Running Dynamics Data Dropouts

Hi

I hope somebody can help that has experienced this but I am not finding recent issues in the Garmin forums (and not on the Fenix 5):

I have started using a new Fenix 5 Sapphire Performer Bundle with the included HRM TRI. When running it looks as though heart rate tracks fine but running dynamics data drops out (the running dynamics screens disappear during the run and then reappear again later on when the Fenix picks up the signal again). When going to settings the HRM TRI is still listed as "Connected". Is there anything I can do to troubleshoot or fix this or do I need to return the watch? I am using the latest firmware on the watch (2.9) and HRM TRI (4.3).

Thanks for your help!

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I think I've experienced the same or at least a very similar issue.

I've been using my F5 with my HRM-RUN that I got in a bundle with my F3 just under a year ago. From day one everything was fine but around the time I started using a Garmin Footpod I started to notice gaps in the running dynamics data. I haven't proven that it was the foot pod causing the issue and to be honest I think it was just coincidence. Unfortunately to fix the issue I changed two things at the same time; the first being the battery and the second upgrading to beta 2.96. I've only done one run since and so far so good.

0 ColinvZ over 8 years ago

Thanks for the quick responses. I have updated to 2.96 and we will see if this fixes things after my morning run tomorrow.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Please post back after your run if you can, I'd be interested to know how you get on.

0 orofab over 8 years ago

Had the same issues.
See also my posts here: https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?373949-Bad-HRM-4-Run-connectivity

I've installed 2.96 beta and did a hike this morning with the strap and it looks much better, with no drops. Since I am insured it will take another week or so until my next comparable run. But it looks like 2.96 solves my ANT connectivity issues.

0 ColinvZ over 8 years ago

My feedback: I have installed 2.96 beta and tested it this morning. I think there is an improvement but my problems have not been fully resolved.

I note that while I am running everything is fine but as soons as I walk I lose HR and running dynamics reception. After some testing, I confirmed that the Fenix is too far away when my arms ae by my side but works fine when I run as the Fenix is closer to the HRM TRI. I have not experienced this with my 910xt and HRM3 soft strap.

I suspect I will also have issues with my speed and cadence sensor but have not yet tested this. I have contacted Garmin support and will see what they say.

0 ColinvZ over 8 years ago

After installing 2.96 I went for a run this morning to test. I think there is an improvement but my problems have not been fully resolved.

I note that HR and Running Dynamics data displays and records mostly fine while running (when my wrist is close to the HRM TRI) but the connection is lost when I walk (when my wrist is further from the HRM TRI). When I start running again, it can take 30-60 seconds for the signal to be picked up. I did not have this issue with my 910xt and Garmin soft strap. I am not sure whether the weak signal is caused by the HRM TRI or Fenix 5.

I have contacted Garmin support and will see what they say.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

I have one great (i.e. no dropouts) and one terrible (i.e. loads of dropouts) run since 2.96. Definitely not fixed in the latest beta!

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Just had a good run with mine this morning, no gaps in data at all. Even the pace chart looks great.

0 Former Member over 8 years ago

Just to illustrate what I mean by gaps in running dynamics data I've attached a screen grab showing it. Cadence has no gaps because I'm using a foot pod on that run. I've also attached another screen grab showing this mornings run which has no gaps. I've had no gaps/dropout since upgrading to 2.96. I've also found that the graphs on Connect look much better when I'm not using the foot pod. By that I mean that when I do use the foot pod the gaps between data points seem larger.

0 ColinvZ over 8 years ago

I have tested 2.96 on two runs. I don't think 2.96 has fixed this for me.

When I am running and my wrist is very close the the HRM TRI everything appears to be working fine but the moment I walk and drop my wrist to my side the Fenix loses connection. Holding it close to the transmitter reestablishes connection but this can take 30s. The heart rate data appears to be more robust than the running dynamics data - I understand they are broadcast on separate channels.

Is this something that can/will be addressed in a firmware update or do I have a faulty unit that needs to be returned? I have contacted Garmin support get their take on this.