Intro
I have ordered latest Sigma R1 Blue Comfortex+ with hope that it will be working as a part of my cycling computer together with panobike speed & cadence sensor. After of tree month of trainings with it I would like to write a few words.
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| http://www.sigmasport.com/en/produkte/sportuhren/accessories/brustgurte/r1bluecomfortexplus/details |
Test scenarios
Activities
I have used this heart rate monitor for following purposes:
1. Stationary biking (Spinning)
2. Running outside
3. Gymnastic (push-ups sit-ups)
4. Long walks (March)
5. Rest
Application:
1. Runtastic
2. Endomondo
3. Wahoo
Phones:
1. Iphone 6S
2. Android phone with Android 5.1 lollipop
Results
Sigma R1 is great product when used in scenarios from 1-3, it means during heavy load when heart rate is much over 100 beats per minute, body is hot & wet. No remarks - works really great. It is worth to mention that qality of belt is really good, design of sensor nice as well. Exchanging battery is piece of cake.
Problems came when activity level is les intensive:
1. When heart rate is low 50 - 60 probably because na activity sensor quite ofthen stop transmitting data.
2. When heart rate is around 100 bits per minute, during long walk when temperature is around 0, suddenly it measure over twice time less heart beats than should. See picture below (Red line after 6 km sudenly fall).
I have try many options:
- different belt positions,
- clean belt,
- water on electrodes and my body
- use EKG Gel,
- remove hair from my chest
- disable WI-fi
- disable GSM module
- measure and exchange battery
results was similar, I suppose that this product was not tested in bottom tolerance regarding heart rate and temperature. Sigma say " measuring range of 30 to 240 beats per minute", I would say 110 to 240 :(
Additionally Sigma admists that "The R1 BLUE transmits the battery status" I do not find any applicatation including software from SIGMA that was able to display battery status. It seems that there is no such data in Battery Service profile.
Apart of mentioned disadventages it is really good product for intensive activities.
Technical data:
Device information:
Model: ZT26B
FW: V1.2
HW: V1.0
SW: V1.2
Belt resistance: ~500 Ohm between
Snap Sockets and center of electrode.
OEM Manufacturer:
After little digging I have found that Sigma R1 has been manufactured by Zentan Technology Co., Ltd.
Oryginal name of product is: "TP3 SMART HEART RATE TRANSMITTER (ZT26B)"
Sigma change belt little bit and front pannel of device.
External photos: https://fccid.io/document.php?id=1897123
Zentan user manual seems to more precise than Sigma, they emphasize important aspect: "Position the transmitter on the chest just below the breastbone, with the Cardiosport logo the right way up.".
So if you like to buy SIGMA R1, you can have it for half a price - just buy GEONAUTE Cardio Bluetooth Smart (4.0) in decathlon or TP3 SMART HEART RATE TRANSMITTER, or TP3 by cardiosport http://www.cardiosport.com/ it is the same product ZT26B :)
Update:
I have sent my R1 sensor to sigma service, unfortunatelly three weeks later it has been sent back with the comments that "The product was checked. There was no defect to be found. Please check the instruction and mounting manual..." :(
So it is time to change manufacturer, I just ordered "Wahoo tickr".
