Instinct and Dual HRM monitor disconnecting during activity

Former Member over 4 years ago

Hi,

I've got an Garmin Instinct and purchased a dual HRM to go with it around 4 months ago.

All was working fine up until around a month ago with no issues at all.

But now when training whatever training it maybe (Running, Cycling etc) the HRM drops out and doesn't pick up a HR I just get this '--' for a period of time then it will pick up HR again until a couple of minutes sometimes longer it repeats itself and drops out again and keeps on doing this. I think i recorded 8 drop outs in data in an hours session the other day. (See example below)

I've not changed any settings on the watch at all. Just set it up and connected it as per the manual on purchase of the HRM. Anyone have any ideas as to what this could be and how to fix it?

As i train a lot in HR zones so with this dropping out it really isn't helpful at all and is getting really annoying to the point of looking to purchase something different all together.

Thanks in Advance

Top Replies

Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to gaijin +1

I have put it in the machine on a wash as recommended on the care guide. I will order a new battery and see if that helps

All Replies

0 Dan.Boilermaker over 4 years ago

Seems like a stupid question, but that's not going to stop me from asking. Could it be a battery issue?

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Dan.Boilermaker

I did wonder this but it was only purchased beginning of January this year?

0 gaijin over 4 years ago

I would try a new battery, but more probably you just need to give the HRM strap a good cleaning.

HTH

0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to gaijin

I have put it in the machine on a wash as recommended on the care guide. I will order a new battery and see if that helps

0 C.sco over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

I did wonder this but it was only purchased beginning of January this year?

But it could have been sitting in someone's warehouse for a year before you bought it

0 Legs11 over 4 years ago

Did this issue resolve? I have the same problem. I used 2 early model hrm2-ss and both would drop out during activities whilst using the instinct but previously 100% with a hr vivoactive. I put in new batteries washed straps but neither helped. So bought a dual. Which seems to be consistent except if the strap lifts off chest during activity or it drops down hr quickly. Love the watch as a piece but so frustrated during workouts. Bummed I had to buy a new monitor to work with the watch.

0 twiegandt over 4 years ago

The lifespan on the Dual HRM is less than a year for me. I have had three of them and none lasted a year. I went back to my old plastic garmin chest strap which is still working after 10 years, it isn't as comfortable and slides down but at least it works.

0 Legs11 over 4 years ago in reply to twiegandt

Thanks. Good to hear that. 4 straps ago I had an original one without the fancy elastic - might try and dig it out. I just swapped over my old hrm-ss to the new strap and it kicked into gear. Maybe merely rinsing the straps post work out and mildly washing isn't cutting it. The strap needs a good soak wash. The monitors were SO erratic though - and they would spike. Seems incredible they could be so inaccurate because of residue you can't feel or see. Cheers appreciate it.