

Polar
S1 Foot Pod - Brief Summary
The following
text is courtesy of Polar OY Finland
Q:
Why didn't Polar use GPS technology for the S625X / RS200sd Running
Computer?
We (Polar OY) considered both GPS and inertial technologies carefully
before choosing to go with inertial technologies. GPS has some positive
elements but we chose the best overall technology for running anywhere
and in any conditions. We recognized that existing GPS was too heavy
and consumed too much power for an application that was meant for runners
who are demanding and relatively heavy users and train frequently. Existing
GPS applications are simply not as practical for someone who is running
frequently because of the need to constantly recharge/replace batteries
and because of the discomfort of hauling abound a large GPS unit on
the upper body. When used in a real life running scenario- GPS is no
more accurate that inertial sensor technology. With inertial technology
we saw that we could provide the best solution for runners who want
accurate and reliable speed and distance measurement that performs in
all conditions (indoors and outside), in urban city settings with tall
buildings, even in very heavily wooded trails and twisting turning trails
and tight turning paths.
Q: GPS technology is considered advanced by many. What about
the Polar inertial
sensor technology that Polar uses?
The inertial technology that Polar uses is very advanced, inertial technology
is used in aerospace positioning and guidance systems, industrial robotics
and in advanced automotive applications such as active suspensions and
emergency airbag deployment to name a few. The inertial sensors measure
the acceleration of the S1 foot pod more than 1000 times per second
and use this data with advanced algorithms to calculate foot angles
and gait velocity the Polar S1 running speed and distance sensor is
NOT A PEDOMETER. Instead, it is very advanced running speed sensor.
Q: GPS provides speed and distance while running, cycling and
even during X-C
skiing. What about the Polar S625X?
The Polar S625X was designed primarily for runners and tri-athletes.
So we have ensured that the running functions are optimized for running
and cycling. The S625X is fully compatible with all Polar cycling sensors.
Combining cycling speed and cadence and power options provides many
more dimensions to the cycling cross-sports experience than that offered
by GPS speed and distance unit.
Q: Some GPS units provide directional features to help navigation.
Why has Polar
opted to leave this out in the S625X / RS200SD?
The S625X / RS200SD were designed with the knowledge that 80% of runners
generally run the same 3-5 routes. The speed and distance element of
the S625X / RS200SD will support people who want to track speed and
distance on these routes and also lets them find more new routes with
no need for external mile markers. Navigation features are best suited
for outdoor and adventure products, while the S625X / RS200SD is focused
on providing runners the most relevant features or building performance
and enhancing their every running experience.
Q: Is the S1 footpod heavy?
You can't feel it when once its attached to your shoe. Infact, you will
struggle to figure out (by feel) which shoe has the footpod on it once
you put it on. The Polar S1 footpod is built to last with robust water
resistance, shock resistance and easy battery change while still not
reducing shoe comfort or running performance.
Q: How accurate is the S625X / RS200SD?
Generally the S625X / RS200SD is at minimum 97% accurate even without
calibration. The accuracy increases to 99% with calibration. In relative
terms, this accuracy is as good or better than the accuracy provided
by GPS. Interestingly, this degree of accuracy is generally far better
than what is seen on running treadmills. Have you ever heard of a runner
complain that a treadmill was not accurate enough for their training
purposes?
Q: Do I need to re-calibrate my footpod everytime my foot pod
or wrist unit battery
is changed?
If you choose to calibrate your Polar S1 foot pod, the calibration factor
will be stored in the permanent memory of the S625X / RS200SD Running
Computer. This calibration will be stored permanently, unless you decide
to change it....so if you calibrate, you only need to do it once.
Q: Will the Polar S1 foot pod leak water?
Robust water-resistance and durability are key elements in
the design of the Polar S1 foot-pod. It will survive immersion, wet
running environments and continue to perform reliably. However, the
S1 was not designed for swimming or aqua-running so please do not going
swimming with it.
Q: What is the foot pod battery lifetime?
The battery lifetime is 20 hours of use in average.
Q: How do I know that the foot pod battery needs to be replaced?
When the green light on the foot pod turns red, you need to replace
the battery. Replace the battery in case the foot pod does not start
or the running speed shows 00 constantly.
Q: Can I replace the battery myself if so, what is the battery
type?
The foot pod is designed so that the user can replace the battery him/herself
without tools. The battery type is AAA.
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