Mk3 series ECG/EKG function really missing? :(

Theres another thread on this same question.

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/descent-mk3-series/351883/whats-the-reason-for-the-mk3-not-having-the-gen-5-ohr

 Circle H Scuba visited DEMA 2023 and made a video showing the Mk3 Series.

https://youtu.be/2vLWgpvtGE0?si=gk-F9Rdhiee1fE0m

I asked them through the video comments if they knew why it had OHR v4 and not OHR v5.

They replied the next day, you can see it in the Video comments, Garmin said it was because the OHR v5 was not available when development started on the MK3 Series, which does take longer than other watches due to the additional testing required for Diving certification and safety.

I also think, and this is just my opinion, OHR v5 has the additional electrodes for ECG. This would require a wire to go through the casing to the electronics inside. I'm pretty sure this would prevent the watch gaining a 200m Dive certification, of course it would be fine for swimming like on the Fenix 7 Pro and Epix 2 Pro, but probably would not withstand 100 to 200m depths for an extended period of time.

In any case, I have the Descent G1 and Forerunner 965, both with OHR v4 and I think it works just fine for accuracy.

If you want ECG you are probably better off using a separate device that is potentially more accurate.

Also, the new Marq Gen 2 Carbon editions, which are even more expensive than the Mk3 also did not get v5, the still have v4 OHR as well.

Thank You this correct and clear answer! I understand now. I hope Garmin will solve the problems that may arise with the OHR v5 so that one device can measure ECG, not two different ones. Maybe will be available a new MK3iPro with OHR v5 before next summer! :)  Alternatively, if ECG is not really feasible due to the wiring you mentioned - then maybe the new OHR v5  is even more accurate than OHR v4? Do you know anything about this? (there must be a thread about the OHR v5 vs OHR v4 - but you seem very knowledgeable so I thought it easier to ask than to try to search.... ;) 

2998186 said:

there must be a thread about the OHR v5 vs OHR v4

DCRainMaker does some of the best technical reviews.
Here is one on the Epix 2 Pro which uses OHR v5 where he tests it.

www.dcrainmaker.com/.../garmin-epix-pro-in-depth-review-now-in-three-sizes.html

Dont't forget guys that first Garmin device with ECG function was Venu 2 PLUS which have OHR4.

Adam-1972 said:

first Garmin device with ECG function was Venu 2 PLUS which have OHR4.

Some explanation of that from DC Rainmaker here - Garmin Expands ECG Feature to More Watches: How to Use It | DC Rainmaker

The functionality remains the same as the Venu 2 Plus, but given that Garmin changed the optical HR sensor package, they had to redo/re-fill portions of their FDA certification related to the ECG feature. Remember that Garmin, like Apple/Samsung/Fitbit/Google/etc, have all gone through the formal FDA certification process, which classifies the ECG app as a medical device. This includes doing a full study of 600+ participants and everything else that comes with proper medical device certification (I’ve outlined how that worked previously, here).

Adam-1972 said:

Dont't forget guys that first Garmin device with ECG function was Venu 2 PLUS which have OHR4

Yes, very good point.

But with the Venu 2 Plus there is a metal ring around the outside of the OHRv4, which is the skin contact required for ECG.

This metal ring does not exist on the Mk3.

I think its for the same reason, a metal ring on the outside would need a wire to penetrate the casing to reach the electronics inside, this would prevent the watch from being 200m Dive waterproof.

2998186 said:

It's also a joke that it doesn't support NFC payments

MK3 most certainly DOES support GarminPay. Even the older MK2 supports this also.