Showing posts with label foot pod. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foot pod. Show all posts

1/20/2012

Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305 Review

Garmin Indoor Foot Pod Accessory for Forerunner 305
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Great product, it's almost everything I expected from it. Its size is not bad, even a little smaller than the Polar S-625X's foot piece and also runs on a AAA battery that seems to last at least as much as the S-625X's. Its precision is very good as long as you calibrate it correctly, "fine tune" it carefully through the first 5 to 10 runs, and then keep your pace somewhat steady. I should clarify that the only other inertial sensor I have used before is the previously mentioned Polar S625X which behaves very similarly, that is, it accumulates some error if you change your pace or inclination (climb or downhill) significantly. One drawback is that in order to attach Garmin's Foot Pod to the shoe, you have to almost completely remove the shoelace. This is because unlike Polar's sensor, it's all one piece; this makes it very impractical to move from one pair of shoes to the other, if like me, you have 4 or 5 pairs of running shoes which you "rotate" during the week. What I did was chose one pair to always use indoors. Lastly, I want to comment, that it would be VERY VERY nice if you could use the Forerunner 305's GPS functionality to calibrate the Foot Pod and not having to run a known distance on a track or somewhere else. Since the Forerunner 305 is so precise and reliable, why not automatically use its distance information for calibration? As a matter of fact, when I calibrated mine, what I did is use my Forerunner 305 to mark an 800m track and then ran it again while calibrating the Foot Pod. Why not do it automatically? That would have saved me a run! Well, those are my 2¢ worth... Pablo

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The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a vital training tool for runners and other outdoor athletes. But its speed and distance calculations rely on a a GPS signal from the skies above, leaving those who want to run or train indoors, well, out in the cold.Garmin has solved this problem with the innovative Forerunner 305 Foot Pod. This shoe-mounted accessory will provide accurate pace and distance to the Forerunner 305 when GPS reception is unavailable, such as when you're training on treadmills or indoor tracks. Speed and distance information is calculated in the Foot Pod and transferred to the Forerunner, where information from the Foot Pod is automatically displayed and stored.
Dynastream Technology The Foot Pod is built on Dynastream technology, which solves the challenge of accurately measuring a user's speed and distance in real time. The system was designed to measure each stride via a patented accelerometer, which measures all parameters of each foot stride, computes that data, then wirelessly transmits speed and distance information to the Forerunner 305 wrist unit via a 2.4 GHz signal. To date, Dynastream technology is the first and only commercially viable, accurate stride analysis technology that can be used outside the laboratory environment.
Simple to UseOnce the Foot Pod is turned on, the Forerunner 305 recognizes its wireless signal and asks if you wish to train using the Foot Pod instead of with the Forerunner's built-in GPS. Once confirmed, the Forerunner 305 deactivates the GPS and the Foot Pod begins measuring the workout. The Foot Pod communicates to the wrist unit using Dynastream's ANT Sport wireless technology, a commonly available platform for connectivity and interoperability between sports accessories and equipment. The unit features a simple and secure lace-mounted attachment, and runs on a single AAA battery that offers 70 hours of typical use. The Foot Pod is 97 percent accurate out of the box and 99 accurate percent when calibrated. It can also be worn in tandem with the Forerunner 305's wireless heart rate monitor.
Note: The Forerunner 305 needs to be updated to software version 2.5 before it will be compatible with the Foot Pod. You can download the software update at garmin.com/support.

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11/07/2011

Garmin Forerunner FR60 w/ Footpod Review

Garmin Forerunner FR60 w/ Footpod
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is a great product for cross training. I have started triathlons and the footpod works like a charm in telling me how far I've run. There is also a bike cadence sensor that is available to track how far you've biked, but I haven't tried that out yet. The heart rate monitor also works great. The setup of the watch is a bit tricky and confusing, but go online to Garmin and they have a lot of videos to help figure it out. Relatively inexpensive given the features and I've read that the foot pod technology is actually more accurate than GPS. Highly recommended.

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10/08/2011

Garmin Forerunner 50 Water Resistant Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod Review

