Here is the scenario…
Polar CS600 on the bike
Polar RS800 on the wrist
Polar footpod on the shoes
Has anyone used these during a race at the same time?
Great question! Played around with them on the trainer today. The heart rate appears on both devices at the same time, so that will work out. So now the question is how to use them in a race. I had an S625x and learned how to use that during a duathlon. You end up getting separate files which you can combine together in the polar software. I assume the same thing holds for these. In other words, you start up the R800, and then leave it running but use the lap buttons in T1 to record the times. Once on the bike, you start up the CS600, (I’ve got it set to auto start and stop), so when you rack your bike in T2, it stops. You then start up the R800 again, and run. You should end up with 3 files, and if you merge them in the polar software, you will have the whole shebang including transition times. That’s a lot more intuitive and a lot less complicated than the procedure that is needed for the S625x. I will test this in my next brick workout and let you know.
Haven’t tried it myself, but look for the method of using the CS600, RS800, and the S3 footpod from wvarta.polar rep from Sep 25, 2007, Post #16 at 3:44. I think this is the information you are looking for. If it works, let me know, because that is my plan.
I’ve used the RS200 with footpod and the CS200cad for almost a year now and love it. I put the monitor strap on before the swim and just make sure I start the watch at the start of the race. I get splits going into T1, out of T1, into T2, out of T2 and the finish. I use the CS200 on the bike. The only problem is the download feature. Could never get it work so have to transfer manually. Knowing what I know now I would go with the higher end models to make the data transfer easier.
One good thing about this set up is that if one dies I have a backup (heart rate is critical for me).
Here is what I would recommend. Start the RS800SD before the race, somewhere during T1 and actually riding HOLD the top left (light) button, scroll to SEEK SENSOR, you watch will sync up with the Wind Wear Link and not find the S3pod, because it is in the transition area. So now the RS800 will have overall time, and splits. when you exit T2, repeat process, SEEK SENSOR and now the watch fonds the pod, lock and load, GO GET THEM!! Download the RS800 and CS files. You might be able to get a little creative with PT5 software and VIEW>LAP/MARKERS and maybe edit your bike split LAP on the RS800 file?
Any luck testing this procedure? Let’s hear some feedback
Now I’m looking for advice. I have the s625x, which I just received for Christmas. When I am using it without the footpod it always beeps and says check sensor everytime I use it. Any suggestions as to why?
yeah, simple turn the speed off.
What if…
I turn the CS on with auto start and leave the bike in T1, attach footpod to the shoes. Go to swim start and hit start on RS start recording HR, when I get into T1 and move the bike CS will record the bike speed and HR (and RS will continue Stopwatch and HR at the same time) come in T2 change to shoes and let the run speed show on RS???
No need to turn the speed off. When you see check sensor, just hit the big red button once and the message goes away. When you get to the run and turn the footpod on, my 625x picks up the sensor and records speed.