Heart Rate Monitor Troubleshooting
The heart rate monitor system is a dual system, it can accept a heart rate signal from either
the handheld heart rate sensors on the unit’s handlebar or from a Polar heart rate chest
strap transmitter. The
PCA
1
is configured for handheld priority. That is, if both a handheld
sensor and chest strap heart rate signal are being received, the system will accept the hand-
held signal and ignore the chest strap signal. If a handheld signal is not being received, the
system will accept the chest strap signal.
There are four typical failure modes for the handheld and chest strap heart rate system.
They are:
l
Handheld is normal - no chest strap no
HR
2
reading.
l
No handheld HR reading - chest strap normal.
l
No handheld or chest strap HR reading.
l
Intermittent HR reading when neither handheld or chest strap are in use.
Normal handheld HR reading - No chest strap HR reading
l
Verify that a chest strap signal is not being accepted with either a Polar heart rate test
transmitter or a known good chest strap transmitter. If this reading is good, skip the
next step.
l
Using a known good Polar heart rate chest strap, verify that the heart rate operates
with the known good chest strap. If the known good Polar chest strap does correct the
problem, replace the original chest strap transmitter.
l
If the above procedures did not correct the problem, replace console.
No handheld HR reading - Normal chest strap HR reading
l
Verify that a handheld signal is not being accepted by firmly grasping both the right
and left handheld contacts on the handlebars. Cover as much of the contact surface
area with your hands as possible (without moving your hands), you should receive a
heart rate reading within ten seconds.
l
If the handheld signal is now being accepted, something in the near vicinity is radi-
ating
RF
3
(radio frequency) energy that is being received by the chest strap portion of
the heart rate PCA.
l
If a handheld signal still not being accepted, replace the console
1
Printed circuit assembly, generally referred to as either an upper PCA or lower PCA.
2
Heart Rate
3
Radio Frequency: Identifies electromagnetic signals with frequency spectrum between the
3 kHz (3,000 hertz) to 300 GHz (300 billion hertz) range.
Contact Precor Customer Support at [email protected] or 800.786.8404 with
any questions.
Page 105
7 Troubleshooting
System Troubleshooting Procedures
