Blaze Vibration - NOT!

[Colorado_Hiker]

I was just told today by a FitBit tech/customer service person that FitBit would NOT be changing the level of the vibration on the Blaze.

So much for listening to the comments of the Forum!   :

[EFTC]

Why do you want to increase the level of vibration?

[Colorado_Hiker]

Because when you wear it the vibration is almost non-existent. You can't feel it at all!

Jim

Moderator edit: Personal info removed

[Rich_Laue]

@Colorado_Hiker this is to be expected. 

The vibration is made by a little motor that spins an off balenced weight. There is one way to increase the vibration power, and that is to put in a bigger weight with a bigger motor.. This invites barely will require a redesign of the blaze internal setup with a redesign of the case, probably making it a larger unit. 

Most likely it all ready has as big a mortar and weight that will fit. 

Do a search you'll find many pages and several videos showing how the vibration is made. 

[MikeF]

Not a surprise. I suspect it's impossible to change the level of vibration without taking the thing apart and installing a bigger vibration motor. Listening to the customer (or not) plays no part in a decision like this.

[Harry]

Hi Rich,

Maybe they can extend the time it vibrates a few seconds longer (SW update?). I went from the Surge, which was fine, to a HR 2 and overslept many times. Heard the Blaze is having the same low vibration issue.

Let's see/ask if they can extend the alarm time (at least) to a longer duration?

You've been always helpful Rich. Thanks!!

[EFTC]

I think the vibration strength is fine. Anything more than that the watch will be very invasive.

I have enough things in my pocket that "vibrates" and I don't need any more. 

[silentium]

I would appreciate the following option to be implemented via software update:

When selected, the vibration only stops when the user looks at the watch or presses a button/taps on the screen.

I think this would help a lot and could be turned off if it kills too much battery or someone does not like the idea.

[AlejandraFitbit]

Hello all, I hope you are doing fine.  It would be really great to have an option where we can adjust the vibration for our trackers. I recommend checking the Make Blaze vibration stronger request, vote for it and leave your comment.

Catch you later. 

[silentium]

The link takes me to a Charge 2 request. This is a Blaze topic.

[RSprigg]

How many votes does it take.  There are over 675 votes the last time I checked.  We have been waiting since the Blaze launched.

[MikeF]

There isn't a number of votes as such since there is no guarantee that any given request will be implemented.

[Rich_Laue]

It might not have anything to do with votes, but with physical limitations.
The vibration comes from spinning an offset weight, which then through a the Blaze around. To make this stronger we a bigger weight, and then a more powerful motor to spin this bigger weight. Having a bigger motor will need a bigger case to house the motor.. The case being the Blaze housing will then need to be redesigned.
For a short video of this spinning weight see
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2sqipl

[RSprigg]

If it simply cannot be done perhaps Fitbit owes that information to it's customers who have complained  about this since it was launched.  I do agree that this is a design flaw otherwise I assume they would have fixed it. I have no idea how it ever made it past their testing let alone to the market.  Perhaps Fitbit needs to look at all of the competitors with the same size or even smaller cases which the vibration works great. I have friends and family members with other brands and the alarm and notifications work just fine.  At the very least it seems they could do a release that would leave the weak vibration on until it's turned off.  I tried setting 4 alarms one after another, adjusted the tightness, placed the face on the inside arm, etc.. It has never ever woke me up and I am a light sleeper. The Charge HR worked perfectly as it relates to the alarm and notification strengh.  I now rely on the iphone to wake me.  Not exactly what you would call a 'smart watch' or even a 'fitness watch' these days.

[Rich_Laue]

My only complaint is the very short buzz for reminder to move, but even here I have no problems feeling it. 

[RSprigg]

So glad the vibration is working for you Rich.  It does not work for hundreds and hundreds of others.  There are posts all over the community and in product review sites.

[JustusB]

I see your explanation. I counter with the Pebble Time smartwatch. Smaller package, great vibrate motor. 

[Bakerhaub]

I have a Pebble Time and that watch rocks for $59. Thought this Blaze would be better. Because of the notification issues of weak vibrate, short vibrate and screen does not light up upon notification it's get returned.