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HRM strap issue - high readings

(Sorry for my english)

My cardiosensor began showing 220-250 bpm. I'm reading some forums but haven't found the solution.
I replaced the battery in Garmin - no changes, then replaced the battery in the sensor - no changes. Most likely, the problem was in the strap, and it started after the last wash. I tried to attach the fingers to the contacts of the sensor (without strap), and voila! normal pulse. I have already ordered a simple chinese strap.
But because of curiosity I took off the strap black matte layer. Now, when the buttons is touched to the body, everything works fine. I put a conductive gel for better contact.
So, this is an excellent and quick solution if your strap spoiled, and you are waiting for a new one.

0 pshare over 10 years ago

That happens to me a lot with Polar HRMs but not so much with Garmin. Part of the problem is static electricity so Polar recommends cotton shirts and to stay away from Polyester. I suppose that if you washed it, some chemical from the laundry detergent may be increasing the amount of static.

What I do is to rinse out the strap with tap water immediately after a workout which pretty much washes away the sweat on the band. If I put it in the laundry, it's may once in 3 or 4 months.

0 Dugiflopper over 10 years ago

I do the same as Phil..... I just rinse it well after each use under warm water. I leave the pod on and seldom remove it except when I think it's getting too much funk between it and the strap. So far my Garmin soft strap is still going strong at three years of use.

I've never had the static issue that many complain about, and I use both tight and loose fitting polyester and/or nylon shirts.

It is nice to know your tip on exposing what I assume is the backside of the snaps and letting them act as the skin contact point.

0 Shterna00 over 10 years ago

:o I expected to see the real wires that are not afraid of washing (only iron - only hardcore).
I have it for 2 years, but I rarely used it and rarely washed it. Now I know that these straps are delicate and vulnerable.

0 pshare over 10 years ago

I'm not so sure these straps are as delicate as you say. One of my straps is 8 years old. The other is 4 years and I really don't look after them in any way and they're fine. The older one looks a little worse for wear but functions as it should. However mine are Polar rather than Garmin brand. I doubt that there's a difference in quality of materials between the two brands.

We'd never have this discussion about old style plastic Garmin band which came with my FR301 and FR305. I'm using a Scosche on my arm for the last month or so but my FR305 strap works perfectly.