Polar IrDA usb driver and communication with mac bootcamp

Triathlon Forum
1

Ok, I know I have done the unthinkable here, I got an RS800cx run despite the fact that I have a mac. I cannot get the Ir USB (gold) that came with my HRM to register (either in the program, or on the utilities bar in the bottom right, or whatever you call that tiny strip with the icons). I knew there could be some potential problems, but this was my best solution.

I installed Windows XP via bootcamp and everything went alright. I did make a couple of errors (I am AD/HD, I was very excited, and I didn’t finish reading install manuals from bootcamp or PT5). First off, I installed PT5 before I finished installing the rest of the bootcamp drivers after the initial windows install was finished. I also played with the program a bit more before I got the rest of the windows updates. I inserted the IrDA USB adapter (once again, it’s the gold one) before I installed any driver for it. Apparently that could have caused problems? I have gotten a couple references on various forums about that, but no reason why that isthe case.

I cannot install the minidisc driver because I have a slot-loaded laptop (I’m using an intel-based macbook). Everything is going swimmingly aside from not getting this ir reciever to register. I tried downloading the one off the website, but it didn’t seem to work. It downloaded, I ran it, an install window popped up in the top left screen, and disappeared long before I could figure out what it was doing. The download instructions on the website also mentioned that the standard target location would probably end up in “polarperformancefiles” or something like that, which did not exist anywhere in my program files.

I also updated PT5, so that’s working fine.

Please, is there anyone who can help me figure out this driver issue. I just need to get the thing working. Oh, and I expect a more articulate response than I got on the Polar Help line… “It doesn’t work on mac (<–not quite true, your own website has pictures of PT5 running inside OSX, ya stooge), it’s like, the brain is mac, so it doesn’t work.” I’m not particularly savvy with computers, but I guess he assumed that means I’m functionally retarded…probably a bit presumtuous on his part, but whatever. I asked to speak to someone else, he put me back in cue for another regular tech-support person. I know policy is that you don’t support mac, but tossing a couple suggestions my way is all that I ask.

Polar reps, any ideas? Users, any ideas?

2

I should probably preempt allegations that I am functionally retarded for getting the Polar. I need something that will work a minimum of 14 hours for ironman, is waterproof, and small enough to pose no issues in wetsuit swims of about an hour (ok…1:15). I also wanted a program that would allow me a great deal of latitude for planning and analyzing workouts, and PT5 seemed to do the most. I really want to maximize use of the technology before I leave school and no longer have unfettered access to VO2 max, Maximal steady state lactate threshold, and other useful tests. Protrainer 5 offered the most amount of feedback.

Oh, and before you start lambasting me for using so much data for being slow, I was only going to finish the IM last time, I never pushed on the bike (except the last 4 miles), and had some serious knee problems that developed in the last 35 days. I’ll be aiming for 12 hrs next time. I figure sub 14 wasn’t too bad considering all that was wrong with me in addition to the fact that I knocked out my first century and marathon in the same day.

If anybody wants to sit around and lambast me for trying the polar with a mac, save it. There have been numerous threads elsewhere of more generic varieties where there was plenty of negative comments. You should have satiated yourselves on those threads.

I expect specific questions, responses and suggestions regarding my problem. I do thank you in advance for the help.

3

I’ve experienced pretty much everything you mention and got it all to work so there is hope.

My only question/suggestion is to make sure you plug in the IrDA after windows (bootcamp) has loaded. My mac will not recognize the IrDA if I plug it in before windows has finished loading.

As for the mini-disc driver, we used a different computer to transfer it to a memory stick and then to the mac.

4

Wow, you just made my day!

Ok, first off, do you mean when you are firing up bootcamp on any given day, or when you installed it. I don’t think I have ever put it in before it finished loading, but I did do it before I finished the install of bootcamp drivers and windows updates.

Flash drive. WOW. Can’t believe that thought never even occurred to me. I’ve been busy with schoolwork, but WOW…epic fail on my part.

Thanks for the help!

5

On any given day. Windows (bootcamp) needs to fully load before inserting the IrDA into the USB. Not sure if it is sensitive to timing during the driver installations.

6

Ok, I just transferred the minidisc files onto a flash drive, dropped it on my desktop, plugged in the USB (With protrainer5 still closed) and ran the windows install and just had it search the desktop file.

Driver found.

Installed Driver.

Selected connect on my RS800, it identified communication between the Ir reciever and watch.

Fired up protrainer5

Clicked transfer data

Grinned…real big.

Can’t wait to run this bad boy with a planned 13 mile workout tomorrow…even if it is 33 degrees with a heavy wind in slush and mud.

