Both sensors support Bluetooth® low energy technology if they came with a Polar Heart Rate Module. Using Bluetooth® for data collection is very stable and is done at lower sampling rates. This is the best method for collecting heart rate data.

There are several things that you can do to increase the quality of recordings that you get from the heart rate monitors if you must use the Heart Rate Receiver or have older Hand Grips that do not use the Polar Heart Rate Module.

1) Make sure that you are holding the sensor in the right orientation. See the arrow and location of the hands on the wireless sensor.

2) Make sure that the receiver is plugged into the LabQuest and that it positioned properly. See the arrow on the receiver.

3) Verify that the heart rate signal trace visible. If the heart rate signal (a large spike) is not visible during recording then there is either a problem with the sensor or a problem with the subject. In a few cases (less than 12%) the subject’s skin may not be conductive enough to pick up a good heart rate signal. Abrasive / conductive electrode gel may need to be used in this case. The easiest way to test if the problem is with the individual is to record heart rate from another person. If you get a good HR signal from another subject, skin conductivity is the problem.

4) If you are using the LabQuest App, the heart rate signal is not shown unless you select it. Go to Graph, select Show Graph and then click on the box for All Graphs. The LabQuest App will now show you the HR signal while it calculates / displays heart rate data. Before you begin an HR experiment its important to verify that the LabQuest App is recording the HR signal. Collect some data and verify that the Heart Rate monitor is recording each beat from the subjects heart.

5) If the signal from the Heart Rate Monitor is noisy or fluctuates up and down rapidly something may be interfering with the signal. Make sure that the receiver is positioned away from computers, power supplies, cell phones or other devices that can cause electrical interference.

6) If you are using the Exercise Heart Rate Monitor (EHR-BTA) it may take some time for the electrodes to make good contact with the skin. Exercise for a few minutes to increase skin conductivity, or use a saline solution as described in the sensor booklet for this product.