Tip #1:  Where's My Log?
 
You had the run of your life, and now your chart is not showing up on the computer when you offload. Where did it go? Here are the three most common reasons the chart may not appear:

[1] The run was not logged into the FS-1. 
When you finish your activity, hold the reset button for three seconds while in the SPED mode. This will log the workout into the FS-1 log memory as well as clear and reset the display. You are now ready to offload your workout to the computer.

[2] The date on the FS-1 watch is wrong.
Like any other watch, when you change the batteries the time, day, and date are all reset. The reset date is 1-1-00. After you change the batteries in the watch, it's important to set the correct date (including YEAR) so that so your workouts will be saved under the correct date on your FitSense Train page.  For example, if you offloaded a run and the date on the watch was 8/01/01 instead of the current year, your workout will be saved under the year 2001. If this happens, the easiest way to find this run is to select "Show All" at the bottom left side of your Train Page and look under the year 2001 (for this example). Once you find your run, you can click on the workout and edit the entry to correct the date.  Remember to go back and fix the time on your watch as well.

[3] There was already another chart stored on your watch.  The FS-1 can store totals and splits for up to 28 runs, but can store only one detailed chart at a time.  To be certain that every run will be charted make sure to offload after each run.  If you can't offload and want to get a chart for your next run, you can manually delete a chart from your watch as follows: after resetting your SPED screen to all zeroes, hold RESET a second time until the watch displays CLR CHRT then hold RESET again to clear the chart.

Here's and alternate explanation of the above.
  
Tip #2:  Expand your FS-1

Remember that you can add a Heart Monitor and/or NetLink to your Speedometer system at any time.

Here's an example of the kind of feedback you can expect when you have both a NetLink and a Heart Monitor.

Tip #1:  Foot pod for each pair of shoes
 
Do you have two pairs of running shoes? Instead of switching the foot pod from shoe to shoe, you can get a second foot pod and leave one on each pair. Set both foot pods to the same communication address and enter your calibration values into the new foot pod. No matter which pair of shoes you grab, all you need to do is turn the foot pod on and you are ready to go. A spare Foot Pod is now on sale for $52.46 (regularly $69.95)
  
Tip #2:  Battery Changing Tips

When changing the battery in the watch and foot pod, use a quarter to open the battery doors. Do not use a smaller coin or a screwdriver as it could gouge or damage the plastic door.  Push down firmly on the quarter until the door starts to turn then reduce the downward pressure so that the door can rise out as you continue to turn.  After removing the battery leave it out for several minutes or drop a penny or dime in the battery compartment to short out the battery contacts. This will insure that the unit is fully discharged and ready for the new battery. Then install the new battery and put the battery door back on.

Don't forget to reset the time and date on your FS-1. Here is an easy way to do so using the NetLink: Right click on the NLI icon in your system tray and select "Watch Setup". Follow the prompt and put the watch into COMM mode. Adjust the time and date under "New Settings" if necessary. On the Pro model, you can also adjust the pace zone and alert distance.  Click "Set" and your watch will be updated.  

Tip #3:  Use the Right Battery

The watch, foot pod, and heart rate monitor each use one CR2032 coin cell battery. These batteries are sometimes also labeled: DL2032, BR2032, KL2032, L2032, ECR2032, 5004LC, KCR2032, E-CR2032, KECR2032.

Please be certain that you do NOT use CR2025 or CR2016 cells. Although they may appear to be a similar size they will not make proper contact.

Remember you can always buy a Power Pack, which includes twelve CR2032 batteries, directly from FitSense. With the 25% off email special it's only $1.25 per battery.

Tip #1:  Use the Net Link to monitor your progress
 
Keeping a log of your workouts is a great way to monitor your progress, and the NetLink makes it easy. After your workout, simply offload the data from the watch to the computer using the NetLink. Then go to the FitSense training site to see graphs and charts of that workout as well as previously offloaded workouts. The FitSense training site offers many graphing and calendar features so you can easily see if you are accomplishing your, daily, weekly, or monthly mileage goals. Take a look at some real data. 
  
Tip #2:  Know your Calibration Values

When you calibrate your FS-1, a calibration value is stored in the Foot Pod. It is a good idea to write this number down so that in the event you need to know it in the future you have it handy. To access the calibration values, press the Foot Pod once to turn it on. Then, on the watch, press the "mode" button until CALB appears. Press the "+" button until SET appears and press the "select" button. The watch will display "wait foot" for a few seconds and then your walk and run calibration values will appear. If you need to change these numbers, you can use the "+" and "-" buttons to adjust the calibration value. For more information check out our calibration resources on train.fitsense.com:
Improving Accuracy - General accuracy and calibration tips
Calibration Calculator - Use any known distance to calibrate

Tip #3:  Interval workouts using the Distance Alert feature

This tip comes from FitSense user David Lukowski:

When you mention interval training in your manual and your online site, you mention a work and rest interval of the same distance. What I do is half my work interval and save it as a distance alert. I work for two alerts, and jog during one alert. Example: half mile interval workouts I save 0.25 as a distance alert and run through two of those beeps. After the second beep I jog for 0.25, then I'm 'on the meter' for another two beeps. Some elite runner-types may even cut their work interval into thirds and rest only a third of their workout instead of half. 

