Heart Rate Monitor- Please help determine if it's broken

cdstaufenbiel
cdstaufenbiel Posts: 45 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I use a Timex Ironman Triathlon heart rate monitor (chest strap and watch). I have really relied it on lately to help gauge my HR and overall calorie burn. A couple of weeks ago, the HR readout was odd- it started at 30 and didn't budge until I was well into my workout (running at 6.0-7.0 mph for 3 miles). I replaced the battery and it appeared to fix the issue.

Until today. I started my run at 5.5 mph and the readout was a 159. Then, out of nowhere, it jumped to 240 and stayed there until I slowed down from a run to a walking pace. The HR decreased to 130, so I picked up my pace, and then it jumped to 231 again.

I should mention I left my chest strap and watch in my gym bag last night...which I left in my car overnight. It's been downright frigid here and it sat in the cold all night.

Did I destroy my HRM? Is there anything at all I can do to 'reset' it so it reads accurately?

I appreciate your help in advance.

Replies

  • MB2MN
    MB2MN Posts: 334 Member
    I have no idea if you can fix it but I would definitely say it's broken. How long have you had it? Can you contact the manufacturer?
  • cdstaufenbiel
    cdstaufenbiel Posts: 45 Member
    I've had it for about 2 years. It's not covered by the manufacturer's warranty any more.
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 8,005 Member
    Try washing the chest strap and changing the battery on the transmitter. Also wetting the chest strap, tightening it. If those measure don't work it is probaly broken. I have had my Polar HRM transmitter repaired twice under warranty. Apparently the transmitter can oxidize and get damaged if not kept dry.
  • David_AUS
    David_AUS Posts: 298 Member
    It is possible that the cold overnight temp damaged the battery. Leaving in a hot car can have a similar effect (I killed my GPS battery the same way). Decent HRM are not cheap - batteries are by comparison - try another battery first before giving up.

    You could try resetting I found this on a brief search:
    http://www.coolrunning.com.au/forums/?showtopic=10439
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    FYI, Timex hrms typically over estimate caloric burn amyway. garmin and polar tend to be much more accurate
  • cdstaufenbiel
    cdstaufenbiel Posts: 45 Member
    I'll try replacing the battery and see how that works. I'll look into one of the other brands if this one is past saving.

    Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your help!

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