Does anybody use the cycling aspect of the Forerunner 235? I need to replace my current watch but I have trawled through the Garmin User Manual and I am unable to find any references to using it for cycling.
Mick_Baugh - yes - I have the same set up and same problem. I used the Garmin 235 to broadcast heart rate to a Garmin Edge 520 Plus. Given both my hands and watch are on the handlebars, I am surprised heart rate would drop out. The watch remains on broadcast but the Edge 520+ stops recording after about 20 minutes.
I got the edge replaced which had the same problem. I thought it might be my wahoo cadence sensor, so disconnected that but still got the same problem. On indoor tests (not exercising - just at work / watching TV etc) the problem doesn't happen. I thought maybe GPS but on the commute on the train, it was also OK. Still thinking the problem was with the edge, I though vibration might be an issue. I did some laps today and on the handlebars, HR signal was lost.
I put the edge in my pocket and got 6 miles without a problem. The broadcast can be picked up by multiple devices so I was also recording data on my phone with the strava app (most android phones support ANT+ built in). The strava app lost HR at the same time and didn't reconnect.
I think maybe the broadcast radio on the 235 is not that strong or on the base of the watch, so might struggle getting the signal through your arm. I decided to test the watch by wearing it the wrong way around, so my the face is on the inside of my wrist. I got another 4 miles of data logged with no issue so am 99% certain that wearing the watch the wrong way around resolves the problem
Actually, ignore my last update. Lost broadcast HR again today.
It stayed connected for almost 4 hours with GPS off st my desk. However, with GPS on, outdoors I lost the signal to my Garmin Edge 520 Plus after 4 minutes riding. The 235 continues in broadcast mode but the Edge doesn't reconnect.
I was wearing the watch face on the inside of my wrist, so there is nothing (skin /bone) obstructing line of sight between devices.
Seems a bit of a niche problem. I might start a new thread for it for better visibility
I too have this problem with my Garmin 235 broadcasting HR to Edge 510. I was even considering replacing the Edge thinking it was the culprit. Will turn off Bluetooth when broadcasting HR on my next ride and see how it goes.
I recently picked up the 235 when my 910 kicked the bucket. I am having no issues with the HR dropping data. I use a chest strap and have an older model GSC 10 speed/cadence sensor connected to the watch. I also have an Edge 500 I use with GPS off for indoor rides which is also connected to the HR strap and speed/cadence sensor. I have the opposte issue in that my speed/cadence data drops out for 10-45 seconds on every ride it seems like. I have changed the battery in the S/C sensor but still seem to have issues. When comparing data from the 235 to the 500, it typically drops out about .10 mile of data. This is only indoor riding though and the weather has not been good enough yet to get the bike out on the road to compare. Perhaps I will try turning the bluetooth off on the watch for the next ride and see if that is what is causing the issue.
