Running Dynamics Data Dropouts

I don't receive a notification when it drops out. I think this is because the heart rate ANT signal is typically still connected (in my experience) but the running dynamics signal is weak and disconnects (so the transmitter is not fully disconnected). I track the disconnection by keeping my Fenix 5 on one of the running dynamics pages.

I think the running dynamics signal is weaker in my case and this becomes a problem when my hands are at my side as there is no longer a direct line of sight to the transmitter. I am not sure whether the issue is a poor receiver in the Fenix 5 or a weak transmitter in the HRM TRI.

Me too

I don't receive a notification when it drops out. I think this is because the heart rate ANT signal is typically still connected (in my experience) but the running dynamics signal is weak and disconnects (so the transmitter is not fully disconnected). I track the disconnection by keeping my Fenix 5 on one of the running dynamics pages.

I think the running dynamics signal is weaker in my case and this becomes a problem when my hands are at my side as there is no longer a direct line of sight to the transmitter. I am not sure whether the issue is a poor receiver in the Fenix 5 or a weak transmitter in the HRM TRI.

I've experienced similar issues with my HRM4 RUN. I also have the older HRM Run which hasn't shown any drop outs on runs ( only done one yet). My HRM4 RUN also has very jittery hr data, further testing is needed will try tighter strap and maybe without footpod like my run with the original HRM Run ( this is on a polar strap).

This was what my data looks like today. Heart rate dropouts as well as running dynamics dropouts. (On 2.96)



I think my Fenix may going back.

This was what my data looks like today. Heart rate dropouts as well as running dynamics dropouts. (On 2.96)



I think my Fenix may going back.

That's what mine sometimes does too. Is there anything significant about the points of the drop outs? Were you walking on an interval rest for instance?

In two minds whether to send mine back. I only saw the issue very occasionally and haven't seen it happen since both changing the battery on my hrm-run and upgrading to 2.96.

I can reproduce the issue now with 100% reliability: While holding the Fenix 5 within direct line of sight and within about 6 inches of the HRM TRI (e.g. typically while running) I have no dropouts and everything works perfectly. The moment I take the Fenix further away (e.g. next to my side while walking) I immediately lose running dynamics data entirely and heart rate data becomes unreliable.

I can reproduce the issue now with 100% reliability: While holding the Fenix 5 within direct line of sight and within about 6 inches of the HRM TRI (e.g. typically while running) I have no dropouts and everything works perfectly. The moment I take the Fenix further away (e.g. next to my side while walking) I immediately lose running dynamics data entirely and heart rate data becomes unreliable.

Thinking back to when I've seen it happen for me I think it has been when I've walked on intervals, so dropped my arm down. I'll perhaps try it out later although I am getting a little tired of going for an extra run just to test out an issue with it...

I can reproduce the issue now with 100% reliability: While holding the Fenix 5 within direct line of sight and within about 6 inches of the HRM TRI (e.g. typically while running) I have no dropouts and everything works perfectly. The moment I take the Fenix further away (e.g. next to my side while walking) I immediately lose running dynamics data entirely and heart rate data becomes unreliable.

Have you seen any issues with pace and gps on your f5? If you did return it what would you get instead?

@ColinvZ, reading through this thread I can't see anywhere that you've had your HRM Tri attached to another Garmin watch with it working perfectly; which means you can't rule out that the HRM Tri has a fault. I have two Gen 1 HRM Runs and both have worked just fine with my Fenix 5 from the start, regardless of software version (a typical activity on 2.95 beta here https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1698289674 just before I updated to 2.96 beta). If it were a Fenix 5 software issue I'd have expected to see far more complaints from others on this issue by now.

Either way, something's not working right, so I think it would be worth contacting Garmin Customer Support (if you can't just take the bundle back to the shop you bought it from for a replacement). From my experience Garmin are really good about replacing accessories, like the HRMs, if there is a clear fault and it's within the warranty period. The HRM Run that came with my Fenix 3 failed after 8 months, just suddenly stopped working and battery/strap change did not fix, so Garmin replaced it immediately. I'd just add, it's worth calling them if you can (you'll get a quicker resolution than submitting the issue online) and take a note of the case number for any follow on calls. (Oh, another afterthought; before calling Garmin do a settings reset and confirm that does not clear the issue - I know it's a pain, but it's the first thing Garmin CS will ask you to do, so it will save time if you can confirm to them that you've already done this.)

In my case, GPS seems fine. It is ANT reception that is the problem. As the issue is most pronounced with running dynamics I cannot use my older Garmin Soft Strap or 910xt to test whether the issue is the Fenix or the HRM TRI.

This definitely looks like a hardware fault to me so I would first want to exchange it for another unit (if all else fails) - I really like the Fenix 5. However, at the price it should work consistently and I am really tired of going on walks and runs just to troubleshoot why the product is causing issues. I will try an contact Garmin support later today and will let you know if I learn anything new.