8,153
edits
Changes
From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
no edit summary
There are two main problems with [[Heart Rate Monitor| Heart Rate Monitoring]]; poor accuracy and chaffing, and there are two simple fixes. The first fix is to apply a little [http://www.amazon.com/Buh-Bump-2-5-Ounce-Heart-Monitor-Electrode/dp/B000HZD2NU Buh-Bump Electrode Cream], which improves the accuracy and provides some lubrication that reduces chaffing. The other fix is to apply some duct tape to the bottom edge of the strap, which works wonders at preventing chaffing. I had no chaffing problems with a duct taped strap during the 37 hours I was running [[2014_Badwater_135| Badwater]]. There are other issues, including the strap wearing out, which are covered below.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
Garmin has introduced an updated form factor for their heart rate monitors which makes them much less likely to chafe. I upgraded to the [https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-HRM-Run-Black-Red-Size/dp/B01708T7NA "HRM4"], and it's greatly reduced my issues.
[[File:GarminHRM4.jpg|none|thumb|300px|The HRM4 at the top, the older style Garmin HRM, and the Polar H7.]]
=Testing a Heart Rate Monitor Strap=
Based on some empirical testing, I've found that the resistance between the popper contacts and the electrode pads is typically about 1.0-1.2 KΩ. A higher resistance suggests that the strap is worn out or damage and faulty readings are more likely.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:HRM Testing (1).jpg|none|thumb|300px|Test the resistance between the contact for the HRM transmitter (the popper) and the electrode that touches your chest.]]
|[[File:HRM Testing (2).jpg|none|thumb|300px|Here's another look at the two places to test.]]
|}
=Using the Polar Wearlink Strap=
You can get a fabric [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F7F64I Polar Wearlink Replacement Strap] that works nicely with the Garmin transmitter. However, Polar replaced the Wearlink strap with the Wearlink+, so the original design is hard to come by. (The new Wearlink+ is nearly identical to the Garmin strap and not worth the upgrade.)
