Garmin HRM Run strap disconnects when HR is too low - fenix 5

Former Member over 6 years ago

My Garmin HRM Run strap disconnects when my HR is too low. This is a problem because since OHR is terribly inaccurate, I want to wear a chest strap at all times to monitor my HR/calories throughout the day.

I am a conditioned athlete, 34 years old with a resting HR around 35 and 6% body fat. When I walk, and even climb stairs at 3.2mph, my HR is too low to even register keep the HRM strap connected... very annoying. The strap only stays linked to my Fenix 5 if my HR is above like 90

Is there some setting to keep the HRM strap connected even if HR is "low"?

My HR max is 150

0 tmk2 over 6 years ago

I want to wear a chest strap at all times to monitor my HR/calories throughout the day.

This won't work unless you start an activity for the whole day. The watch drops connection to external sensors when not in timed activity mode.
And this might be the reason for disconnection, not your low pulse.

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Thanks -- this is very useful info, appreciate the reply. I guess I'll just make a 'walk' activity for the entire day or something. Not sure how long the battery will last though in these HRMs, ill research that more

0 tmk2 over 6 years ago

I'd guess a typical chest strap should go for at least 300-500 hours. Maybe some models go longer than that.

0 mcalista over 6 years ago

Not sure if you have already done this, but it is probably worth playing around with alternate placement of the watch before trying the HR strap. Wearing the watch high on the fleshy part of the the wrist, well away from the wrist bone, tightening the band, even wearing it on the underside of the wrist or the other wrist entirely can help. That said, OHR just doesn't work well for some people.