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After you push off the wall to start your swim, you will hear a beep tone similar to the starter
horn in a swim race. This indicates that the Firebelly device successfully detected the start.
The timer clock starts when you drop your head to push off and streamline off the wall (not
when you hear the beep). Typically you will hear the start beep 1-2 seconds after you start.
Occasionally the device will detect your movements during a rest period as a start (e.g. dipping
your head to rinse your goggles). This is called a "false start". When this happens, simply bring
your head back up and hold it level and still for a second or two and Firebelly will automatically
reset and be ready for your next swim. When Firebelly resets from a false start it will sound a
double beep to let you know it has reset and is ready to go.
When you are done using Firebelly for the set or for the workout, simply hit the top button twice
within a couple of seconds to exit swim detect mode
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. This will return the device to ready mode
(flashing green). Note that if the device does not detect any swim motions (e.g. starts or turns)
for 5 minutes it will automatically exit swim detect mode. This assures conservation of battery
life.
The device will automatically turn off after 10 minutes or alternatively you can manually turn the
device off. To turn off the device press and hold the top button for 5-6 seconds while the device
is in ready mode. When the device flashes red release the top button and the device will turn
off.
Accuracy Tips
The Firebelly device has advanced 3D sensors and swim detection algorithms to detect your
swim activity. There are some things you can do that will improve the accuracy and
performance of the device.
•
Make sure the device is straight up and down on your head. This is really important for
accurate detection! The goggle strap slot should orient it properly. If you are using the
device under a cap, try to keep it in the same orientation as it would be under the goggle
strap.
•
It helps to keep your head still and in a neutral position right before starting a swim. The
device may detect a drop of your head (e.g. to rinse your goggles) right before you push
off as a start, thus starting the clock too early.
•
Get a good, head-down streamline on your push offs. The start should be one quick,
continuous motion from start of head movement to head drop to push off and streamline.
•
The finish should be with your head down, without lifting your head
– just like in a race.
Lifting your head early and gliding into the wall will cause the device to incorrectly detect
the finish time. Swimmers often lift their head early when finishing in practice settings,
e.g. to look at the clock. Firebelly encourages good race-like finishes during practice.
•
After you finish your head should stay in a neutral position and still until you begin to
hear your time announced
(i.e. don’t drop your head down or bob around until the finish
has been successfully detected).
•
The device requires about 5 seconds to reset detection between intervals. Any less than
that and it will likely register them as the same swim (it will continue to work it just won’t
log the correct distance or time for that particular interval).
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Note that for device software release v1.3.5 and earlier, you only need to press the top button once.
