I have an HRM-Pro Plus which is about 13 months old. I have used it many times, but maintained it well.
For most of that time it was a pleasure to use. Just turn on the Garmin 830 bike computer, or a 3rd party rowing machine, or an app on my phone and it would connect almost instantly.
For the last few weeks that has changed. Perhaps 1/3 of the time it connects normally. The rest of the time it doesn't connect. I usually end up having to remove the strap from the device's software, power cycle, and re-add it. Sometimes even that is sluggish and takes more than one try.
Once I get it connected the strap works perfectly for the rest of the ride, hike, or row. This suggests that the battery and contacts are probably okay. The body contacts look like new, as does the inside of the battery compartment - no sign of water intrusion.
I have tried many things. The battery reports over 50%. I have removed and replaced it. I have tried turning off my phone's Bluetooth in case there was some conflict. I have removed the strap and put it back on. I have power cycled the 830 or other device. Most of that seems to make no difference, even short term. None of it has solved the problem.
How can I get back to the smooth experience I had before?
I'm actually thinking of pulling out one of my old straps and just living with the reduced functionality. I have been using heart rate straps for decades, including Garmin, Polar and off-brand names. I don't recall one ever failing before, certainly not within the first 5 years, until my son gave me an HRM-Dual, which bricked completely in less than a year. Now this HRM-Pro Plus is giving trouble. Maybe simple and cheap is the way to go for reliability.
