USER GUIDE AND INFORMATION FOR THE V-MAX STRIP TRANSMITTER ADAPTER KIT update Jan 2010
HOW TO APPLY THE LEAD-WIRE KIT TO YOUR TRANSMITTER
This document along with the pictures, will provide direction for the adaptation of the HUMAN HRM strip transmitter. The purpose of this kit is to adapt the human strip transmitter for use with the horse.
This setup works very well with no
noted problems. (Applies to ANY human belt transmitter and the TIMEX HR+GPS or
GARMIN 301/305/310 or the standard analog RF transmitter)
There is a detailed write-up on our web site that shows many pictures of this
adaptation. I also published many of my ‘R and D’ reports related to this
adaptation related tot he TIMEX HRGPS and the GARMIN 301. There has been
detailed discussion on www.endurance.net/ridecamp.
If the leads are properly connected to the transmitter and a good solid wet
connection is made under the saddle and girth, the HR monitor will function
properly.
The transmitter is very sensitive
to movement or a loose girth. It is VERY important to make sure the girth is
secure and the electrode site is wet with electrode gel, aloe gel and water.
Modification directions for ANY human STRIP style Transmitter.
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On the backside of the transmitter, clean the two square ends of the electrode strips with alcohol. Let dry
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Remove 2 of the stick on electrodes from the package and place over the 2 transmitter electrode contacts. Press well in place.
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Use WATERPROOF adhesive tape (bandage tape) and cover the small exposed electrode strip from the stick on electrode to the end of that strip, towards the middle of the transmitter.
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Connect the leads to the transmitter as follows. Use the short pin to pin pigtail leads. Snap one end to the each of the stick-on electrodes on the transmitter. Tape over the snap connector on the transmitter. Do not wrap the tape around the body, just place strips of tape on the exposed electrodes and snaps.
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Place the heat shrink tubing over the ends of the transmitter with the lead wires routed out the end. To help the tubing slide over the transmitter end, I recommend applying a small coating of oil or Vaseline to the inside of the tubing. Use a hair dryer set on high and shrink the tubing tight. Try not to heat up the middle section of the transmitter. This may take a few minutes on each end.
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You now have a transmitter that is adapted to 'look like' the standard snap-on block transmitters. The pigtail leads terminate with snaps that match my standard EKG lead wires.
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Connect the EKG wires to the transmitter. Hold the transmitter with the logo facing you, so you can read it. Connect the LONG COIL lead to the LEFT pig-tail snap and the short lead to the right. I have found the polarity issue is NOT a problem with most horse applications. A few may require the leads to be reversed.
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Attach the transmitter to the saddle using the sleeve transmitter pouch
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Place the electrodes under the saddle and the girth as shown in the LEAD CONNECTION section.
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Secure the saddle girth. The type of girth you use will affect the performance. I recommend a fleece type girth. Neoprene or leather will move too much and you will get bad or no readings.
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Start the monitor – you should see a reading in about 5 sec.
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If you get no reading, you should walk the horse a few steps and see if a reading is obtained. Refer to user guide from the monitor manufacture.
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If the rest HR is UNDER 30 the transmitter may not detect it. HR must be over 30 BPM.
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You may have to swap the lead/electrode polarity. I have found this does not matter much.
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If you have long hair use ear clippers or scissors and cut the hair very short.
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If the HR will not display or the heart icon is not steady, it means you are getting motion artifact- readings. The transmitter cannot detect a valid HR. I found sometimes I just mount up and ride a bit then it starts to work.
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You may have to adjust the electrode locations to get it right. Lower on the girth is better.
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For some horses you may have to place both leads/electrodes on the LEFT side of the horse.
Pictures This shows the 3 conversion steps. GARMIN 301/305
Transmitter
ready
The above shows the stick-on electrodes applied to the transmitter contact paad.
Pig-tail lead wires attached
Tape over the stick-on EKG electrodes and the exposed contact pads of the transmitter.
The completed adaptation with the shrink tubing.
FOR THE GARMIN 310 TRANSMITTER
Transmitter
LEAD ATTACHED - CLIP-ON PIGTAIL
TRANSMITTER IN SECURE SLEEVE
Ready to use, connect long lead wires, secure in the Transmitter holder and attach to saddle
For more details got to my web site www.vmaxept.com and pictures at www.imageevent.com/vmaxept
CONNECTION OF ELECTRODE PATCHES and LEADS
The attachment or placement of the electrode patches is the single MOST important step to obtain consistent and accurate pulse reading.
1. REFER to the pictures below. Saddle the horse and leave the girth loose.
2. APPLY a good coating of EKG gel to each electrode and the area of contact on the horse. You may use ALOE Gel, Saltwater. DO NOT use any product with lanolin or oil based lubricants (DO NOT USE Vaseline or KY jelly). You may want to wet the horse with a sponge in the contact area. DRY connections will cause bad readings. It is recommended to make the connection site wet with water.
3. Install the electrodes as follows:
a. PLACE the TOP (shorter wire) electrode under the saddle pad. Position it 3 inches below the center line and 6 inches behind the LEFT shoulder. The electrode position is under the saddle bars just in back of the fork. The BEST location is under the stirrup hanger. Keep it out of the pocket where the saddle may place undue weight on the electrode or shoulder motion may cause movement.
b. ROUTE the bottom electrode coil lead down the OFF SIDE (right) of the saddle. PLACE the electrode just behind the elbow at the area where you would use a stethoscope but on the 'wrong' side (right). You MAY desire to make the connection on the LEFT side. The monitor will function.
WRAP the Velcro band around the girth. Place the electrode patch on this band to prevent the electrode from moving. This band will permit the use of any type of girth. Neoprene may slide too much.
PLACE this long wire at the edge of the saddle pad to keep the wire out of harm's way.
4. PLACE the transmitter in the pouch. SECURE the pouch to any set of D-rings at the front of the saddle. Transmitter range is about 4 feet.
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TIGHTEN the girth. The girth must be secure. A loose girth will cause bad readings due to electrode movement
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START the monitor.
The strip transmitter in the clip on pouch, attached to the front of the saddle
D-rings.