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Polar trouble shooting tips

Erratic Readings: 

If you are experiencing erratic readings one of the problems you are experiencing may be poor conductivity
and/or electrical interference.   It is important that the electrodes are wet during the heart rate measurement mode.  If water does not ensure the flawless transmission, you can use water-soluble conductive cream instead.  If you choose to use a conductive cream, apply it to the ribbed-area of the transmitter belt
only.   The transmitter electrodes should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution and thoroughly dried after each use.

Erratic readings on the receiver can be caused by interference.  Common sources are televisions, computers, cars, cell phones, TV antennas, high voltage power lines (both above and below ground) and some exercise equipment.  Re-locating the position of the wrist receiver can usually solve this problem.

To find a location that has no interference, remove the chest transmitter and exercise as usual.  If the heart symbol continues to flash, you are picking up interference. In this case, move the wrist receiver to a location where it does not flash, then replace your chest transmitter.

Please note:  Static electricity in clothing or a flapping shirt can cause electrical interference, so some items of clothing, i.e. man-made fibers, could be the cause.   Please try wetting the t-shirt in the area where the transmitter is.

You may also try to shift the transmitter around to the side of your body (try the left side first) or position it lower or higher on the chest.  In some cases, you can try the transmitter on your back, however, the belt must then be worn with the Polar logo upside down and facing out.  This ensures that the left electrode stays on the left side of the body and the right electrode stays on the right side of the body.  Make sure to wet the electrodes every time it is moved to a new position.

Please note: There are a very small number of cases where a Polar HRM will not work due to a medical condition, for example: low voltage R-wave signals; atrial fibrillation or bundle branch blocks.

Regarding the Speed Sensor please check the following things:

Speed Sensor problems: 

 The indicator light (LED) inside the sensor lights up when the magnet passes the sensor.
 This happens 50 times at the beginning of the ride, after which the light turns off while the sensor continues operating.

1.2 Check that magnet, sensor and receiver are mounted as directed in the user's manual.

The angle between the sensor and the receiver has an effect on the transmission range and it should be as close to 90 degrees as possible.

In many bikes the wheel is so close to the fork that the optimal angle cannot be achieved, however, an adequate range can be achieved by  adjusting the range setting in the sensor and the angle between the sensor and the receiver.

By way of a practical tip please turn the alarm sound off when you are in the biking mode, in some circumstances the sound may give abnormal high-speed readings.

2. Transmission range adjustment

If these basic settings are correct and the problem is not solved, the transmission range can be adjusted. There are three possible settings for the transmission range in the sensor: short, medium and long.

We strongly recommend that you send the sensor to an authorized Polar Service Center, where the unit is tested for water resistance after adjustment. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed after an unauthorized service.

If you wish to adjust the sensor by yourself, follow the attached instructions carefully and note that the warranty does not cover damage or consequential damage caused by service not carried out by an authorized service center of Polar Electro.

If you would like to return your unit for service, call  800-227-1314 and ask for the service department:

Polar Electro Inc.
Customer Service
1111 Marcus Avenue
Lake Success, NY 11042-1034
Attn: CS-Accessory Order

Please include your name, address and daytime phone number in the event we need to contact you.

 It is recommended you return your unit in a traceable manner such as UPS Ground or Insured US Mail.

In addition turn the Autostart feature OFF.  Autostart means that the receiver automatically starts or stops the exercise recording, as you start or stop moving your bicycle. It is recommended not to use the Autostart feature  in cycling, nor in running when the receiver is in bicycle mode, in an environment where there is electromagnetic interference around as the measurement may start or stop unintentionally.

Please update your software to the latest version at:  http://www.polar.fi/support

Please do not have the software application running while trying to update the software.

In the software there is a conversion problem with the distance calculation. The problem lies with the software and the metric/English conversion.   The software was designed using the metric system.  Once the data is downloaded the software will convert the data from English system to metric.  The calculations
are performed then the data is converted back to English.   We are hoping to have this fixed in the next software update.  Thank you for your patience regarding this matter.

If you need further assistance please feel free to contact Polar customer service at 800-227-1314 or 516-364-0400.

Thank you for choosing Polar.