Garmin Forerunner 50 Water Resistant Running GPS With Heart Rate Monitor and Foot Pod
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I did a lot of research before purchasing and was down to the 305, 405, and 50. I really wanted a GPS watch, but the price of the Forerunner 50 with footpod and HR monitor couldn't be beat. I also liked the smaller watch and the fact that it didn't need to be charged.
After owning it a week:
I really like the watch. I don't typically wear them, but it is very comfortable. It is only slightly larger than a typical watch and has a fine adjustment on the band. I'm wearing it all the time.
The hardware is impressive. The foot pod and HR monitor worked very well right out of the box, and were comfortable to wear. They "paired" right away and were ready to go when I was ready to run. The ANT installation went as advertised on windows vista, and the upload works automatically for Garmin Training Center, but not Garmin Connect.
Possible improvements:
For the watch itself, the number of "views" while in training mode can be confusing. I'm sure I'll get the hang of it with use or reading manual, but it is clearly more than I'm used to.
Installation: The process seemed to drive you toward choosing either Garmin Training Center (software on your computer) or Garmin Connect (web sofware), but not both. I didn't know the pro/con of either, so I wanted to try both. It was awkward when it wanted me to install ANT drivers again for the installation of the second one. I canceled the installation at that point - but found that Training Center was installed.
Software: It is really not clear to me if Garmin Training Center is still being developed. They seem to be improving Garmin Connect (web) regularly, but at its current state, it doesn't have any benefit over Training Center. (remember - I'm not seeing the GPS/maps, so maybe there is distinction there). So after a week, I still find myself bouncing back and forth. There are a few bugs in Garmin Connect and a few notable features that I would really like to see (that is available in other web training software).
Results:
I'm very happy with the HR monitor and cadence results. They seem spot on and reliable. I'm still working on the distance and pace. I did a test 3 mile run on a measured course and found that it recorded 3.1 miles. I messed up a calibration run by hitting the wrong button, so I'll be trying that again (a subsequent 8 mile run was recorded as a 9 mile run... argghh). I've found that the instantaneous pace is not accurate, but hope it will improve with calibration. Garmin Connect is also doing something weird with the average pace calculation... but I think that is a bug that will be fixed.
Overall I'm very happy with the purchase, but hope they continue to improve the software. Currently, that is the weakest link. If they don't, there may be other sites that accept forerunner uploaded data to fill the gap.

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10/04/2011

Audiovox ECCO Personal Pocket GPS Locator Review

Audiovox ECCO Personal Pocket GPS Locator
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I'm familiar with personal GPS locators that are designed to take you back to a point. This unit appears to work and allows me to set three points and then tells me how far I am from that point. It does that even indoors (most of the time). Sometimes satellite lock is flakey and takes a lot longer but usually lock is is about 30 seconds.
My problem is, we are instructed to "calibrate" the unit (thus the 3 stars). The laminated 'reference guide' says, hold the unit face up. So I assume that means face pointing to the sky, then, press and hold location 1 button until you get a message saying to "hold flat and press the lock button". You do that and it says to slowly (doesn't define slowly) around keeping the face up 360 degrees (ending up back where you started - 360 degrees is a full circle). No problem so far. then press the Hold button again. You are told to slowly turn the unit another 360 degree FACE DOWN and end with the FACE UP and press the lock button when 'face up and you should be 'calibrated'. I do all of that but it says calibration "incomplete" and the card say says, repeat the steps until completed... WELL, I've tried that dozens of times indoors and outdoors and it's always incomplete!
I searched the web and apparently an older model had you rotate only a half circle or 180 degrees to calibrate so I tried that also no luck.
The GPS portion seems to work fine but the electronic compass just won't calibrate.
I love the idea it fits on my key ring and I'm not sure how important "calibration" is. So I'll wait and watch here at Amazon Comments and the web for others that achieve 'calibration'...
It even displays a Satellite map much like my car GPS unit showing satellite sky location, strength and number of acquired satellites. If only I could 'calibrate'...
Model IDC-80001-001 (Audiovox)
IDC Design Corp (made in China of course)
UPDATE: I finally got the unit to calibrate. First, I charged the unit (fully), then when it came time to turn over or move in a circle I did it at ARMS LENGTH and mad a 2 foot circle, it worked and calibrated!

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The ECCO from Audiovox is a handy little keychain GPS that easily helps you find your way back to your car or other spots. Store up to three locked locations and you'll be guided by a simple interface to where you need to be.

Easy to Use ECCO, the Personal GPS Locator is simple to use. Push the "lock" button to store your location and be on your way. When you are ready to return, push the "return" button and ECCO will guide you back to your saved location from as far away as 9,999 miles.

Brilliant Blue LCD Display The blue LCD features an ultra-intuitive user interface, displaying an arrow and direction along with count down distance to your saved location.

LED Feedback Colored LEDs provide additional visual feedback, with green indicating an active GPS signal and red indicating movement in a wrong direction. The red LED also indicates if you've lost sattelite connections due to tall obstructions.

Store Three Locations ECCO can store up to three separate locations at the press of a button. Your stored locations remain in memory until replaced with a new locked position.

Speedy GPS Reception The sensitive GPS receiver provides faster acquisition times and improved tracking capabilities, and is able to track up to 32 satellites within 60 seconds. Provides a tracking distance up to 9,999 miles.

Long Battery Life The ECCO provides about 10 hours of typical use during active tracking, with 16 full days of power on standby. Charging the battery takes about 1.5 hours.

