V-MAX HRGPS  TIMEX BODYLINK  GPS+HR ADAPTATION FOR HORSE USE

Review of the continued  R and D testing.

11/13/03

This week I have tested the system on 3 horses. I now have tested this for 3 weeks and about 100 miles of riding.

I am experiencing a few issues with the HR Transmitter.

The problems are not consistent. At times I get perfect readings from the time I saddle the horse and  though the entire ride .

Other times I get the ?---- HR display which indicates the transmitter is picking up noise or has a poor connection.

At times I have noted a LONG delay  in update of the HR value. The transmitter is not very fast to respond to fast changes in the horses gait. Gait transitions from walk to a quick canter for about 35 to 40 seconds will not show as an increased HR on the display for 15 to 20 seconds later. The counting averaging algorithm is much longer then the analog RF monitor I am use to.

I believe the transmitter is very sensitive to any motion artifact. It sort of makes sense since TIMEX would  have no reason to design the circuit to filter out electrode motion caused by a loose girth, sliding saddle or long wet hair.

I have concluded the use of EKG gel is required. This will never work if you do not have a solid WET  conductive connection to the skin of the horse.

I have cut out  two small  3 inch areas in the hair coat with ear clippers, where the electrodes are placed. This is a must! Under the saddle and the girth.

A few horses require the connections to be reversed on the transmitter. This polarity issue is mentioned in the User Guide from TIMEX. The rider will have to try the connection one way then reverse to see what connection polarity provides the best results.

At this time I am NOT sure this is an acceptable product to market.

I believe I have the best lead wire-electrode-connection adaptation developed. However these problems with electrode motion artifact will not set well with most riders. I can deal with it and will stop and adjust the the electrode, apply gel and try lead swaps. Eventually I expect I will resolve the issues. I would not recommend this system for those riders who are impatient or get frustrated with problems. This will take some effort on the riders part to figure out how to make it work with your horse, pad and saddle.

The past 3 rides all has worked dead on. I ride with one of the analog EHRM systems to compare the readings.

The adaptation works good enough for me to use. I know when the readings are correct.

I may   offer the ADAPTATION KIT, consisting of the lead wires, electrodes for the horse, and stickon electrodes for the transmitter. Plus include the instructions and pictures of how to attach the leads to the strip transmitter and the horse. Riders can just get the TIMEX system from where ever they can get the best price.

Additional reports will follow

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