Changes

The There are two main problems with [[Heart Rate Monitor| Heart Rate Monitoring]] of [[Best Running Watch| Garmin watches]] is not as reliable as the Polar systems; poor accuracy and chaffing, and there are two simple fixes. The latest soft straps are better than earlier generations, but they can still be problematic. A worthwhile upgrade first fix is to purchase apply a little[http://www.amazon.com/Buh-Bump-2-5-Ounce-Heart-Monitor-Electrode/dp/B000F7F64I Polar Wearlink Replacement StrapB000HZD2NU Buh-Bump Electrode Cream], which improves the accuracy and provides some lubrication that reduces chaffing. The Garmin transmitter fits into other fix is to apply some duct tape to the clips bottom edge of the Polar 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" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"|- valign="top"|[[File:BuhBump.JPG|right|thumb|x300px|Buh-Bump and Duct Tape can fix your Heart Rate Monitoring woes.]]|[[File:GarminDuctTape1.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|Apply the duct tape to the lower edge of the back side of the strap. Don't cover the electrodes or you won't get a much better readingsignal, but you'll need the tape to be on the lower edge to get good adhesion. You will need a strip of duct tape about an inch wide.]]|[[File:GarminDuctTape2.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Fold the duct tape up over the front of the strap. You can stick it to the transmitter as shown in this picture, which gives it good adhesion.]]|}=Superman mode=Another approach to reducing chaffing is to wear the chest strap over an [[UnderArmour HeatGear]] top rather than underneath. You'll need some gel to get contact initially, but this should not be a problem if you're sweating enough. (I call this "superman mode", as that fictional character wears his underwear over his trousers.) [[File:Superman HRM. jpg|center|thumb|300px|]]=Other Fixes=There are two versions a number of problems you can still get with the Heart Rate Monitoring. * Unlike the Polar system, the contacts on the Garmin transmitter tend to rust, so it's important to disconnect the transmitter from the strapafter each use. You can see a little of the rust in the picture above. * If you do get rust on the transmitter connecters, then a wire brush can fix the problem. I used these [http://wwwgo.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=WireBrush&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fproduct%2FB005XASFSG small brushes] that worked well for me.* A low battery can result in bad reception, and the watch does not always report a low battery condition properly. * When replacing the battery, insert the new one upside down for a few minutes to short out the contacts. This will reset the monitor and may prevent some reception problems. (I've had to do this with both Garmin and Polar systems.)* A [http://support.garmin.com/support/dpsearchSupport/B000F7F64I Wearlinkcase.faces?caseId={acd36fa0-7ac5-11e2-65d0-000000000000} factory (master) reset] of the watch may be required. I found this fixed a number of problems with my 310XT, including heart rate monitoring. * The straps can be damaged by washing and require careful hand washing, not machine washing. If you damage a strap, it needs replacement. * Interference from overhead power lines used to be a problem, but the modern systems have reduced this dramatically.* All of the soft straps require periodic replacement, so you may need a new one.=Garmin's HRM4=Garmin has introduced an updated form factor for their heart rate monitors which makes them much less likely to chafe. I upgraded to the [httphttps://www.amazon.com/Garmin-HRM-Run-Black-Red-Size/dp/B007XCLU66 Wearlink+B01708T7NA "HRM4"], though and it's greatly reduced my issues.[[File:GarminHRM4.jpg|center|thumb|300px|The HRM4 at the top, the older style Garmin HRM, and the names are not used consistentlyPolar H7. The Wearlink is more comfortable ]]=Testing a Heart Rate Monitor Strap=Based on some empirical testing, I've found that the resistance between the popper contacts and chaffs far less than the Wearlink+electrode pads is typically about 1.0-1.2 KΩ. The Wearlink+ A higher resistance suggests that the strap is seems to last slightly longerworn out or damage and faulty readings are more likely. If that's the case, but there's no fix that I'm aware of and it's time for a new strap. I typically find it cuts into my skin on longer runsstraps last about a year or so. {| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"|- valign="top"|[[File:HRM Testing (1). The most obvious difference 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 is 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 has cloth electrodes that you can dampen and strap with the Wearlink+ has plastic electrodes , so the original design is hard to come by. (you still have The new Wearlink+ is nearly identical to dampen your skinthe Garmin strap and not worth the upgrade.).

File:Polar Wearlinks.jpg|At the top you can see the newer [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007XCLU66 Wearlink+] and the older [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RCLGHI/ Wearlink] on the bottom. The Wearlink has pads that are absorbent so you don’t don't have a problem with them drying out, but the Wearlink+ seems to be slightly more reliable.