Cateye Astrale 8 cadence problems
 

For about the last 2 months I have been dealing with problems with the cadence function on my computer. Sometimes the cadence will go to 0 or it will be half or a third of the true cadence. This usually happens when I am pushing hard. When it started, it was only doing it on hills. But now it does it on flat sections if I am pushing hard enough. I am thinking it is the battery, but I'm not sure, and couldn't really figure out what to search for in the forum.

Anyone have any ideas?

I've had mine go out altogether periodically, but it's usually when I've cleaned the bike or run over a rough section in the road, and usually can be cured by fiddling with the wiring a bit and/or repositioning the sensor. I've never had the 1/3 or 1/2 problem.

Only problem I've had is the magnet that goes on the crank slips out of position.

It sounds like you do not have the sensor close enough to the magnet. The bike flexes as you ride and you are probably losing signal.

You might also try removing the computer head and burnishing the contact points with an eraser (mildly abrasive).

Classic symptoms of intermittence, now, where is it?

First place to look is making sure the magnet and sensor are properly aligned.
The contacts may need to be cleaned or the computer head is not securely clicked in to the mount.

Still having problems? It could be a cracked wire.

I would say it's unlikely to be a battery problem unless you're also experiencing the same thing with your speed.