S720i Power Meter

[Thomo]

My unit?s been a bit problematic of late.

Will be working fine one minute, then suddenly 00 readings.

Any suggestions.?

[Willehond]

I've gone through two of these things.  Mine did exactly the same.  Hate them!

 

...but seeing that you are looking for advice.  The first time it was the wiring, but I don't think that is your problem.  probably related to the little pins on the back of the watch making contact.  Check if they are clean and making contact.  Other than that I found it helped to stop and restart the watch and it would suddenly pick it up again.

 

Could of course also be your batteries that are flat or the very flimsy wires that broke (very easy to di without you knowing).

 

Anyway, good luck.  I solved the problem by getting a PowerTap.  I enjoy my rides now...

[Titanium Rocket]

Thomo, presume you mean a Polar S720i, definitely not a 'power meter'. If it is dropping the HR signal, here are some ideas:

 

1.  Make sure your batteries are good on both the watch and the chest strap. If in doubt, get new ones.

2.  Make sure you are washing your chest strap; I wash mine in the shower after every session. Don't use fancy soap containing oils, this affects the contacts and signal transmission.

3.  If you put cream on your body in winter or whenever, this really screws up the system. It affects pick up of your heart rate by the chest strap device. Took me a while to work this out; stopped using cream and my Polar worked fine. 

4.  Wet the chest strap contacts thoroughly before use, and your chest. Rub your chest area to clean off sweat residues or cream; the system needs clean skin.

5.  The chest straps don't last forever. The new model is much better, but the old model only lasted me +/- 18 months at a use rate of 7 - 10 hrs per week.  

 

I have had my 720i for >4 years; sure it's had its moments, but when I think of what it's been subjected to, I reckon Polar are winners. Their local service in Midrand is absolutely world class too.  If you need more advice, speak to Travis or Gideon at 011 8051028

[Marius]

[slabs]

Thomo' date=' presume you mean a Polar S720i, definitely not a 'power meter'. If it is dropping the HR signal, here are some ideas:

 

1.  Make sure your batteries are good on both the watch and the chest strap. If in doubt, get new ones.

2.  Make sure you are washing your chest strap; I wash mine in the shower after every session. Don't use fancy soap containing oils, this affects the contacts and signal transmission.

3.  If you put cream on your body in winter or whenever, this really screws up the system. It affects pick up of your heart rate by the chest strap device. Took me a while to work this out; stopped using cream and my Polar worked fine. 

4.  Wet the chest strap contacts thoroughly before use, and your chest. Rub your chest area to clean off sweat residues or cream; the system needs clean skin.

5.  The chest straps don't last forever. The new model is much better, but the old model only lasted me +/- 18 months at a use rate of 7 - 10 hrs per week.  

 

I have had my 720i for >4 years; sure it's had its moments, but when I think of what it's been subjected to, I reckon Polar are winners. Their local service in Midrand is absolutely world class too.  If you need more advice, speak to Travis or Gideon at 011 8051028

[/quote']

 

Absolutely agree with the service quote. These guys are brilliant and I know of no one that has any complaints. World class!!

[Thomo]

Thanks WH. I 'll give the contacts and wiring another check and maybe replace the battery too.

TR, I was referring to the power meter for the s720i, but thanks for your input too. Thomo2009-06-09 14:02:00

[Thomo]

Wiring checked, contacts cleaned and new battery on standby if necessary.

Seems to be working but I haven't had a chance to get out on the road yet - hopefully it doesn't act up after a few hundred meters.

[Titanium Rocket]

Sorry Thomo......missed your plot completely here. I ride with a mob of serious MTB'ers, many kms and many Epics between us, many of whom run their lives with their S720i's. Until your note here, I didn't even know Polar had a power meter unit for the 720i......!!

[Marius]

finally I can stop laughing