Stop measure the puls on Sense whit the chargeing cable

[ttogaf]

Hello,

I can't wear my watch at work. Fitbit Sense measures heart rate even though it's in my pocket  also if I have a dark bag around it. Have now test and if I have the charging cable on, it does not measure the pulse. I want thee Sense with me to measure the steps. Can I use another magnet for this so I don't have to carry a cable? If I choose this way, is there a limit to how long I can "block" the puls?

[Apperschtuetli]

Think it can't measure pulse while charging since the charging cable blocks the green light sensor that detects the pulse through the skin, and it has to be in contact with wrist to do this.  May still measure steps since detection of up/down movement as you walk does not require contact with your wrist.  

[ttogaf]

Thanks for your reply.

Unfortunately, it measures even if it is not against the skin. I also get pulse measurement in the pocket of my work clothes.

[Guy_]

Hi @ttogaf  - while charging certain functions may be disabled. You can test without the charge cable plugged in.

When you say it measures pulse is this in the Today app? Some clock faces may show the last heart rate and changing clock face may be the answer.

[ttogaf]

Thanks for your reply.
I tested without having the charge cable plugged in.

Yes, the pulse measures in the Today app. I have changed the clock face several times. Unfortunately,  same problem.

[Guy_]

@ttogaf- Thanks for raising this issue - I tested this using the Today app on several watches.

The results were extremely interesting.

On a normal Sense placed flat on a white or black background [such as charge cable], no HR appeared

However compared to being placed on a colored background, then HR appears.

HR also appears if ambient light can be detected by the sensors.

HR may also be detected sometimes if the watch is moved.

It is known that the new technology sensors in the Sense and Versa 3 and later watches have problems measuring a useful HR when moving and the results of the above observations may be the reason why.

This is further confirmed by testing with the older technology sensors watches which seemed only sensitive to ambient light. As those watches are less prone to capturing ambient light they seem to work much better.

In your case if you get HR when it is on the charge cable, plugged in or not, there may be another issue with your watch but not worth replacing if everything else is working.

Though when not on the cable and HR is measured it may depend on the color and "see through" ** nature of the bag or just simply the movement over the surface. ** The new sensors may be more penetrating to get a better signal, so more difficult to block.

Lastly, if you had a Versa 2 it is possible to turn off the HR sensor completely. It isn't possible to do that on later watches.

I hope this is useful.

[ttogaf]

Thanks for your reply

I don not get HR when it is on the charge cable.

I will try to cut the cable off and only have the "plate" on. 

[Rge]

why don’t you try putting a piece of painter’s blue tape over the sensors while it’s in your pocket?