External HR Monitor

I have the Tickr-X, and the "older" HRM-Run, with the removable module. This is just one more reason to avoid the "new" self-contained Garmin straps, as to insure my HRM is disconnected, I always unsnap one side of the center module after using the strap. I've not had a problem at all, my batteries last for the most part the close to a year, in fact, I don't remember when I replaced them last, relying on the watch to tell me when the battery is low.
Just my 2c worth.

lucky1976 I've had my 5+ about the same time and I've had no issues with battery in any of my sensors with the 5+ - I have 3 HR Straps and footpod and Tempe. Do you have any CIQ apps that might be responsible. Also when you are not using your HRM Strap is it usually in range of the 5+?

I don't have any CIQ apps....only stock watch face. I am using a HRM from my 935. Could it me the cold winter in Western NY a I do 95% of the 600 miles this winter outside?

lucky1976 I can't see why the cold would affect the HRM differently (I assume that you were running with the 935 and 235 in similar conditions) because you are connected to a 5+ rather than a 935. I could understand greater battery drain on the 5+ itself in cold weather as I would think the metal body would allow the watch to cool down much more easily than the 935's plastic. As per OEAGLEO above I too have an older HRM Run and unclip one side when not using - is yours the newer model with non-removeable HR module? Try making sure that the HRM is a long way from the watch when not using it (maybe leave in the boot of your car) and see if that makes any difference. Either way it shouldn't be happening as the HRM shouldn't be transmitting when it's not getting a HR signal.

I am being to think its actually the HRM. I adjusted the battery in the HRM and it worked well for 2 runs which were 7 hours in total. I took a day off and ran 10 km today and it was acting weird...this run was a steady pace but HRM was dropping

I would suggest that you remove the battery, turn it around and re-insert the battery for about 15 seconds, then remove it again. Check all the contacts to make sure they aren't bent or damaged and then clean them with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip. Then re-install the battery the right way, maybe with a very small drop of mineral oil on the contact to prevent fretting. Then see if that fixes your HRM problems. I am still using the same HRM-TRi that I bought 3 years ago and it is still working flawlessly. When it starts getting a little wonky, I change the battery using that procedure and It always has gone back to working perfectly.

I will say that even with a low battery I have never had a HR graph that looks like that though. That definitely looks like a sensor reset, not necessarily a dropped signal.