Training & Nutrition - Heart Rate Monitors: Digital Coding vs. Radio Signal?

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pgoat
03-11-10, 09:22 AM
Is there a difference?

I have a Cateye HR10 that appears to be a Radio signal model - it is generally reliable but often will give me wacky readings (like "0" when I am pretty sure I am still breathing, and "225" when I haven't even taken the bike off the car rack yet). Sometimes the cause is obvious (another HR monitor or radio towers nearby), sometimes not.

I just got a new Sigma Onyx Classic for Xmas and it says it is "Digitally Coded." I haven't tried it yet (was thinking of selling/regifting since I have the Cateye already) - would this be a different technology from Radio signals, and would either be more accurate/reliable/steady than the other?

Aerodee80
03-11-10, 11:05 AM
Digitally Coded like ANT+ HR Straps are more reliable but still prone to abnormal reading.

I get abnormal readings when the battery is low, strap is not tight, pedaling fast and or skin is dry.
umd
03-11-10, 02:41 PM
It's all "radio signals"...

Coded means that the sender and receiver are paired to each other, so that it won't pick up other signals. They are not immune to interference, but much less affected.

pgoat
03-11-10, 05:32 PM
Ahhh, that was my guess, actually - that makes sense, thank you so much!