Optical HR On For Activity Only

I am frustrated that it is not possible to switch the optical HR OFF for everyday watch use but ON for activities only. I want to use it when running and cycling, but don't want to use it for everyday monitoring. Why not? Well I have been using it for everyday monitoring since I had it, and now for the second time I am having a 'burn' like reaction to the sensor. See image (where this has healed after a couple of days not wearing the watch at all). So please Garmin allow this: optical ON for activities ONLY.

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Bitti 4 months ago +1

Are you sure your reaction is to the light of the sensor LEDs, and not accumulated sweat/bacteria/moisture etc? The sensor LEDs have so low power than any 'burns' should definitely not be possible.…

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0 S.M.R. 4 months ago

Log an idea

www.garmin.com/.../

0 Bitti 4 months ago

Are you sure your reaction is to the light of the sensor LEDs, and not accumulated sweat/bacteria/moisture etc? The sensor LEDs have so low power than any 'burns' should definitely not be possible.

0 paul.faulkner 4 months ago in reply to Bitti

I agree it sounds implausible. But am fairly confident. The image didn’t upload for some reason. But it’s a nice circle where the LED is. However you’re right maybe a skin infection right under the LED cause by sweat would also produce a circular mark that looked burn like. Still the experience is enough for me not so want the LED on 24-7!

0 paul.faulkner 4 months ago in reply to S.M.R.

Done. Thanks.

0 Bitti 4 months ago in reply to paul.faulkner

You can easily try if it's caused by the LEDs. Without changing anything else, keep wrist HR turned off and activate it only for activities for a week. If the skin reaction doesn't change, it's nothing to do with sensor lights.

0 B1nny 4 months ago

You can simply disable WHR (wrist heart rate) in the watch settings then switch it on when you do an activity. Unless you mean an auto setting?

I can’t see Garmin accommodating such an unusual scenario I’m afraid. Most people want the exact opposite, to disable WHR during activity, in favour of a chest strap. This can now be achieved via source switching.