13
H
EART
R
ATE
M
ONITORING
HEART RATE MONITORING
MAINTAINING THE TRANSMITTER BELT
Clean the chest belt regularly with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly — residual sweat and moisture keeps the
transmitter active and will drain the battery in the transmitter. Do not use abrasives or chemicals such as steel wool or
alcohol for cleaning, as they can damage the electrodes permanently. The supplied chest belts use a sealed battery and
are non-replaceable. Batteries in a chest belt will last on average for 1500-2000 hours of use. Replacement belts can be
purchased from an Authorized Nautilus® Fitness Retailer.
CONTACT HEART RATE
(MODEL T518 ONLY)
Through the use of stainless steel sensors built into the handle bar and using sophisticated software, heart rate can be
checked at any time during a workout. As with the wireless telemetry chest belt, the heart rate is shown on the display in
the same manner.
The contact heart rate system’s ability to detect a heart rate signal is infl uenced by several factors. Movement of the
muscles of the upper body produces an electrical signal that will interfere with the detection of the heart rate signal by
the sensors. Movement of the hands while they are in contact with the sensors also produces interference. For this
reason users should avoid moving their hands while using the contact heart rate grips. For reasons of safety it is also
recommended that users not use the contact heart rate feature while walking or running. Instead, use the telemetry
chest belt method. Calluses and hand lotion act as an insulating layer to reduce the signal strength. Also, the EKG signal
generated by some individuals is not strong enough to be detected by the sensors. These individuals should opt for the
telemetry method of heart rate monitoring.
Contact heart rate input signals are acquired only during contact between your hands and the stainless steel sensors on
the handrails. To use the contact heart rate feature, place your hands around the handles so that your hands touch both
the top and the bottom of the sensors. After the initial contact heart rate signal is detected, the controller will enter a
validation phase requiring a good heart beat signal within 10 to 15 seconds, or until the system acquires a valid signal.
During the validation phase the display will not recognize telemetry heart rate signals. If, during exercise, the heart rate
displayed is erratic, it may be helpful to remove your hands from the handles, wipe them and place them back on the
handles.