if you were using an S520 with the SonicLink.

Cheers!

Hmm. I have access to a 17" powerbook at work. Work is busy this week, but if I have a chance I can try to see if it works w/ SoftPC. I have a slightly vested interest in this, since I'm looking at a Mac Mini for my home theatre.

another tip:

The Polar "high power" mod

for the speed and cadence transmitter...remove the cover (2 screws) and move the jumper from the inner two pins to the outer two (or outer to inner...there are 3 pins).

This puts the speed sensor into high power mode and this enabled my to run the speed sensor on my back wheel without problems.

Since this is a Polar thread, I thought to through out the following question. On my Polar 720 I've noticed that during today's ride it was doubling the speed/distance. On yesterdays ride, the speed would not read at all for the first 3-4 miles and then suddenly would start reading correctly. At the end of a break yesterday it once again would not show speed for the first few miles. HR and cadence work fine so I doubt it is the receiver battery. Anyone have a clue?

Thanks

Hmm, normally I'd say it's interference but not w/ your symptoms. Perhaps readjust the speed sensor to make sure it's hitting the magnet properly.

another tip:

The Polar "high power" mod

for the speed and cadence transmitter...remove the cover (2 screws) and move the jumper from the inner two pins to the outer two (or outer to inner...there are 3 pins).

This puts the speed sensor into high power mode and this enabled my to run the speed sensor on my back wheel without problems.

High power? Do you mean the speed sensor transmitter sends at a higher power?

This might be a good mod to try to "fix" the speed sensor problem of the other poster.

I also purchased a Polar 625x last Friday and just love it! It has all the data you'll ever need for all of your activities. I have one question though. How do you turn off the running sensor when riding your bike. The HRM is constantly checking for the heart rate sensor and running sensor. It's gets annoying when you see "check sensor" on the screen.

Hmm. IIRC, you can have one sensor (speed or running) operational at one time. I just turn off the running sensor and turn on the bike sensor. When using the speed sensor, I always use my HRM strap. I believe that's the default operation, to use both speed and HRM sensor, not just the speed sensor.

High power? Do you mean the speed sensor transmitter sends at a higher power?

This might be a good mod to try to "fix" the speed sensor problem of the other poster.

Yes...it sends at a higher power. The downside is supposedly quicker battery drain but I never had to change the battery in the speed/cadence sensor.