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Have you tried cleaning the chest strap? I was having the same problems - deteriorating signals every time I ran - gave it a quick wipe and it's good as new.
With regards to the logs, I don't know, but I get the feeling if it loses the signal when you download the run it basically just connects the last reading before it was lost with the first reading when it comes back, giving the impression it has constantly recevied a signal. may be wrong but the lines look a little too smooth to me.
It copes admirably with a romp from the Tower down to Waterloo bridge and back via the South Bank with a tourist-searing blast over Millennium Bridge (it's just gotta be done!).
It could be a faulty unit, but bear in mind that the first use takes around 15 minutes to find satellites and the unit needs to be left still. After that it's much quicker and mine sorts itself out during warm-up. The bar seems to go all over the place as it does its thing.
I wouldn;t have thought it would have made any difference but wearing the right way round it's 100% reliable.
Another niggle has also cropped up recently, where the USB cable doesn't seem to be making a good connection, requiring much wiggling about before charging commences & my laptop can see the 301. Anyone else experienced this & have you been able to fix it?
draws nice clear street maps for all the routes I've used
I have just bought Tracklogs OS 25000 series map for my area. It received the stored routes from my 301 and plotted them accurately with no problem. Tracklogs on first use looks to be excellent, because you can annotate the routes and print them off - excellent for club runs.It also folds the OS map into 3D so you get an accurate view of the contours.
Two freebies that will import your 301 data and plot the routes onto basic maps are Motionbased (recommended by Garmin)(http://trail.motionbased.com/) and Sportstracks (http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/Demo/index.html)I marginally prefer the latter since it allows the exporting of the maps. Both also analyse your data in a similar way to the 301 Training Centre but with added features. A bonus of both is the link to Google Earth, where you can see your route plotted onto a 3D satellite image of the earth's surface. It can be panned, tilted and zoomed so you can almost re-run your routes from the comfort of your home.
Motionbased is an online system but it puts software on your computer that uploads 301 data to the website. You will need to create your own (free)registration. Sports Tracks is a free download but they ask for a donation.
Hope this is helpful
I assume you've made sure that the connections on the PC/unit are good and tight.
I just had 301 and same error cant connect to training centre....did you solve this??
i can used motionbased no problem.
Miles makes smiles.
Progression
I once had a problem with the Training Centre and e-mailed Garmin. The advice I had was to remove the Garmin USB driver from the system and re-install from the disk. This worked fine but you need to know how to access the System devices through Control Panel to do it. However, I have now stopped using the Training Centre because I consider that Sports Tracks records and analyses my runs in a better way (see my message above)So, you don't have to use the Training Centre at all.
You will enjoy the 301. I've had mine since February and it has proved to be worth the money. 4 other members of my club have now got one and I think that it was on other runners wish lists for Christmas.
Best wishes
John
I contacted Garmin and downloaded their updated software and(touch wood) it s working ok.
Just gotta figure out how to use it now
I too emailed garmin and downloaded latest software plus training centre software and it works but I prefer motionbased
thanks yes I had a timex bodylink before and it knocks spots of it with all the lovely data it supplies it is top banana and I am having so much fun with it.
I need to keep HR low on a training run so Garmin beeps and a screen comes up HR too high just what i need:-)
Miles makes smiles.
Progression
have you named him yet? Mine's Henry as you know. I have now been able to export the data to Sport Trax - a whole new experience :0)))
Have fun with him, but don't do what I do and set up the training partner then go like b*ggery to beat 'im!!!!
The heart rate readings can vary between 120 - 180, with in accurate readings accounting for 75% of the run (I previuosly used a heartsafe & had no problems).
The problems have probably got worse over the 4 months I have had it, but its never been good.
Anybody had similar problems and know if a upgrade of the firmware would help ?
I notice that folk are giving them names - I can think of a few but best not repeated here
Maybe a naff question here......
Can the hrm on Garmins be used in gyms, i.e. when using treadmill,rower or bike?
Impey - yes can be used in gyms. You'll need to tell it your indoors when you switch it on & ideally also that your doing a different activity from running.
So the company is bloody annoying, but the product is fantastic, very useful for planning your route, and a 3d view of the run you just did (with speed and heartrate profiles) is really good geeky fun.
I use it to generate course maps and profiles for fell races, too. I don't think I'd have bought it otherwise. Also, I live in Cumbria. It would probably be less useful in town...
.2p
will