This discussion has been locked.

You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Running Dynamics & Swimming Features on the 235

I just ordered my 235, but I'm new to all of this.

While comparing features, I noticed the 235 is missing the Running Dynamics feature of the 630. The premise is that the 630 requires the HRM-Run monitor's built-in accelerometer to provide metrics such as: Stride Length (in real-time), Vertical Ratio / Oscillation [bounce], Ground Contact Time, etc.

Well, if the 235 has a built-in accelerometer (for Training Indoors), why not use that??! And if Garmin decided to omit this feature to up-sell the 630, would it be possible, at least in theory, to provide those metrics using a Connect IQ app?

Same goes for Swimming features (distance, pace, stroke count/rate), doesn't the watch posses all the hardware it needs to calculate such metrics?

Just curious...

-hq

0 gpb11 over 9 years ago

While comparing features, I noticed the 235 is missing the Running Dynamics feature of the 630. The premise is that the 630 requires the HRM-Run monitor's built-in accelerometer to provide metrics such as: Stride Length (in real-time), Vertical Ratio / Oscillation [bounce], Ground Contact Time, etc.

Well, if the 235 has a built-in accelerometer (for Training Indoors), why not use that??! And if Garmin decided to omit this feature to up-sell the 630, would it be possible, at least in theory, to provide those metrics using a Connect IQ app?

I could be wrong, but it seems that there'd be a lot of movement variance induced by the shoulder and elbow joints that'd make calculating the running dynamics stuff substantially more difficult (at best) than doing so from a chest-mounted accelerometer.

As to whether it'd be possible with a CIQ app, the question then is whether it can record the data into your FIT files so it's accessible later.

I'm actually a bit surprised at how feature packed the 230/235 are relative to the other models. The 235 is a bit tempting.

0 chunkywizard over 9 years ago

Hi,

the 235's accelerometer is in the watch. The 630 has one in the watch but uses one in the HRM-Run for the advanced running metrics (in easier to calculate vertical oscillation etc from an acc that isn't constantly swinging). As the 235 is mean to be a HR-strap free zone it makes sense not to include the new running dynamics.

HTH

CW

0 _hq_ over 9 years ago

Hi,

the 235's accelerometer is in the watch. The 630 has one in the watch but uses one in the HRM-Run for the advanced running metrics (in easier to calculate vertical oscillation etc from an acc that isn't constantly swinging). As the 235 is mean to be a HR-strap free zone it makes sense not to include the new running dynamics.

Thanks for the response. But based on your logic, I should have the option to pair the 235 with the HRM-Run monitor (which is supported) and get the Running Dynamics on the 235 (which isn't available)... Perhaps Garmin should include Running Dynamics on the 235, and may the best watch win! :rolleyes:

-hq

0 _hq_ over 9 years ago

and ortnedu

I could be wrong, but it seems that there'd be a lot of movement variance induced by the shoulder and elbow joints that'd make calculating the running dynamics stuff substantially more difficult (at best) than doing so from a chest-mounted accelerometer.

Fine then. Why not pair the 235 with the HRM-Run monitor and provide Running Dynamics on the 235? ... Same for the swimming features- why can the 920XT provide them and not the 235...

I understand the 630 has WiFi and the 235 doesn't. But for Running Dynamics, or other software features, why not include them?!

0 chunkywizard over 9 years ago

I think the answer is obvious. They don't do it to sell more high-end watches! If everything was on the 235 why would any one buy a 630? If swim was on the 235 they wouldn't sell any 920's. Each watch has a price point and a feature set to match.

CW

0 gpb11 over 9 years ago

Why not pair the 235 with the HRM-Run monitor and provide Running Dynamics on the 235? ... Same for the swimming features- why can the 920XT provide them and not the 235... But for Running Dynamics, or other software features, why not include them?!

You already answered those questions in your initial post. Product differentiation.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

hi folks. Revving a bit of an older thread here but been wondering something for a while and hoping someone can help!

I recently switched from the 620 to the 235 and love it in nearly every way. I use the HRM strap when running with the 235 for the most part, and when I upload to garminconnect I can see all the running dynamics stats in the app or online.

So my question is where does the running dynamics data come from - the sensor in the 235 or the HRM strap just passing the data thru the 235?

Just curious. Thanks!

Matt

0 chunkywizard over 9 years ago

Hi Matt,

it it depends on which stats you are talking about. 'Running Dynamics' usually refers to things such as Ground Contact Time and Verical Oscillation which are not on the 235. A subset of them are on the 620 and the full set are on the 630. These come from an accelerometer in the HR strap (it has to be there as the acc in the watch is swingin about too much to give the data accurately)

if if you are talking about cadence, then that's from the watch. Easiest way to find out what comes from the strap is run without one and see what disappears. I think with the 235 then nothing comes from the strap.

HTH

CW

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

question is where does the running dynamics data come from - the sensor in the 235 or the HRM strap just passing the data thru the 235?
Matt

I think the only running dynamics that Garmin decided 235 will get from the HRM is the HR, others are from the accelerometer and GPS on the watch.

0 Former Member over 9 years ago

right fair point about what stats. But if this is all right that everything comes off the 235 itself then I guess the tell-tale sign would be to run with a non-HRM strap (just the HR only one) and see what shows up after a run. Just thought of that now. If I can find an older strap I guess I will try it out and see.