Road Cycling - Do HRM transmit when switched off

I have a theory that HRM transimitters (belts) are activated, therefore using the battery, as soon as you put them on because the perspiration is the conductor that activates it.

So, am I saving the transmitter battery when I turn off the receiver during a ride?

I figure, if, during a 3 hour ride I have the monitor on for only an hour, the battery in the chest strap is still getting 3 hrs work.


EDIT: It's a Polar A3

I wouldn't worry about the battery life and just use it. I think the thing transmits no matter what.
Though some digital units *might* need to be turned on to sync with a watch.

I have a theory that HRM transimitters (belts) are activated, therefore using the battery, as soon as you put them on because the perspiration is the conductor that activates it.


You are correct. It's easy to prove... put the belt on, get a walkman or other portable audio player and turn it on but silence the music by pausing the unit. Now hold the headphone cable near the transmitter. You'll hear a tick-tick noise corresponding to your hearbeats. This works with non-coded and coded Polar transmitters.



So, am I saving the transmitter battery when I turn off the receiver during a ride?


Nope.

Don't worry about it. Polar's transmitters are rated for 2500 hours. In the year and a half that I've had my unit I've got 200 hours recorded as exercises and probably another 200 hours of wearing the until around the house (checking RHR, etc.)

thanks

My first transmitter belt lasted almost 8 years.