INFORMATION FOR THE V-MAX G301 GPSHR (v2) JULY 2006

NOTICE, the G301 is no longer in production by GARMIN. The new G305 is available from other sources.   You may be able to find one on ebay or other re-sellers for a very low price. Purchase the adaptation kit  from our dealers  

Some of this information will apply to the GARMIN 305 and 310

The below doc is provided for information only

Lead wires connected to the GARMIN human HR transmitter  see STRIP-TRANS-KIT. Complete instructions for the installation of the lead kit.

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND THE GARMIN USER GUIDE BEFORE YOU CALL.

After the GARMIN Transmitter has been adapted for use on the horse the lead wires are attached.  The ends are covered with heat shrink tube for a professional look and to help keep water out of the connections. The lead wires consist of two 4 inch snap to snap pig-tail leads connected to the transmitter. The lead wires that connect to the horse are snapped into the pig-tail lead wire on the transmitter.

Hold the transmitter so you can read the name 'GARMIN', connect the LONG COIL lead wire to the LEFT pig-tail snap. Connect the short lead to the other pig-tail. This is the start point connections. This will work on MOST horses.

The transmitter should be placed in the roll up clip on pouch/ holder. Attach the clips to the D-rings on the saddle.

You can try to connect the long coil electrode lead wire on the RIGHT side of the girth. I have found a few horses EKG will not trigger the transmitter correctly and the long lead may have to be installed on the LEFT side girth. Try the RIGHT side first.

Use EKG or ALOE Gel to get a good connection.

The girth must be secure. Electrode movement will cause bad readings.

In the event you do not obtain accurate reliable readings on your horse. You can test the HR transmitter on yourself. Hold both electrodes on your chest at the midriff line, on the rib cage. Electrodes must be wet, hold still. You should see the HR on the unit. You may have to swap the left-right location of the electrodes.

If you are able to obtain a good HR from your heart, the monitor is working.

The connections on the horse MAY have to be reversed. Try swapping the girth electrode from the right side to the left. Always keep the saddle electrode on the LEFT side of the back.

If that fails to work, then you should swap the lead connections on the transmitter. Just un-snap the lead wires from the transmitter pig-tail leads and reconnect. If this is not clear call and I will talk you though the process.

Please read the GARMIN user guide.   

If the charge time remaining is under 13 hours, you should charge the unit completely.

The HR will display in about 30 seconds. In the event the HR fails to display, you should go to the HEARTRATE menu to re-scan or just turn the unit off then back on. READ THE USER GUIDE.

The 301 battery life is about 13 hours before recharge. The 305 has a battery life of 8 hrs. This unit will have to be charged in the vet checks.

TURN OFF the unit when in the Vet Check. Data will be stored for each leg. You can charge the battery with a laptop computer or plug into wall outlet and use the charger. In a VC one could use a very small inverter plugged into the car/truck 12vdc outlet to run the AC charger.

I have found  a small battery pack for use with the USB cable. Call for information. You can go to ebay and search on USB power packs. These units  are very low cost, about $15.

SATELLITE RECEPTION 

In the event you have problems with the loss of satellites, you can obtain an external antenna from suppliers on the Internet. I have one of these antenna systems it works very well. I have no loss of signal in the forest. If interested please call. Try www.pc-mobile.net and www.gpsgeek.com

When not in use, INSURE THE LEAD WIRE ELECTRODES are stored NOT touching each other or just disconnect one of the lead wires.  Disconnecting one lead will insure the transmitter is in the off mode. I have noted the transmitter battery life is short, about 2 to 3 months. You should get a few spare batteries (CR2023). If the monitor begins to give no readings and or shows intermittent reading after a few months of use, try a new battery.

I was informed by a few riders about failures of the GARMIN watchband and retaining pins. I suggest you glue the watch band strap on to the case. The band goes under the case, I placed some high stick adhesive between the case and the band. I use, SHOE-GOO.  

To change the stick-on electrodes on the transmitter, you will have to cut off the shrink tubing and tape. Install the new electrodes as instructed in the MODIFICATION document.. You must cover with tape and the optional use of shrink tube. A hair dryer will work OK. Tubing can be acquired at a car parts store or from EPT. Please call if you require assistance. Replacement shrink tubing is (two 4 inch sections) $3. Package of 6 small stick-on EKG electrodes $10.00. I have been getting about 6 months of hard use from one set of stick-on electrodes.  

The  pig-tail lead setup should prevent electrode and lead pull-off since the leads will un-snap if pulled.

GARMIN Software. Go to the GARMIN web site and download the latest software. I also recommend you download the flash updates for the unit. READ THE DIRECTIONS at the GARMIN site.

OTHER MAPPING SOFTWARE. I use a FREE product called SPORTTRACKS.

                Download http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/. This does TOPO SAT and GOGGLE EARTH as well as the HR Data. I use this more then the  GARMIN SW.

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 If you believe you have a defective unit;

Self test of the transmitter; with the leads attached, place the G301 in HR mode, wet the contact electrodes place one electrode on each side of your chest -on the rib cage at the mid-riff area. Hold the electrodes tight and secure, your HR will display. This will prove the HR transmitter and lead kit is working.

If the transmitter fails to display your HR then, remove the lead wire kit  

Use a knife to carefully remove the shrink tubing and peal off the EKG electrodes. Then attach the human chest belt and TEST on yourself. 

 If the transmitter fails to pickup your HR and you have replaced the battery, contact GARMIN

THIS IS A COMPLEX PRODUCT READ THE GARMIN BOOK.