WatchApp: Activity Recorder

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/be468042-047e-4181-ae6f-e82a3f50b04e

A simple application that allows users to record activities like the built-in apps, but with more choices of activity type and sub-type. Activities that are uploaded to Garmin Connect have the specified activity type, so you don't have to go back and edit them after the fact. Supports three user-selectable data fields on a single page; Timer, Lap Time, Heart Rate, Average Heart Rate, Calories, Time of Day, Distance, Pace, Avg, Pace, Speed, Avg, Speed, Cadence, Avg. Cadence, Elevation, Ascent, Descent, Laps, Temperature fields are available. Allows users to enable/disable sensors and GPS for each activity type/sub-type.

*Note*: You have to enable sensors and GPS in the app if you want to record the data that they provide. i.e., if you want to go on a trail run and record your track, you have to select the activity type Run/Trail Running, and then enable GPS on the options page. All sensors default to off for all activity types. You must enable them explicitly.

*Note*: The list of activity sub-types is limited due to a ConnectIQ bug that affects most devices. The most requested activity sub-type is Strength Training, and unfortunately that one is affected by this bug. I will update the app as fixes are deployed with device firmware updates.

If you have a problem or question, post it in the forums thread (https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?239790) so I can respond.

Revision History:

0.9.6
* Added auto-save prompt 3 seconds after recording is stopped, much like you'd experience with the built-in activity applications.
* Added support for additional data fields, reorganized the data field selection to match up with the 920xt apps.

0.9.5
* Initial Revision
* Supports 920XT w/ 3.20 firmware and VivoActive w/ 2.70 firmware. Please post if you have success with earlier firmware versions.

G.Shani over 10 years ago

Can you enable GPS for Swim and use the app for an open water swim with Vivoactive?

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

I don't own a vivoactive, but a user in this thread does and tested it. The GPS data was very erratic, much like you'd see if you had used a FR310XT (or any other running device that doesn't have open water swim specific code in it).

Unfortunately, there isn't much I can do to improve this other than ask Garmin add the open water swim data filtering that is found on other devices (like the fr910xt and fr920xt). The other option is to tell users to put the vivoactive in their swim cap as was the workaround years ago.

Pitz66 over 10 years ago

Hi Travis,
I too just discovered the lack of it seeing my heart rate on the previous version with my vivoactive. Just updated to the newest version and will let you know about responsiveness etc. after my next session.

Played with the new version tonight. After fiddling with sensors within the app and turning them on it worked a treat.

Former Member over 10 years ago

Thanks for the app.
Is there a way to save the three selected data fields, so they do not need to be re-selected next time around?
It seems to always default back to calories, HR, timer once app is closed.

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

You should not need to, they should be remembered. What device, and what firmware?

Former Member over 10 years ago

This app provides a lot of functionality. It's hard to believe that Garmin didn't provide something similar. I have a vivoactive on 2.7 currently, and I find the menus work fine. There is not a long delay. Looking forward to testing this further and fixes to allow selection of strength training.

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

I'm providing all of the activity types that I can currently support. The ConnectIQ API doesn't provide a way to create an inline skating activity. The FIT file protocol doesn't support it, so that option isn't available to my app.

hermanhk over 10 years ago

Hi, Thanks and love the app, few suggestions for your consideration. I have a vivoactive running firmware 2.8

1) default activity - I do tennis 3-4 days a week and would be much better if I can pick that as my default activity
2) would be nice in data field to be able to capture the number of steps I took during that activity sessions (and perhaps use that, rather than GpS, to estimate distance) - for tennis anyway
3) I noticed that I can choose tennis on the watch but that won't get transferred to my Garmin connect dashboard - I assume that's due to Garmin's limitation that they don't support tennis as an activity?

thanks and enjoyed the app since the beginning...

Former Member over 10 years ago

Hi Travis! Thanks for the app and all your effort! I am very new (just joined yesterday) so Im still figuring everything out. I have a Vivoactive and have yet to upgrade my software but your app seems like the best way for me to track my 21 Day Fix workouts. If you arent familiar they are made by BeachBody and are similar to P90x. My question is, which activity type do you think I should use when logging that type of exercise? Fitness equip? Training? There are weights and cardio involved in each of the workouts. Thank you!!!

travis.vitek over 10 years ago

Given that I don't really know what the activity type is used for in Garmin Connect, I'm not sure what activity type to use. If I were in your position, I'd use Training/Cardio or Training/Strength, the latter of which is not currently available due to a ConnectIQ bug.

Travis