Broken Polar Kit
201
Member
394 days
big 3 posted 23 weeks ago.
The fact that you have the bar lights turning on means you have at least two of the three wires connected from the head unit. The 3rd could be bad but before you dive into that connector try this.
Clean the terminals on the back of the watch and the posts on the head unit where the watch connects. Use a pencil eraser. Once you've got them cleaned up set the watch to cadence or speed and see if you can pick up anything at the watch.
After that I'd actually try pushing the connector ever so slightly in various directions while pedaling to see if the socket connections are solid. Could be loose connection from use or the pins on the plug are corroded a bit. If pushing the connector in just the right direction makes it work. I'd suggest "exercising" the connector in/out of the socket pushing gently in various direction to potentially remove corrosion from the pins/socket.
Still no good?
Open the connector. First unscrew the outside cap. Then unscrew the strain relief cap. Slide those further up the wire so you don't solder the connector and forget to put them back on. Been there done that. :-)
It should be obvious if one of the wires is not attached. If you can solder you can fix this yourself.
When you take the connector with the little socket (hole) at the bottom (just as it is installed on the bike) the top wire is Red, green is on the left and blue is on the right. I'm describing the broken piece you have and I'm holding it so I face the pin side of the connector.
If viewing the solder cup side, green is right and blue is left.
This is the post that helped me the other day.
http://www.trifuel.com/node/10085
If you need soldering tips let me know. I'll pass along the tricks of the trade.
157
Member
685 days
Pete L. posted 23 weeks ago.
I did all of the things you mentioned. I cleaned the terminals on the watch, and the head unit. I also moved the connector around, and couldn't get anything. I unscrewed the connector, and it looked like all of the wires were securely connected.
For some more info, I can't even get the watch to go into Power mode. Even to get no power data. It just never cycles there. I also can't get it to watch cadence. Before, I could always cycle to cadence, I just wasn't always getting a readout. Now I can't even cylce to it.
Even if its just some setting on the watch I messed up, I'm still not getting any data for speed or distance. On the power unit, the green, red and orange lights all blink at seemingly appropriate times.
Another thing to mention is that the memory chip is full, I don't know how to erase it, but its been full for a very long time (I haven't been able to get the data into my computer, but that's a whole different thread.)
Any other ideas?
201
Member
394 days
big 3 posted 23 weeks ago.
Well at some point you are going to want the manual for your watch.
You can download it free here.
http://www.pursuit-performance.com.au/polar/html/local/user_manuals.html
What is the model number of the watch are you using?
157
Member
685 days
Pete L. posted 23 weeks ago.
I have the S625X. I'll read the manual and see if there is anything there that helps me. I did noticed yesterday as I was riding that at some point I no longer had lights. I'm not sure if that means anything.
The batteries are all new for all of my stuff.
157
Member
685 days
Pete L. posted 23 weeks ago.
big3 your advice is golden. I read through the manuals, made sure my watch was set up right, so I didn't have that as a factor. With everything blinking, and the cadence/power/etc all back to normal, I found that if I did, in fact hold the connector on there right, it would come on.
I'm not sure how to fix this, as repeatedly connecting and disconnecting didn't seem to have much impact. Is it that the connectors are dirty? The book said not to use alcohol, so that's out.
Anyway, thanks for the help.
Pete
201
Member
394 days
big 3 posted 23 weeks ago.
Yeah, that connector is so small it's very difficult to clean if it is a corrosion issue, Pin or socket side. Of course if the socket side is the problem that makes it even more difficult.
Because I'm good with a soldering iron, I'd take a stab at cutting the cable back a bit and re-wiring the plug side. If you aren't as confident with that skill or if this is a cheap enough of a solution. Here is the email I received from Polar in regards to repairing the cable. I didn't think to ask about the socket side. So I can't say if that's included:
The charge to replace the cable is $24.99 plus $4.50 shipping and handling.
To start the repair process please visit the following link, this page will
walk you through the entire process and qualify the repair to the best
possible service center for your needs.
http://www.polarusa.com/service_repair/serviceprocess_con.asp
Please be sure to select ‘0-2 years’ as the purchase date. This will ensure
the repair will be processed and shipped to the correct Service Center in
NY.
If you need further assistance please feel free to contact Polar Customer
Support via LIVE CHAT or PHONE by visiting the following link
http://www.polarusa.com/service_repair/contactus_con.asp
Thank you for choosing Polar.
Customer Service
POLAR ELECTRO INC.
157
Member
685 days
Pete L. posted 23 weeks ago.
I have no idea if its the socket side or the plug side. Neither looks to be in bad shape at all. I wouldn't mind sending it in, except it means that I have to take it off the bike, and I spent 3 hours getting it all on there, and picking up the signals correctly. Opening the thing up, it looks like the solders are totally fine.
Thanks for the info big3.
201
Member
394 days
big 3 posted 23 weeks ago.
Long shot here. If it's corrosion, rather than a deformed socket.
You could try DeoxIT
http://www.google.com/products?q=+DeoxIT&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozil...
598
Member
390 days
theShiba posted 22 weeks ago.
I have heard that Polar is pretty good with customer service issues... Might try giving them a call.
Anyone know what to do with a broken Polar Power meter?
I'm fairly certain its a short in the wire. The power bar lights come on when the sensors pass by it, but I get nothing to the head unit.
I don't think there is much of a chance that I still have any kind of receipt. Anyone had any luck with replacements, repairs, etc. with Polar?