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Garmin Running Dynamics Pod & Vivoactive 3

Former Member over 7 years ago

Hi.. Does anyone know if the Garmin Running Dynamics Pod is compatible with the Vivoactive 3?
On the Garmin website it's not listed, yet Garmin Running Power is rumoured to be compatible with the VA3 [Running Dynamics Pod required]
I've also seen a review that states the pod can be used [link below]

http://www.gadfit.com/garmin-vivoactive-3-user-review/

0 jim_m_58 over 7 years ago

On watches that are compatible with the RD Pod, (a Fenix 5 for example), when pairing, the RD Pod shows as a specific type of sensor when you go to pair it. There's no option like this on the va3. My guess (never tried it), is on the va3 it may work if paired as a footpod, but then, only provide the data you'd get from a base foot pod (cadence, etc).

As far as RunPow, that's going to be a Connect IQ data field, and it needs Connect IQ 2.4.x (DCR mentioned that in his write up about it). That's probably due to the RD ANT+ profiles that was been added in CIQ 2.4.0. And here's the announcement on that:

Connect IQ 2.4 adds access to the Running Dynamics ANT+ profile for the Forerunner® 735xt, Forerunner 935, quatix® 5, and f?nix 5 family

Notice the va3 isn't on that list, but it's the devices listed as compatible for the RD Pod itself. What that tells me is that RunPow likely won't be available for the va3. I could be wrong, but I'd suggest waiting until RunPow is released and see if the va3 is a compatible device for it.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

Thanks for the informative answer Jim. I haven't purchased either yet.
Will await the RunPow announcement [initially rumoured to be November??], and possibly the release of a new Forerunner?? [all seems to have gone quiet on that one too!]..... Or maybe consider the 935, which seems established, gets excellent reviews and will be compatible with everything!
My problem though, is small wrists, so the VA3 would have been ideal, similar size my current FR235.