Help! What's going on with my heart rate monitor?

candican

I noticed in the last few days that my Polar F6 HRM doesn't seem to be giving me correct readings. For instance, it was saying that my HR was 67 when I was jogging and it's usually between 140-170 when I'm jogging. When it doesn't work like that, there is usually a flashing symbol below the reading. I think it's an upward arrow touching the heart. Then today on the treadmill I noticed every time I touched the top of the treadmill (not where the heart rate monitor is, just at the top of the treadmill), my wrist monitor will read about 70 (which was definitely wrong) and when I let go, it would go back to 150. Then I started walking without touching the treadmill and it was reading low again around 60, but I know I should have been around 110-120. I had this problem the other day when I was walking too. It was saying that my HR was 0?? Anyone know what this could be? My only theory at this point is maybe I have to tighten the elastic strap on my transmitter? It's not loose but maybe it's moving around?

Mirlyn

I've read that it could be either the tightness or the transmitters need to be wet better before putting on your strap. I haven't had the problem with mine yet but passing along what I read in another thread a few days ago .

xonophone

I was having similar problems, then I tightened my strap and not the readings are fine. Another unexpected benefit from losing weight/inches! :happy:

MEMA5

HI I'M HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY HRM, I ALSO HAVE A PAOLAR, I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING LIKE TIGHTENING THE STRAP, WETTING I T REALLY WELL I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. MAYBE WE NEED TO CONTACT THE COMPANY?

tavander

I'm a long time user of polar HRMs and am currently using the F11 model which has the soft chest strap. Mine too was being a pain about reading my HR consistently. So through process of elimination, (changing the batteries in the transmitter and the watch as well as making sure I washed the strap regularly), i finally decided to buy a replacement strap, not the transmitter, for about $20. Sure enough, that worked. I should have thought of that first since I've been using the old strap for 2.5-3 years of constant use.

To wash it, you can just take it in the shower with you or you can also throw it in the washing machine. CAUTION, do not forget and put it in the dryer because you might just ruin it.

candican

Oh no! I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy anything and it was just something easy to fix. I don't have the cash to buy a new one just yet. I still have elasticity in the strap so I might not have to replace that just yet...hopefully. Thanks for your suggestions! I'll try to tighten it and see if that doesn't work. I've only used it for like 4 months last year and the last 2 weeks though! I'll be pissed if it's broken already!

tavander

candican: its not that the elasticity wears out, the mesh part that touches your skin can wear out thus creating the malfunction in reading your HR. Just a suggestion and that was what was wrong with mine after so much use