in: Tundra/Desert; Tundra/Desert > 2006-04-15;
| # Posted 2006-04-17 15:22:58 | |
| hkleaf: | Hi Vladimir, do you wear a combination of gadgets and devices on your training runs (i.e. HR monitor, GPS tracking device, Altimeter, and Chronograph) to be able to record all those datas in such detail? If so, do you have any recommendation on makes and models?
I'm thinking about getting something that will help me track and analyse my trainings in a more proper/specific manner, but don't really know where to start looking. -Gerald |
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| # Posted 2006-04-18 01:14:07 | |
| Tundra/Desert: | I use the Polar S625x HRM that also tracks altitude. This model also makes a decent attempt at measuring your speed and distance travelled with an inertial (non-GPS) system; the sensor is in a small pod that ties on to your shoe. But, some of us who used the foot pod have lost it orienteering. The accuracy of the foot pod is not great anyway; 1%–3%. I use Google maps pedometer for the distance measurement. This method is time-consuming, but is better than 0.3% accurate. I hear USA Track and Field came out with a similar system, I haven't tried it.
For orienteering, I just trace over my route on the scanned map in OCAD (~1% accuracy), or sometimes with a mechanical wheel (~5% accuracy). I was not tempted to buy a GPS device until the Garmin 305 came out. According to Bob Cooley, world's foremost expert on gadgets, this is the first unit with hardware and firmware good enough to not lose the signal in the redwoods, world's tallest trees. |
| # Posted 2006-04-18 15:34:35 | |
| hkleaf: | Thanks for the suggestion! I did some research on Suunto and Timex models, but haven't heard about Polar before now. They all do similar things with the exception on the GPS vs inertial sensor system. The Garmin 305 Forerunner you mentioned is also very nice. It just looks a bit bulky for wearing around the wrist. One main difference among these models is battery replacement. Suunto makes it easy for users to change battery themselves. Timex and Polar recommend users to send their devices in for service. Garmin uses a rechargeable system. I wonder how long are the battery lives, and thus the importance it should play when choosing a model?
Several people I run with wear the GPS arm pods to track distance and speed. But the signals are still choppy, even when running on city roads. So I can't imagine it being all that useful during orienteering. Maybe I should focus on getting something that'll track my HR, altitude, and splits for now. The distances I can get from either Google maps pedometer or USATF. |
| # Posted 2006-04-18 22:07:24 | |
| Tundra/Desert: | One year for the Polar, no battery change in the transmitter or the wrist unit so far. If you are comfortable with lab work (physics/chemistry/bio), you should have no problem changing the battery in the wrist unit without messing up the O-ring. I did it for 6 years with the previous version of the Polar. |
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