Instinct Crossover Solar (low heart rate during activity)

I have an instinct crossover solar and cycle the same route to work every day. After updating the firmware to version 16.10, the device does not correctly register the heart rate during activity.

Symptoms:
During the first 4-10 minutes after the start activity, the device registers a pulse similar to the pulse at rest state (70-90 bpm).

Even when climbing, the heart rate is too low, it can go up to 110bpm when my tongue is on my back and my capabilities are at the limit.

During normal operation of the device, my heart rate is 110-120 when i start ride, average is 140 and grow to 170-175 on uphills.

after 4-10 minutes the device begins to register correct data, in a moment the indicators rise from 90 to 140. This can be seen in the screenshot.

I tried to restet activities on device and resetting it to factory reset, but have same problem in 90% activities.

I hoped it wold be solved in new firmware, and waited it for new release, but 16.11 not soved it.

And today there was a situation where the heart rate was too low throughout the activity.

Can yo help to solve it ?

Top Replies

6772128 11 months ago +1

There is a similar thread below, many have this problem.

All Replies

0 6772128 11 months ago

There is a similar thread below, many have this problem.

0 Dr Phil 11 months ago

If you have followed Garmin’s advice for WHR (support.garmin.com/.../) and have not had any resolution then contact Garmin Support directly.

0 trux 11 months ago

8157727 said:
Can yo help to solve it ?

Besides what philipshambrook advised, you can also do some warmup before starting the activity, or use a chest strap.

0 4892824 8 days ago

Oke, got here because I have the same issue.

It's wildly inaccurate when exercising!

I'm on a treadmill, with built in heart rate monitor. It will show 160-170 BPM. My Crossover will show 80 BPM... And I knów it's not 80 BPM, because I'm really pushing.

Unfortunately, the references to another topic with a possible solution is not complete? There is no clickable link and the link is not complete so I can't copy/paste. Anyone with the correct link?

0 trux 8 days ago in reply to 4892824

4892824 said:
Anyone with the correct link?

If you mean the link in the reply of Dr Phill, then although broken, it is still visible under the trailing parenthesis, which you then have to remove: https://ph.garmin.com/minisite/garmin-technology/wearable-science/heart-rate/

However, it won't help you much, since it is just an article presenting the technology. Instead of that document, rather have a look at Garmin Watch Optical Heart Rate Accuracy Tips | Garmin Customer Support

0 4892824 8 days ago in reply to trux

Thank you for the swift reply!

Only thing I can change in my use of the Instinct Crossover is restart it more often.

But I doubt this is the problem, since my heart rate seems to be measured accurately in most cases.

I read something about the watch locking on to your cadance and increase of wrist blood volume.

I was doing 30 minutes of pretty intense activity on stairmaster. I always notice my hands swelling up a bit when doing that, as is the case when I go for a strenuous hike. Maybe this is what is causing the incorrect measurements.

I shall monitor if it happens on other exercises as well, and if placing my hands on the handlebars (thus keeping them horizontal) improves the heart rate accuracy.

It can't be from a lack of warm-up, I do my 30 mins cardio after 60 mins work-out.