Wireless computer/hrm problems

[lo123]

So, I have a Cateye Strada Wireless with cadence on one of my bikes. I have a Specialized sport basic computer on the other.

The Specialized computer works just fine. On occasion it reads a weird speed, but it tends to be pretty accurate and work more often than not.
The Cateye, however, has worked maybe 3 of the 30+ times I've ridden with it. I replaced the batteries in the computer and sensor, and it worked... for ONE ride. Now it won't recognize anything. I've checked placement of the sensor and magnets. No dice. DH has the same computer. He has interference and it will quit working from time to time, but nothing like the problems I'm having.

On a related note, I bought a cheap Reebok HRM off of Woot.com awhile back. It worked for a few months (but had really high HR readings of 220+ frequently) then died. Nothing will bring it back. My husband has the same HRM. He's had no problems with his.

In the past, I've had to replace watch batteries really frequently, so maybe this is related? So.. Anyone else have problems like this? Suggestions?

I'm thinking a wired computer is in order.

I'm torn on the HRM. Should I try a Polar or better brand to see if that will work or just give up? Any good recommendations for an HRM that will stand up to my freaky body?

[Becky]

Maybe your computer is defective... Have you called Cateye? The times I've talked to them, they've been pretty helpful.

[Ambikes]

You're not alone. My mom has the same exact problem with watches. Her strategy has been to try lots of cheap watches until she finds one that she doesn't kill, and then use that watch as long as possible. She normally doesn't try expensive ones because she figures she'll just break most of them.

She doesn't have a HRM, so I can't give you any suggestions on one that might work. I do know that the watches that work/don't work for her aren't always the same brands.

[Eden]

I had a Cateye wireless for a while that acted a lot like yours - it would drain the batteries faster than I could buy replacements.... And it hardly ever sent a clear enough signal to the computer - my speed was always winking in and out and changing drastically. I think they have a quality control problem.

I have a Sigma wireless now and its been working fine (on the same set of batteries) for about a year.

[lo123]

Maybe your computer is defective... Have you called Cateye? The times I've talked to them, they've been pretty helpful.

I haven't called them.. I'll do that! Sometimes I miss the obvious solutions :cool:

Ambikes - my watch solution was to get a Citizen EcoDrive. Solar powered, but still an attractive watch. Works for me, but I never really noticed the watch thing until all this started happening.

Eden - I wonder if it's just something with the frequency and communication algorithms Cateye uses? I mean, if it's totally me, I'd think the Specialized computer would've died by now... who knows.

[nscrbug]

Hmmm...I've been using a CatEye Strada Wireless (no cadence) for 2 years now, and other than changing out the batteries once...it has worked flawlessly. I always get a clear signal with a good readout...I've never experienced it "wigging out" on me, other than when the batteries were on the verge of dying. Once I changed 'em...it was good as new again. I'd concur with calling them to see if they can help. I've been so pleased with my CatEye, that I am contemplating the purchase of the wireless V3 model that has cadence and HRM.

[Dogmama]

On a related note, I bought a cheap Reebok HRM off of Woot.com awhile

I'm torn on the HRM. Should I try a Polar or better brand to see if that will work or just give up? Any good recommendations for an HRM that will stand up to my freaky body?

I've had lots of Polars that lasted maybe a year. They wouldn't read. I changed batteries, swore solemn oaths, gooped up with electrode gel, nothing. I finally bought a Sigma and so far (knock wood) it's lasted over two years. Easy easy easy to use (good thing!) and reliable.

I think my ribcage is a little convex where the electrodes actually touch. I wear a sports bra to snug it up and if it's cold, I use a little electrode gel. The Sigma has been pretty consistent though and continues to read even though I feel it isn't actually snug.

I also rinse off the electrode part (being careful to keep the center-battery part dry) after each ride & hang it to dry.

One thing about the Polars - they were really sensitive to telephone wires. I'd be riding along & look down - darn! I'm at 250BPM and barely breathing! I'd look up & bigger-than-Dallas there would be telephone lines above me.