TIMEX HR-GPS ADAPTATION TO THE HORSE

REPORT 5

12-29-03

The testing continues. I have found how to make this work about 95% of the time. I had to cut-clip hair spots off the back and girth where I place the electrodes. I also have to wet the site very well with salt water and work some EKG gel into the area. I put a dab of gel on the electrode and place it under the saddle and girth. 

Since I use elastic ends on my girths, I have been able to resolve the loose girth artifact problem. 

I found placing both electrodes on the LEFT side of the horse - under the saddle and at the elbow under the girth - will give the better results. I have not been able to obtain acceptable results placing the girth electrode on the RIGHT side as  I do with the analog monitor.

The most major problem is the long lag time when I change from slow gaits to faster ones, like a walk to a canter/gallop. The design of the transmitter and the receiver takes about 10 to 20 seconds to 'catch up' to the actual HR reading -- but it will display the real HR. If I run up a short hill about 200 ft long, the analog monitor will show the HR going from a low pulse of 90 to 140 to 150 to 170. While the TIMEX will show 90-90-120-120---170.

It sticks on one reading for a short time, normally when I crest the hill and drop the pace - the high HR will display.

If I increase speed slowly the monitor will track the increased HR just fine. The highest HR I have noted was 205

I am noting problems with very LOW resting HR. I have one mare that has resting pulse of about 28-30. I almost NEVER get that reading after I tack her up. But is I walk a few steps, and her HR goes to about 38-40, it will display the value. Another horse has rest pulse of 34/36, his initial reading almost always is displayed as soon as the monitor is connected.

I can live with both of these issues.

My conclusion for this report is this adaptation will work, the device is worth the money and the effort to make it work. I will be using it at all the rides this year. The GPS component  is really great. I would ride with a regular analog HR monitor and the GPS, if I did not get the Timex Transmitter to function well with the horse.

The GPS will use up batteries very fast. I suggest a new set at the start of a ride, and you may have to change during a 50 miler if going slow. The 100 milers will have to make at least 2 battery swaps. I keep testing the mileage and speed to measured trails and roads, this thing is almost dead on- within a few  'tenths' of miles. I am really impressed with the satellite coverage, I rarely loose the signals.

I will bring a few to the EXTRA and AERC conventions this Feb 04. I will have supply of the adaptor kits for those that want to purchase the TIMEX system elsewhere.

I will post additional information as I ride more miles. 

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