Polar HRM Problems with Cardio Machines

[meowracer]

Trying a more broad question. I was feeling so sad and lonely on my other thread... For those who use a Polar HRM and use the info on the machines that link to the Polar equipment, have you ever had problems with the machine showing your HRM? I wear my watch, but it is so much easier to have your HR displayed on the machine. My stepmill always did this until yesterday. I did the same thing I always do, and my HR watch worked perfectly. It also worked on the TM. The stepmill wouldn't receive the HR though 98% of the time - it tried b/c the little heart would blink, but no numbers would show. A few times, it showed a number but was way off - by about 100 beats per minute. Once, it showed the right number but it didn't last more than a second or two. I just need some advice. BTW - the Polar strap that came with the unit worked with the machine. Not sure whether to contact Polar or Stairmaster (Nautilus). I really use that feature a lot and darn it, want it to work!!

 

[DirtDiva]

Not sure if this helps, but my Polar strap was doing the same thing. (I have an elliptical I use it with.) I contacted Polar and they said that after every use of the strap you should be rinsing it off with soapy water and drying it. I guess the salt in your sweat may have some coating effect.

 

[meowracer]

Thank you for replying. I do rinse it every time, and wash it in the washing machine every week or two. I don't use soap each time though. Guess I'll try that. Tonight it was acting weird just using it and the watch thing. I'll throw it in the wash and see if that helps. Didn't know about using soap each time - the book just says rinse it I think. I do sweat a ton though so it probably needs all the help it can get!!

 

[meowracer]

Thanks for the reply. Did not work for me. I contacted Polar and to my dismay, was met with the most horrible customer service person I could ever possibly imagine I am so mad that I cannot see straight. I sent them an email immediately following that conversation. The stupid thing has been used for maybe 3 months. To top it off, my booklet does not mention soap each time, and the guy argued with me about that. I baby my Polar equipment b/c it is so darned expensive. He kept interrupting me, talking down to me, and was just in general, very demeaning. Then he said I must have an old model, but I just bought it! So, maybe it had sat in the warehouse while they cranked out a newer model and newer instruction booklet. Hardly anything I could do about that. What that tells me is that this must have been a common problem with the straps so they updated their instructions to include using soap each time. I followed the directions in my booklet and he was just such a rabid jacka**. AARRRGGHHHH!!! He had just the worst attitude. Unless the company comes through in the end, it will be the last Polar I ever buy, and I will make my feelings known to anybody who will listen. Well, that said, thanks again for replying, and glad that yours is working again

 

[RapidBreath]

Eee Gads!

That sounds aweful. I didn't know I was supposed to wash it with soap and water either! I just got mine like three/four months ago.

But, salt from your sweat ought to just rinse off.

 

[melanalyus]

HR monitors seem to be the first thing to go on cardio machines---and they aren't as truth telling as the ones you wear on your torso.

 

[meowracer]

You would think that water would rinse it off, but I guess not. I rinse mine after every use and hang to dry - also rinse off that plastic thing that snaps on.

melanalyus - the machine is not the problem. Other straps I have work fine on it. I use the machine to immediately see my HR, and the watch to be the official keeper of info! The stepmill is only one month old too. I used my Cybex strap and the Polar strap that came with the stepmill and both work perfectly so I know it is the F11 strap. The watch part started making weird beeping sounds too. Something is not working right somewhere with that strap.

 

[DirtDiva]

Don't you just HATE crappy customer service! I wouldn't let that go either and I hope you get some satisfaction from your e-mail. I probably would have made a phone call too. I'm upset that my Polar strap blinks out when I hit Orange to Red zone while doing Cardio Coach. The guy on the phone said soap and water, but I tend to agree, why the soap? But all my straps have acted the same way and now I'm looking at getting a new strap with the one that you can replace the battery in. But anyway, I was on Polar's site and found they have a Forum (like this one) and there are questions about this issue. You may find some answers there. I'm going to do some more research too.

http://forum.polar.fi/forumdisplay.php?f=32

 

[meowracer]

Hi DirtDiva-thank you so much! I think that forum may help out a great deal. I griped to my husband when he came home and of course, he logically said I should have asked to speak to a supervisor but I was too mad to think straight at the time. Please keep me posted and I'll do the same for you. There has got to be an answer somewhere.