Multiple Charge 3 problems

[Pibar]

My Fitbit does not recognise cycling. Despite my speed (typically not walking speed, >12 km/hr) and the lack of step impact. When set to 'Cycling', it does monitor heart rate, but not distance, nor the route.

It does not track routes (GPS) , walking or otherwise, despite coupling to my iPhone.

It has very limited option for work outs, e.g. we are rowing on a Concept@ machine. We use the treadmill setting. Clearly, there is no 'distance' involved, just time, but nevertheless the Fitbit adds 'steps' to my total, in a seemingly random way: 210 strokes on the machine translate into 843 steps?

The battery is excellent, charging is very fast. Wearing is no problem, readability is good. So, pity the performance is below expectation.

[JohnnyRow]

When I do Concept2 rowing, I just use 'Workout'.  For me, "steps" just happen to come out about the same as I would expect from walking at the same intensity for the same time so it is a decent approximation for the general amount of exercise.

But steps are based just on wrist movement, as in the normal swinging of the arms while walking.  I have not been able to figure how rowing "steps" correlate to rowing strokes.  I assume it is somewhat a function of my rowing form (or lack of), how much arms go up and down, as well as back and forth, with each stroke.

For biking, it sounds like you are not actually getting connected to GPS.  Does it give a message about "connecting" when you select 'Bike'?  If not, I suggest going to the Exercise Shortcuts on phone app, select 'Bike', and make sure you have 'Connected GPS' selected'.

[Pibar]

Thanks for your comment and advice. I am surprised steps are based on  wrist movement, other devices have an impact sensor, that is triggered by walking, not by cycling (or swimming, or I think, rowing).

When I choose biking, the watch says Usage of GPS is ON. When I look at the exercise shortcuts on the iPhone, there is no entry on GPS, but it says: GPS will not be turned on. In grey print. Auto recognise for biking 's tuned on, outdoor bike longer than10 minutes.

By the way, when rowing on a concept 2 your arms hardly go up and do, 't hey go straight to the chest and back. In a boat, you gave to turn and lower the wrists to get the oar out of the water.

Sometimes after biking (last  ride was 28 km) the start and end point are recorded, and the total distance is 800 meters...

[JohnnyRow]

@Pibar   I'm curious about your impact sensor comment.  I have seen of impact sensors as extras to attach to running shoes for some higher-end devices, but am not familiar with any wrist-worn trackers with impact sensors.  Do you know specifically of any of this type?

[funwithsharps]

You can link your Fitbit to your concept2 online logbook. I have a PM 5 on my concept 2 rower and use the ergdata app to sync my workouts to the concept 2 logbook. Once setup, when you sync to logbook, it sends the workout data to Fitbit and accurately calls it rowing. 

[Pibar]

Thanks, I have the same set up: PM5, erg data coupled and synced to the logbook.But, I have not observed any sending of the workout data to Fitbit. Anything on the Fitbit that has to be checked of changed?

Yours, Pi

[Pibar]

Hi,

I made a mistake: an impact sensor is apparently ‘old’ technology. iPhone combines GPS and acceleration data to determine walking or biking. Still, the monitoring via iPhone of biking is grossly wrong: times of exercise, no maps, it is a mess.

Pi

[funwithsharps]

The online concept 2 logbook itself needs to be linked to the Fitbit. 

Once logged in to the Concept2 logbook: go to “user,” then “edit profile,”

select “applications” and scroll down the list until you see the Fitbit logo. Click the link that says, “connect to Fitbit.” 

[Pibar]

Thanks very much RR, I would not have found that on my own. I am now Fitbitted and ready for tomorrow’s rowing session.

Pi.