As I search for a new HRM I remember my disappointment with (my previous) Polar b/c their software does not support Mac operating systems.
Anyone found a competing HRM platform that offers analysis of running/cycling?
Thanks.
I use Ascent HRM software with my garmin for my Mac. It has detailed readouts and a decent interface. It normally sells for $40. If you want, you can download the trial version from their website and I can give you the registration code I used which will unlock the software into the full version. The registration code is for unlimited users so just PM me and I can give it to you for free.
I like my Garmin a lot more than my Polars, and use RaceDay and iSmarttrain softwares on my macs to track stuff. I want to look into Ascent, but am pretty happy with the 2 I mentioned. Both also download or import files from SRM, Powertap, Garmin, Polar and a few others, I think. I know for sure they recognize PT, and Garmin because I have them. Raceday and maybe iSmarttrain offer trial versions.
I just use the Polar Pro Trainer 5 software with the Mac using Parallels. It’s an extra step to boot up windows (while still running OSX concurrently) but I figure it’s a lot easier than hunting for software that may or not support all of my HRM device functions.
Yes, we offer a trial version of iSMARTtrain - you can load up to 20 sessions in your log file without buying a copy.
Thanks & Regards
Stuart
OTAG Technologies Ltd
Yes, we offer a trial version of iSMARTtrain - you can load up to 20 sessions in your log file without buying a copy.
Thanks & Regards
Stuart
OTAG Technologies Ltd
And let me say that Stuart not only has a great software, but is exceptional with customer service! I am a VERY happy customer.
Gary
thanks for this thread. I was just about to pitch my polar stuff because of my home conversion to Mac (my small shot at Microsoft for the Vista torture they put me through). The ismart thing looks to be perfect for me.
Any progress on supporting RS800?
Any progress on supporting RS800?
It’s working with shorter sessions on Intel Macs. The problem is with the drivers for the IR-USB Interface, I think.
It’s not ready for release into the wild yet.
http://www.ismarttrain.com/blog/?p=151
Regards
Stuart
Thanks!
When you have a production release, could you put a post on Slowtwitch?
I don’t understand the need for a serial-IR adapter to connect my Polar IR interface to the computer. My Polar device doesn’t have a serial port (it has a male USB), nor does my MacBook. Is there a Polar IR interface that connects to a computer via a serial port?
I don’t understand the need for a serial-IR adapter to connect my Polar IR interface to the computer. My Polar device doesn’t have a serial port (it has a male USB), nor does my MacBook. Is there a Polar IR interface that connects to a computer via a serial port?
To use iSMARTtrain (I assume this is what you’re referring to) with your Polar, you’ll need to track down one of Polar’s older IR-Serial interfaces. The reason for this is that Apple’s support for IR devices is pretty poor and the devices they do support don’t use the correct IR protocols to communicate with Polar’s HRMs - at least, not the ‘S’ series.
Thanks & Regards
Stuart
Thanks for the reply Stuart. I didn’t know Polar had an IR-serial interface. Could be tough to find, but I will search.
I assume there’s no aftermarket IR-USB interface that will work with the Polar wrist unit?
This is the EXACT reason why I am going with a Garmin Edge for my data. Polar has great HR equipment but absolutely no actual support for anything but Windows. I do not want to have Windows whatever running parallel on my computer opening it up to the numerous problems that Windows has that OSX is immune to. I would love the RS800 cycling pack but no Mac support, no sale. Im not entirely sure why they seem to be resistant to developing for the Mac community.
This is the EXACT reason why I am going with a Garmin Edge for my data. Polar has great HR equipment but absolutely no actual support for anything but Windows. I do not want to have Windows whatever running parallel on my computer opening it up to the numerous problems that Windows has that OSX is immune to. I would love the RS800 cycling pack but no Mac support, no sale. Im not entirely sure why they seem to be resistant to developing for the Mac community.
I agree it is frustrating that Polar doesn’t support Mac. I have been pestering them about this for years and it doesn’t seem to be a priority for them. It will eventually lead me to a Garmin unit as well, as the last PC I own is about to die, and it seems unlikely I will be able to track down one of these Polar Serial-IR interfaces.
Totally agree with your gripes about Polar and Mac. Just a hint though - using VMWare Fusion and setting up a totally different environment within your Mac (that looks and feels like Windows) can still have you immune from any virus’ etc that plague PC’s and not Mac (if that is a concern to you).
It took me a bit of working through to install the drivers etc, but now I am up and running I can enjoy the benefits of the PT5 software that came with my RS400SD, and still use my Mac. It feels a bit like selling your soul, and it looks weird seeing the Windows start button and Taskbar where your Dock should be, but it works.
But again, it’s hard to believe that Polar can’t prioritise Mac users a bit more highly than it would appear they currently do.
EDIT: Turns out that I will be investigating the virus side of things - reading a few Mac forums again it would appear as though Mac virus immunity doesn’t extend to the PC VM…
Totally agree with your gripes about Polar and Mac. Just a hint though - using VMWare Fusion and setting up a totally different environment within your Mac (that looks and feels like Windows) can still have you immune from any virus’ etc that plague PC’s and not Mac (if that is a concern to you).
It took me a bit of working through to install the drivers etc, but now I am up and running I can enjoy the benefits of the PT5 software that came with my RS400SD, and still use my Mac. It feels a bit like selling your soul, and it looks weird seeing the Windows start button and Taskbar where your Dock should be, but it works.
But again, it’s hard to believe that Polar can’t prioritise Mac users a bit more highly than it would appear they currently do.
EDIT: Turns out that I will be investigating the virus side of things - reading a few Mac forums again it would appear as though Mac virus immunity doesn’t extend to the PC VM…
Can it run XP or only Windows 7?
I am running XP - works as if I am on a regular PC.
Of course, I do everything else in the Mac environment (Mail, Safari, iPhoto. iWeb, iTunes etc).
I am running XP - works as if I am on a regular PC.
Of course, I do everything else in the Mac environment (Mail, Safari, iPhoto. iWeb, iTunes etc).
And your Polar IR interface works with no problems?
Yep, smooth as you like.
I received the Moschip USB and the mini-disk with the drivers all in the box.