HELP! HRM problem

taliyai

At the pool today, my Polar FT7 HRM stopped working. The watch said "Check transmitter!!!" and I did... and it was attached perfectly. Every time I got OUT of the water, it read my HR. When I got back in, it went to 00. It's WATERproof, so what's the problem?

Some background: I have been swimming almost every other day for the last 2-3 weeks with my HRM. I thoroughly rinse it after every use, and wash it in the washer with non-bleach detergent once a week. To my knowledge, I am taking very good care of it. So what the heck!

reddcat

Bumping because I just got a FT7 and had no clue it was waterproof. Curious to see the answer.

sarah44254

Hmm, the one time that happened to me was on a very hot day and I had gone for a long jog. The strap had been slipping off because of sweat. I readjusted over and over but it just could not keep a heart rate. That night I washed it with some clothing and non-bleach detergent like you, then line dried it. Next time I tried it it worked fine.

Maybe try to let it dry out then give it another shot. It is definitely water proof, so not sure what the issue is.

sarah44254

Only thing not waterproof is the watch part. And that is only if you press buttons while submerged. If you do not press buttons, you can put the watch, transmitter, strap, everything underwater. When you press a button on the watch though it gives an opportunity for water to get to the insides of the watch, which we don't want happening.

Countrymade

I have a polar HRM too but I don't think it is waterproof. Also I can't put mine in the washer either.
I would check your owners manual for yours.

princess_in_power

Sounds like it was "short-circuiting" in the water. Maybe let it completely dry out and try again? (sorry not much help)

TourThePast

The Polar website does warn that chlorine can interfere with the signal, though I've never had problems myself. Try it in the bath, see if it works there, if so that's the problem.

Oh, and my HRM stopped working, turned out that because I'd lost weight the strap was no longer tight enough. I'm wondering if perhaps when you're moving in the water it's not tight enough, but when you get out and stay still, it's tight enough to get a reading.

kr3851

I just had to adjust my strap because I've lost weight and it slips now. Yay!!

pyroxian

...
Oh, and my HRM stopped working, turned out that because I'd lost weight the strap was no longer tight enough. I'm wondering if perhaps when you're moving in the water it's not tight enough, but when you get out and stay still, it's tight enough to get a reading.

This.
Doublecheck that it's tight enough, and if that doesn't make a difference, replace the battery in the chest strap. Low battery = low transmit power and not able to penetrate the water as well. (battery is about $4 at walgreen's or radio shack)