HRM Trouble - Any thoughts?
 

I've had the HRM that came with my Garmin Edge 800 for roughly a year.

At some point in the last few weeks, I realized that it was not properly working. Heart rate was significantly different (by something like a factor of 1/2 or more), but I don't know how to best diagnose if it is the strap or the actual electronics/transmitter?

I am assuming the strap since it appears to be transmitting to my Garmin fine, just not correctly measuring the heart rate. However, before purchasing a new one I thought it would be prudent to check here.

Thanks

How about trying it against another known working ANT+ compatible device? Do you have a access to a Digifit transceiver, or another exercise machine that measures HR and is ANT+ compatible?

This SHOULDN'T be the case....but several years ago, I had a wireless bike computer that would interfere with my (Polar) HR monitor. I'd be pushing HR's of 230+....when I realized that I was adding my revolutions per minute to my HR.....

I'm having the same problem. I use my HRM with a Garmin 350 and a Garmin 500, and I get the same erratic results on both, so the problem is with the HRM. But which part: the module or the strap? I tried a resistance measurement on the electrodes of the strap, and did not see anything that looked wrong.

I tried contacting Garmin Tech support to no avail. I get logged into the site ok, and I get to the support menu ok, but when I click on "Correspondence with Support" I get a blank page with some techy jibberish on it. So, no tech support from Garmin, for whatever reason. Maybe they have a software glitch on their site, or maybe they're just sick and tired of dealing with peoples' problems with Garmin devices.

If you can get thru I would be interested to hear

I don't, but not a bad idea.

My experience with HRM straps is that they start to give a lot of false readings just before you need a battery replacement. Can you change the battery on a Garmin strap to see if the readings return to normal?

Ran across someone who indicated their Iphone would cause problems when not in airplane mode. The issues cropped up about at the same time I purchased a new phone, so will give that a look and report back. Still could just be a battery problem though.

I've gone thru 3 of the Garmin 'comfort' HR straps in 1.5 years. I was able to get one replaced under warranty. The instructions say to rinse the strap after each use, and to hand wash them with mild soap every so often. I haven't had any luck with washing the straps at all - both times I washed the strap, it refused to work after the washing/drying. First strap I ran thru the machine on 'hand wash' cycle, second one I tried just doing hand wash in the sink. No joy on either.

I've also had issues with the strap losing contact with my skin, especially after any extended rest breaks during a ride (i.e. works fine for 45 mins of riding, then I stop for 30 mins, then resume riding for another 45 mins and the segment after the rest doesn't properly register). I suspect the later is being caused by losing the moisture between the strap and my chest - probably just need to wet it down again when I resume riding.

I'm having a similar problem with a Garmin HR strap. I changed the battery a few days ago, but the problem persists. Today I opened the battery compartment after a ride. There was moisture inside the case, but not inside the actual battery compartment that has a rubber seal. I removed the moisture, adjusted the battery contacts to make better contact with the battery, and placed a paper shim under the cover to hold the battery tighter against the contacts. I'll see how it works tomorrow.

I have found that some loose fitting jerseys can flap in the wind and cause erratic HRM output. However, most of my GSC10 cadence and HRM strap faulty readings tend to happen when the battery needs changing. Good luck.

Bruce

Well, I managed to kill it completely. Oddly enough, my Garmin 500 "finds" the HRM, but it won't show the heart rate. After much research I've found numerous people have problems with the "improved" soft strap but the older version works fine. So, I solved the problem by ordering the old strap:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Monitor...nner+305+strap

I'm sure the old one will start working as soon as I get the new one.

No luck for me with a new battery and it didn't make any difference with/without my Iphone along.

Guess I'll buy a new strap first and see what happens. Thanks for the input.

Get the earlier version of the strap:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Monitor...-2147483553-20

A lot of people in other Forums are having problems with the new version, and in two or three months have the same problem with the replacements. Everything I read says the old style straps last forever. They are just as comfortable as the new.

I just paid $60. at a LBS cause I didn't want to wait, so the Amazon price is a good deal.