ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] heart Rate Monitors

[endurance] heart Rate Monitors

rsantana@ucdavis.edu
Fri, 08 Mar 96 18:32:23 +0800

I've been lurking about here ad wish to supply my knowledge regarding the
VMAX heart Rate Monitors.
The VMAX comes inseveral styles in the US. The latest sells for about
$120 US. That's about 1 third of the price in the UK. Also for the least
number of features.
My wife sells this montor line and knows a lot about them.
The EASYRATE (sp?)monitors area a so-called wireless system using similar
components as the VMAX. The transmitter on this item is attached to a
girth like item that goes around the horse forward of your sadle. Many
people use this system and have gotten good results.
Differences: not much, both use POLAR components, the receiver is the
same. The VMAX uses a different transmitter than the EasyRATE in that the
batteries are replacable. With the EASYRATE you will throw away the
transmitter when the batteries die. $60 US!! expect from 2-3 years of use
before the batteries die.
Problems: EASYRATE - in order for a heart monitor to work and ouput
reliable information the electrode system MUST be in constant contact
with the skin. With the belt used in the EASYRATE the contacts do not
always touch the horses wet skin. This causes extra pulses from the
transmitter. Every time the electrodes touch the horse a pulse is
generated. So if you do not have a good contact to the skin you get false
readings. Non-replaceable batteries on hte transmitter
VMAX - setting the electrode on the skin can be a problem. We
attached velcro loop patches under the saddle pad (we use the Equilon
pads and they have a soft rubber compound against the horse's skin) and
velcro loops to the girth. Removing the saddle can be a chore too because
you have to deal with the wires going to the transmitter from the
electrode patches. We like this method best because we always get a good
connection to the skin. I just replaced my batteries after 3 years of
use. They weren't dead yet but I didn't want to have a problem on the
trail.
Both - remember to remove the transmitter fromn the belt on the
EASYRATE and unplug the electrodes on the VMAX. Leaving the transmitter
connected to electrodes turns it on and causes the battery to run down
very quickly. Clean the EASYRATE after use. The sweat across the electrod
part will run the battery down also.

Otherwise it's a matter of your choice as to which device is best for
you.

Here's where I plug my wife's business. For VMAX heart monitors -
The Australian Connection
9274 Muir Way
Granite Bay, CA, USA, 95746

in US call 1-800-847-8521 for orders, ouside US (916)783-9851
for more information - (916)791-1542

Ray Santana
UC Davis Medical Center
Network Operations
raymond.santana@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu