Recumbent - Computer question
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I just bought a new wireless Cateye computer for my Rans V-rex, and then noticed in the setup instructions that the maximum distance between the computer and the transmitter is supposed to be no more than 70 cm, or about 27.5 inches. On the V-rex it's several inches more than that, as I suppose it would be on any recumbent -- even more on a LWB. It does work, at least initially, but now I'm wondering if I'm going to be replacing the batteries about once a week since it's operating at the extreme edge of its range. Can anyone comment on whether this is going to be a problem? Do wireless computers work okay on bents?
The battery life has nothing to do with how far the transmitter and receiver are mounted from each other. If you are getting erratic or no readings, that would be the symptom.
Dchiefransom
08-05-09, 08:33 PM
I have mine on the riser, but's you might hit it with your legs on a SWB. My other LWB it's behind the steerer on the top tube. You'd have to be careful not to hit it with your foot there.
If it works, you're probably good. Not nearly as far on a Rex as on a LWB. I have a VDO wireless digital signal unit on my Rex bars - no problem.
The problem I had with the wireless I had some years back, is that my Heart Rate monitor would whack out the wireless( or was it the other way around, I can't remember).......... Anyway I went back to a wired Trek sensor with the tandem kit for the pickup on my Tailwind and I have been using it for years.
The battery life has nothing to do with how far the transmitter and receiver are mounted from each other. If you are getting erratic or no readings, that would be the symptom.
I didn't express the question well. It's the other way around: Does the range of the transmitter depend on the strength of the battery? If so, it will gradually decrease over time as the battery ages. Or, alternatively, does it operate at full power up to the point it can't operate any more? Obviously the latter is the preferred scenario if they're mounted relatively far apart. Otherwise you're going to be replacing a lot more batteries.
[QUOTE=V-rex;9434003]I didn't express the question well. It's the other way around: Does the range of the transmitter depend on the strength of the battery? If so, it will gradually decrease over time as the battery ages. Or, alternatively, does it operate at full power up to the point it can't operate any more? Obviously the latter is the preferred scenario if they're mounted relatively far apart. Otherwise you're going to be replacing a lot more batteries.[/QUOTE
Usually the output is a certain amount, not entirely dependent on the battery voltage, until the battery voltage gets below the design parameters of the circuit. Then it will just stop putting out a signal altogether. Bottom line is, hook it up and try it. If it works, it works. If it is erratic, then you need to move the receiver closer to the transmitter.