V-MAX HRGPS TIMEX BODYLINK GPS+HR ADAPTATION FOR HORSE USE
The following is a discussion about how I have adapted the TIMEX HR human strip transmitter to leads and electrodes for use with a horse under saddle.
INITIAL DEVELOPMENT - REVIEW - R and D
I have this working quite well on my horses.
AND NO I DO NOT place the very high cost transmitter strip on a belt
or under the girth. That method just never REALLY ever worked well
enough for me.
However, for those who want to try it just attach the transmitter
in the girth and go ride. It may fall out or gall the horse or
just not work .
I have a lead adaptation method 'almost' ready. It does not hardwire
connect to the transmitter strip. I use removable stickon
electrodes. Why? because if you cut, drill or do a fixed
attachment to the $$$ transmitter it will void the warranty.
You can get one on EBAY - for about $220 best price I can find.
However of course I can get them for much less with volume deals.
If all goes well with the testing, and my lead wires arrive this
month, I should be able to take orders.
I wont put this on the market until I can insure it will work well
and reliability.
There are a few problems. This transmitter is very sensitive to
motion induced artifact, that is stuck or wrong readings. A LOOSE or
moving girth will NOT work, don't even waste your money.
The transmitter is a digital FM RF device. Most of the HR computations
are done in the transmitter and the digi packet sent to the watch is
encoded with the HR value for display Vs the the analog RF units
which just send a burst of RF noise to the rec watch where the counting is performed.
It is a bit complex to setup and use. Took a few hours to figure it
all out.
The GPS has proven to be quite accurate so far. The HR is dead on
accurate and matched the current analog RF device used now.
( riding with two transmitter, two rec watches, the GPS on the arm
and 4 lead wires on the horse has been
interesting.)
The only problem I noted was the time it takes for the
transmitter and rec watch to lock on and sync up. If the HR is very
low i.e. 30bpm it takes longer to get a reading. I have waited up to 2
minutes to get a reading displayed. I think some of that may be
related to the connections or noise induced due to the long hair.
More testing is required, but it can be made to work.
So now I guess everyone will run out and DIY - have at it..
My lead adaptation kit will be available when all else fails...
I have tested it on 4 horses so far, done about 50 miles of trails.
What's it going to cost? best guess as of now around $275 or less - complete
with all you need for riding. Maybe less for the initial
sales since it will be sort of R and D.
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