I rescently got a Polar HRM which should be functioning perfectly but it seems to have trouble reading my HR…or mybe I’m just dead. Several times it read 00 or it jumped to a very high no. for instance 212 or 232. Battery is new and the sensors should be working just fine. I did not forget to wet it before use or myself for that matter, but it still seems to have a harder time reading me than for instance my brother.
Is it correct that some people are harder for a HRM to read than others?
My buddy had the same problem and we have the same model of HRM (Polar 720i). He has to put some kind of gel on when we go for training runs. I know that during races it won’t work right until after a few minutes on the bike when he starts to sweat and it helps conduct the signal. I know heartratemonitorusa.com has some kind of gel that will help. Good luck.
The 00 probably means there is no contact between the sensor and the skin (or it’s not picking up the heart signals), or the watch may be too far from the transmitter. The very high HR (atleast in my case) is caused when I’m near electrical polls, tvs and other electronic devices, and when I’m running in a group with lots of other people around me.
I haven’t heard about the harder for HRM to pick up thing.
I use a Polar monitor and have the same issues. My solution has been to use a conductive gel. Ultrasound gel works for me. Since I have started using the gel, no more erroneous readings.
Also, I talked to the Polar rep about this issue. They have a new soft strap that is more sensitive than the hard strap that I have (I have the s810). However, they told me that it was not yet available without a monitor. I’ll definitely check that out when it is available as it sounds like that may allow for a looser fit.
I had this issue for a while and all it took was tightening the strap to insure better contact because the strap will tend to bounce if not snug especially with running. As far as contact gels all you need to do is lick the transmitter because sliva is an excellent conducting agent.
I have this problem only when it is very cold and dry out, such that the sensors dry out before I start sweating. In these cases, the gel that others have mentioned works nicely. Also, depending on how v-shaped your chest is, wetting the strap before a workout will prevent the whole thing from sliding down your chest.
otherwise I will find some gel to see if that helps.