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Troubleshooting: Heart Rate Monitor Devices

Jacqueline Leonard
Updated

This article will guide you through the recommended steps to troubleshoot your HRM (heart rate monitor). 

Before you continue reading...

  • Make sure the antennas are online.
  • Verify antenna placement. The antenna could not be reaching a corner in the room making it a dead zone.
  • Check that the HRM is registered on the member's profile and is correct. 
  • Fitbits are not compatible with the PIQ system; reason being, they are Bluetooth devices. Here is a list of compatible HR monitors. 
  • Apple watches are compatible with the PIQ system, however, to utilize them you will need;
    • Your customer will need to download the heartbeatz Connect app, and this will enable the watch to convert the Bluetooth data into ANT+ data. 
    • You will need to setup a HÔRNET device to receive data, and this will support a limit of 15 customers.  

Content: 

HR Pod Troubleshooting
HR Pod Placement and Care
HR Strap Troubleshooting

HR Pod Troubleshooting

  • If a member does not show up on the screen:
    • Check the pod placement and position
    • Ensure the pod is snapped into place and is placed upright allowing logo to be read. Ensure the pod is resting directly above the member’s sternum.
  • If the member has consistent issues being read by the heart rate system, try repositioning the pod to the left side or back:
    • Wetting the strap or the inside of the electrodes with conductor gel has proven effective for recognizing the pod.
  • Change the battery
    • The batteries in the heart rate monitors are active upon arrival. Occasionally a battery fails during shipment.
  • If the battery is properly inserted and the pod still does not respond, we can assume power is not a factor in the pod not being captured.
  • Try to use the same strap the member is using with a loaner pod. If the member can be picked up with the loaner pod, we can assume the issue is not related to the strap and continue troubleshooting the pod.
  • If the member is unable to be read with the pod (after the Capture feature worked), begin to focus on the strap, placement or physiological aspects.
  • Check for corrosion along the metal prongs. If corrosion has occurred, attempt to brush it away with a toothbrush. Excess sweat can lead to a sodium buildup and hinder the connection between the pod and strap. If the pod and strap are not properly communicating, the heart rate will not be properly read and the pod may not be able to relay the heart rate onto the studio display. 

HR Pod Placement and Care

  • The HR pod and strap are to be worn directly above the sternum, with the pod facing right side up (must be able to read logo letters).
  • The strap should be secured on the member’s body, but not too tight.
  • If the strap is too loose or tight, it may result in unfavorable jumps between zones and inaccurate  readings of HR and caloric burn.
  • Pods should be wiped down with gym wipes or a damp paper towel.
  • To properly clean a strap, use lukewarm water and anti-bacterial soap or mild dish soap, such as Palmolive. Rinse off the strap and gently scrub with the soapy water. Do not fully submerge the strap in water for more than 5-10 seconds at a time.
  • Do not use any household products, such as bleach, dish soap, laundry detergent or other harsh chemicals on the pod/strap.

HR Strap Troubleshooting

The heart rate strap is predominantly responsible for picking up the member’s heart rate. When worn properly, the strap should reflect the member’s real-time heart rate. Using the pod and the software, the member’s heart rate is then translated into the zones and used as a visual cue throughout the workout.

  • Severe fluctuations between the zones:
    • Was the strap wet with water or conductor gel before the use? Often, water or conductor gel act as a stimulant and promote stable readings.
  • Ensure the member is wearing the strap properly.
    • The strap should be secure, but not too loose, and the pod should be fastened upright (logo up)
      It does not matter if the strap is fastened on the right or left side.
  • Are the metal inserts showing signs of corrosion?
    • Sweat can often lead to a sodium buildup that hinders the connection between the pod and strap. If the pod and strap are not properly communicating, the heart rate/zone will be affected.
    • Ensure proper care procedures are set and members and staff are aware of appropriate cleaning procedures.
    • If corrosion has begun to occur, gently brush the metal with a toothbrush to remove some of the buildup.

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