Thanks again for your suggestion! It made all the difference!

Cheers!

7

How is everything running? Do you need any support from Polar? Are you comfortable with PT5 software?

8

I think it goes without saying that he needs mac compatability!

9

More Mac compatibility…YES, PLEASE…We would like some more of that…please.

Thanks in advance.

Frustrated Polar/Mac user

10

Sorry I took so long to respond. Everything is running well. I might add a peculiar note- for some reason I can only stick the irda in one particular usb port. Once I figured that out, it answered a bunch of other questions I had.

PT5 is working pretty well. It is taking me a while to really maximize the usage of it while I’m running ,but that’s not an issue of mac compatability (for better or worse). As everyone here has said before, mac compatability is long overdue. I’ve had quite a few problems going between sensors (bike/run). The bike was a nightmare to get going in the first place, but it’s better now (I really should have just gone with the multisport combo, but live and learn). My only real criticism is that it’s not very intuitive. When I throw down the better part of half a grand, I would like the product to be easier to use. I hate having to memorize a 4 step process to get to something I want. I don’t know that I see a reason more functionality should necessarily come at the cost of simplicity. Oh, PT5 is solid but looks too dated. I know that’s a trivial point, but again, for half a grand, it could look better than something that came from Windows 95.

I really appreciate you checking in! Makes me feel a lot better about the purchase after I was brushed off by tech support over the phone.

11

I have the same problem with my Macbook. The IrDA only works in the front USB. Not a polar problem, though, more a hardware incompatibility thing with running windows onthe Mac.

I don’t mind the appearance of PT5. Functionality is where it’s at. And my CS600 w/ power functions flawlessly. And is pretty accurate. Though I was trying to adjust the readings to fully calibrate with my computrainer power data and sent a message into Polar product support asking if any of the user inputs affected the power calculation linearly (as I was consistently reading 5% high). Haven’t received an answer in over 3 months. Not even, “We’re sorry, but that information is deemed a trade secret and we are not able to give it out.” or similar.

12

I bet you could play with the chain weight, length or chain stay length to fool it
.

13

I probably could, but that would take too much trial and error if I didn’t get it right the first time (i.e. alter settings, hop on computrainer for 5 min, compare settings, repeat as necessary). I envision a rather lengthy afternoon of tinkering. I figured it would just be easier to ask and manipulate one constant and be set immediately Though since everything is repeatable, and all my training is based off the current numbers, the exact power values are irrelevant.

Love the product though. And at 700 (or the 480 I paid) it’s a steal.

14

Irondawg
I PM’d you, CALL ME
.

15

Come on, a couple of 5 min sessions to dial it in. Write down the original #'s and on a recovery type ride have fun. Waste a recovery ride to get future rides similar to the C’trainer

16

So just to clarify, I can run Bootcamp on my Intel-based MacBook, then load my Polar software and import files from the wrist unit using the IR interface?

Why won’t Polar support Macs? Garmin does.

17

I had the exact same issue…running XP on bootcamp. Go to the polar site and download the IrDA driver that will work just fine.

I had issues getting the watch and computer to talk to each other but then discovered I had to have the IR on the watch up really close and oriented just right to the stick. It is much less forgiving than the old USB IR device with older Polar wrist units.

18

I had the exact same issue…running XP on bootcamp. Go to the polar site and download the IrDA driver that will work just fine.

I had issues getting the watch and computer to talk to each other but then discovered I had to have the IR on the watch up really close and oriented just right to the stick. It is much less forgiving than the old USB IR device with older Polar wrist units.

Are you using the Polar IR device that looks like a zip drive, or one of the older grey ones that has a cord attached to a male USB fitting?

19

The new one, light gold colored, that came with the unit. I had an older silver thumb drive like unit from Polar but could NEVER get it to work at all. When you go to the Polar site they will tell you not to use the new driver with the older, silver colored unit.

I also had the really old one with the USB plug, cable and white plastic unit at the end of the cord. That one really worked well with my original wrist unit but it won’t work with this new series of wrist units.

20

The new one, light gold colored, that came with the unit. I had an older silver thumb drive like unit from Polar but could NEVER get it to work at all. When you go to the Polar site they will tell you not to use the new driver with the older, silver colored unit.

I also had the really old one with the USB plug, cable and white plastic unit at the end of the cord. That one really worked well with my original wrist unit but it won’t work with this new series of wrist units.

I have that really old one. If I can get Boot Camp and XP going on my MacBook, I will give it a shot. Thanks for the help.