Using Sigma HRM with Garmin Edge 500 while riding?

[TheCoz]

I just ordered a Garmin Edge 500 with out the Cadence and HRM options.
I have a nice Sigma Onyx HRM that I would like to use while riding
with the Garmin. Will there be any interference with either unit if I
do this?
Cheers,
Coz

[Dan O]

Since you already have the one, and the other is on its way, there's
one way to find out (sort of). I suppose this would involve making
three rides as identical in all parameters as possible - one with the
one unit, one with the other unit, and one with both units, then
comparing results. I guess if anomolies were suspected using the
combination you'd then want to do more sets of 3 tests - maybe
changing conditions to illuminate and zero in on revealed anomolies.

Or (I'm assuming these gadgets must have some kind of wireless data
transmission you're concerned about) you could look up the technical
specs and see if the devices "say" anything that the other could
"hear".

Asking on usenet is not a bad idea, either - as long as you don't mind
smartass remarks from people who don't know the answer but are
compelled to compensate ;-)

I have a pair of dolls - Bart and Homer Simpson - that converse with
each other. You just need to place them in proximity and activate one
- it's really great.

(Might want to re-line your helmet and shorts with tin-foil shielding
just in case, though.)

[Lou Holtman]

Op 31-8-2012 20:27, TheCoz schreef:

I doubt it. The Garmin is coded. If it is a ANT HRM you can use it with
your Garmin. It is silly to use two devices. Never had any trouble with
the HRM of my riding buddies.

Lou

[TheCoz]

Lou,
Why is it silly to use two devices?
Coz

[Lou Holtman]

Because the Edge has the ability to do both and all dat is logged for further analyzing. Using a separate HRM makes the Edge 500 just an expensive cycling computer.

Lou

[TheCoz]

Lou,
I already have a HRM. Why should I spend the extra money for the HRM
Garmin unit? If the Sigma interferes with the Garmin, then perhaps I
will get the necessary accessories to use as a HRM.
For now, I will use what I have and see how they both work together.
Coz

[DirtRoadie]

What he said.
All you need for heart rate is a Garmin HR transmitter chest strap -
what Garmin calls a "heart rate monitor."

BTDT. I have had and enjoyed numerous data devices over the years and
at one time I used a cyclometer, HRM, and power meter
simultaneously.
I now have one GPS device that does everything. OK not everything, but
everything that I find useful and/or enjoyable. I abandoned cadence
and power as being either not very useful or too expensive/awkward to
worry about. A Garmin Edge 500 could, however, provide those
features.
Uncluttered, single source data is the way to go.
Don't get me wrong - I really enjoy having the data, but I much prefer
the consolidated, simplified approach.
Try it, I'll bet you'll like it.

DR

[Dan O]

On Sep 1, 8:28 pm, TheCoz <cycled...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> On Sep 1, 7:12 pm, Lou Holtman <lou.holt...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Sunday, September 2, 2012 1:41:34 AM UTC+2, TheCoz wrote:
> > > On Sep 1, 12:39 pm, Lou Holtman <lou.holt...@usenet.nl> wrote:
>
> > > > Op 31-8-2012 20:27, TheCoz schreef:> I just ordered a Garmin Edge 500 with out the Cadence and HRM options.
>
> > > > > I have a nice Sigma Onyx HRM that I would like to use while riding
>
> > > > > with the Garmin. Will there be any interference with either unit if I
>
> > > > > do this?
>
> > > > > Cheers,
>
> > > > > Coz
>
> > > > I doubt it. The Garmin is coded. If it is a ANT HRM you can use it with
>
> > > > your Garmin. It is silly to use two devices. Never had any trouble with
>
> > > > the HRM of my riding buddies.
>
> > > > Lou
>
> > > Lou,
>
> > > Why is it silly to use two devices?
>
> > > Coz
>
> > Because the Edge has the ability to do both and all dat is logged for further analyzing. Using a separate HRM makes the Edge 500 just an expensive cycling computer.
>
> > Lou
>
> Lou,
> I already have a HRM. Why should I spend the extra money for the HRM
> Garmin unit?

Um... because you're concerned about compatibility (?)

<snip>

[Lou Holtman]

Op 2-9-2012 5:28, TheCoz schreef:

Does the Sigma log the HR data? If so how do you sychronize them with
the data from your Edge 500? The Edge 500 is a serious 'training'
device; use it that way. If not it is just an expensive cyclometer. That
is OK with me, but I find it silly. That is all.

Lou

[TheCoz]

The heart rate parts for the Garmin Edge 500 will cost me about 60
dollars. The Sigma HRM watch unit I already have and used in the past
and I like the way in performs. That is why I did not get the HRM
parts with the new Garmin 500 unit. I have not done the "down load"
thing with any cyclecomputer and this will my first try with the
Garmin. If the Sigma HRM unit causes interference while riding, I may
go purchase the Garmin parts for HRM data. Just trying to save a
little cash here.
Coz

[James]

On 03/09/12 09:29, Phil W Lee wrote:

> The two contenders for a common standard for communication between
> computers and peripherals in that kind of "personal area network" are
> ANT and Bluetooth. Everything else is proprietary, and can't be mixed
> and matched between manufacturers.
>
> Hopefully, a single standard will emerge, and any chest strap, wheel
> sensor, gps receiver, altimeter or cadence sensor will work with any
> computer.
> Well, I can dream, can't I?<g>.

Also Zigbee and MiWi, but these are not used for biometrics yet, AFAIK.
Both implement a PAN (Personal Area Network). There is also 6LoWPAN
and BAN (Body Area Network) and a host more low powered short range
wireless networking protocols and technologies.

--
JS.

[Robert Borchert]

Both devices are quality units. I would bet that they will not interfere with each other. Currently, I use a Sigma BC1909HR computer, and its radio performance has been superb. Previously, I ran with the VDO wireless, and had some RF difficulties with the head units (The Sigma computer uses a much larger battery than the common CR2032 of the transmitters.)

With the VDO, I used a Sports Instruments metal cased HRM (wristwatch type), and the two systems never interfered. I prefer to have a wristwatch, even though the Sigmas display time. There are plenty of times while you're off the bike, and if you think of it, your heart is still running in those situations, last time I checked.

The Onyx looks like a great device, possibly using a different telemetry scheme than even Sigma's own STS digital system, which isn't ANT+ compatible, as far as I can find. The Garmin should support ANT+. Looking at the sigmasport.com pages, it looks like the Onyx uses its own system, as the chest sensor has a unique part number.

A wristwatch HRM, at least a premium one like the Sigma, has more functionality than the basic current / average / maximum HR that many cycle computers feature. You can have thresholds, as well as time-in-zone functions that cycle computers including the Garmin, most likely don't offer.

[DirtRoadie]

The feature that ALL Garmins offer is the ability to record data in
the form of a huge number of data points. All of that data is neatly
synchronized. With that done, nearly any desirable analysis can be
done via external software, regardless of whether the device itself is
capable of performing such analysis.
DR

[Lou Holtman]

Which is much more useful IMO than a device that is beeping when in a certain HR zone. I know my HR zones, so all I want to know is the HR itself during the ride.

Lou

[DirtRoadie]

IMO too.
DR