polar heart rate monitor

[thestinker]

I just got an rs 400 and it has all this really groovy software where it will track your workouts and all, however I can't seem to get the blasted thing to connect to my lap top. I bought a USB IR receiver that comes with a remote. I got that installed and it works, because I can manipulate things on the lap top via the supplied remote control, however, I can't get the freakin polar to connect via the same IR port. Does anyone else have one of these things, and have you had the same problem I'm having?

I am probably leaving some important details out here, but I am just computer savvy enough to know its not working.

[LinuxRandal]

Traditionally IR doesn't have a great range. Part of that depends on power, part on directionality. I don't have the watch, but went to see if I could find the manual, the first review I saw on Amazon, MAY be helpful:

Quote
"Like many (at least based upon the countless reports I found in several forums), I experienced problems in transferring the data from the watch through IR to my computer (I've spend hours on it to the point I was ready to return the watch). To make a long story short and not to end up in endless technical reasons why the connection can/cannot work, for everyone having IR connection problems make sure you place the watch next (and I really mean next, just a couple mm, not inches or cm's) to your IR port on your computer. Also, the IR transmitter on your watch is NOT the red bottum but are the 2 very small holes above the letters O and A of POLAR.
Once you do this, it will very likely solve your problem. I had problems connecting with both my laptops, one with a build in IR port, the other with an external (USB) IR transmitter. The watch seems to have a very short IR transmitting range. "

[thestinker]

Thanks LR. I have scoured the internet and have seen so many reviews, but I think that one is new to me. I will keep plugging away at it.

RS

[chris@polar]

Hey -

Chris from Polar USA here

We find in most cases the remote control/IR setups while they use IR technology aren't standard IRDA compliant. The best thing to do in your case would be maybe try another IR device to see if that works? Like a PDA or cellphone or something? It really could be programmed to specifically work only with the remote.

I would suggest getting a cheap IRDA>USB adapter, or the Polar IRDA.

Hope this helps

Chris @ Polar USA

[Tom Slick]

Now that's customer service. THEY hunt YOU down and try to help!

[RAFlorida]

+1 with Tom!

Ain't never seen the likes of this thread. If only all companies were that way.
But the specs may be different for that IR remote.

[leehljp]

That IS impressive! I am happy with my Omron wrist BP/HR monitor but simply because of this thread, I will certainly look Polar up for their watches alone.