What's in the Box ECCO Personal Navigation Device, User's Manual, AC Charging Adapter, USB Cable


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9/29/2011

Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50 Review

Garmin Foot Pod for Forerunner 305, 405, and 50
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have my Foot Pod paired with my Garmin Forerunner 305 and am very satisfied. The Foot Pod has a plastic bracket that fits under my shoe string, while the Foot Pod fits over my shoe string. It can be a little difficult to get the two pieces to click together, but when they do they form a secure arrangement. I followed the instructions in the Forerunner manual and paired the Foot Pod with the Forerunner on the first try. Once this is done it does not have to be repeated since the Forerunner automatically detects the Foot Pod from then on.
The Foot Pod measures my pace in strides per minute and also measures my distance traveled. I am a little disappointed that the Forerunner allows the distance measured by the Foot Pod to over ride the distance measured by the GPS in the Forerunner. I suspect the distance measured by the GPS is more accurate, but I can not find an option to force the GPS distance to be used while the Foot Pod is in use. Walking the same course results is a measured distance of 3.26 miles using the GPS and 3.30 miles using the Foot Pod, which I feel is good agreement. I did not have to follow the calibration instructions to achieve these results.
Overall I have found the Foot Pod a great addition to my exercise equipment, especially when I am inside and out of range of the GPS satelittes.

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8/27/2011

Garmin Foot Pod Review

Garmin Foot Pod
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Edit: Amazon swiched products. This review is for the Garmin 010-11092-00 Foot Pod Personal GPS Tracker. For some reason they switched this product page to the old Garmin foot pod. I reviewed the new model.
I bought the foot pod so I could use my 405CX on an indoor track and have been pleased with the results.
Calibration was easy. On the Garmin 010-00658-30 Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) you can calibrate it using the GPS or a 400m track. I chose to use the GPS and it had me run .66 of a mile. Was easy and seems to be pretty accurate. The only issue is that you need to calibrate it at the pace you usually run at. For instance I usually run at a 10 minute/mile pace but since I was only running .66 miles while calibrating it I ran at a much faster pace throwing it off a bit.
Running on a .10 mile indoor track after 3.5 miles it was off by about 50' more by the end of the run. Not perfect by any means but I could probably calibrate it more (or you can adjust it manually) to key it in.
I don't use it running while outside, but if you don't like the pace setting of the GPS you can have the watch display pace according to the foot pod instead.
Installation and removal is easy. The instructions say it will fit in an insole pocket if your shoe has one, but mine does not. To attach it to the laces you slide the mounting bracket under two X's where your shoe laces cross then snap the pod over the top. To remove you have to press a tab that unhooks it. It's very secure and takes a lot of pressure to remove it. I have no fear that it will come off while running.
I am very happy with the pod, it works very well, and is easy to use. If you want to use your GPS watch on a treadmill or indoor track during the winter months, it's a must have.

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8/20/2011

Garmin Foot Pod Review

Garmin Foot Pod
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought the foot pod so I could use my 405CX on an indoor track and have been pleased with the results.
Calibration was easy. On the Garmin 010-00658-30 Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor (Blue) you can calibrate it using the GPS or a 400m track. I chose to use the GPS and it had me run .66 of a mile. Was easy and seems to be pretty accurate. The only issue is that you need to calibrate it at the pace you usually run at. For instance I usually run at a 10 minute/mile pace but since I was only running .66 miles while calibrating it I ran at a much faster pace throwing it off a bit.
Running on a .10 mile indoor track after 3.5 miles it was off by about 50' more by the end of the run. Not perfect by any means but I could probably calibrate it more (or you can adjust it manually) to key it in.
I don't use it running while outside, but if you don't like the pace setting of the GPS you can have the watch display pace according to the foot pod instead.
Installation and removal is easy. The instructions say it will fit in an insole pocket if your shoe has one, but mine does not. To attach it to the laces you slide the mounting bracket under two X's where your shoe laces cross then snap the pod over the top. To remove you have to press a tab that unhooks it. It's very secure and takes a lot of pressure to remove it. I have no fear that it will come off while running.
I am very happy with the pod, it works very well, and is easy to use. If you want to use your GPS watch on a treadmill or indoor track during the winter months, it's a must have.

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8/07/2011

Garmin 010-00658-40 Forerunner 410 GPS-Enabled Sports Watch Review

Garmin 010-00658-40 Forerunner 410 GPS-Enabled Sports Watch
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I purchased this with hopes of better functioning bezel in wet, humid, or sweaty conditions. This had been a source of frustration with the 405 - either not responding, or scrolling through the screens on its own. The 410 has fixed this issue - allowing for better user control of the watch. In cold conditions, i have found the watch to be a bit unresponsive while wearing gloves - sometimes have to remove glove to get a bezel response.... but still better than the 405.
In addition, i have been pleasantly surprised by how quick the Satellite connects. No more wasting time at the start of a run waiting for the Satellite to establish connecting. The 410 has cut this time in half. Fairly spendy, but well worth it if training/running is a big part of your life.

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