Thanks for the tip, David!

Tip #1:  Cleaning your FitSense Products

So after logging all those miles on your FS-1, you finally decide it is time to clean off the sweat residue that has been accumulating. What should you use? 

We recommend a soft cloth dipped in a warm water and mild soap solution to wipe down your FS-1 watch, foot sensor, and heart rate monitor. DO NOT use alcohol or chemical cleaners, as it will remove the paint on the buttons of the watch and could irritate your skin the next time you use your FS-1.  The elastic strap for the heart rate monitor can be hand washed in a soapy solution. Remember to thoroughly wipe off all pieces after cleaning them.

Tip #2:  Pace and Heart Zone Shortcuts

You can enable or disable zones while in the middle of a walk or run.  In SPED mode hold the SET button for 3 seconds.  This only works when the chrono is running.  If the chrono is stopped then holding SET puts you into the SET menu.

You can temporarily stop the zone alarms from sounding by pushing any button when they sound.  The alarm will then be silenced until you re-enter the zone and once again leave it.

Tip #3:  Comm Shortcut

When in TIME mode, press and hold the SPLIT button and you'll jump directly to COMM mode for a quick offload to NetLink.
  

Top Tips of 2002

Tip #1:  Battery Changing Tips
 
Sometimes low power devices can act strangely when their power runs low.  The trick is to fully discharge the device before installing the new battery. 

The best way to discharge the watch or foot pod is to remove the old battery, drop a penny or dime in the battery compartment to short out the battery contacts, remove the coin, and install the new battery. 

Remember to set the correct date and time after you change the battery in your watch.   Pay specific attention to the year or your offloads will be filed under the wrong dates.  

The watch defaults to the year 00 (2000).   If you can't find your offloads on-line, click on Show All and look under the year 2000.  You can then edit those your workouts with the correct date (and make sure to set your watch to 02 (2002)!)

Tip #2:  Accuracy

For highest accuracy it's important to make sure that the foot pod is firmly mounted in the center of your laces.  It shouldn't wobble or bounce when you run.  It can be made tighter by running the cord under one more lace crossing - 3 or 4 lace crossings works great on most running shoes.   

Calibration resources are available at train.fitsense.com: 
Improving Accuracy - General accuracy and calibration 
Calibration Calculator - Use any known distance to calibrate

Tip #3:  Share your data

Click on Share my data at the bottom of your training page to allow your friends, training partner, or coach to review your workouts.

Once you've sent the secret link to your friends, they can watch your progress from day to day.  Great for running clubs and virtual training!  If you have your own web page, you can even include the link to allow all your visitors to see what you're up to!  
 

 November 2002 

Tip #1: Pace vs. Speed Chart

Who would win if speed and pace ran a race?   We don't have the answer, but we have put together a handy dandy chart to help you understand their relationship: http://fitsense.com/pace_speed.asp

Or you can cheat and just press the SELECT button while you run to change between pace and speed displays.
 
Tip #2: Expand your FS-1

Remember that you can add a Heart Strap and/or NetLink to your Speedometer system at any time.  

Add both and gain amazing insight into your total fitness.  See http://www.fitsense.com/tour4-2.asp for an example of the information you get.

Tip #3: Customize

You can customize how some of your training information is displayed on-line. On the Preferences page you can:
- Select the starting day of your training week
- Set the number of previous workouts listed in the left hand margin of your TRAIN pages
- Specify graphing options
- and more!
See: http://train.fitsense.com/running/Preferences.asp

Tip #4: Pace Training   

What makes pace training powerful?  
  Pace is intuitive: 
  Pace is immediate: 
  Pace is pace is pace: 
  Pace is performance: 
  Pace is biomechanics:

Find out more in the article below:
http://fitsense.com/pace_training.asp

 October 2002 

Tip #1: Better than Average Pace

Take the average pace challenge.  Use the average pace field to pace yourself:  Let's say you normally run about an 8:00 pace.  You should be able to keep your average pace reading under 8:00 for your entire run, right?  A fun challenge is to make sure the average pace is always under your goal whenever you glance at your watch.  You're a real winner if your average pace is under your goal when you stop!

Remember that the average pace takes into account all time that the chrono is running.  So you may want to pause your chrono while you wait at that long traffic light.

Tip #2: Training with Heart Rate Zones 

The Heart Rate Zone alert feature of the FS-1 Pro allows you to set upper and lower limits for your heart rate. If you fall outside of those limits, the FS-1 will beep to indicate that you are outside of your predetermined zone. This feature is especially useful when you are trying to maintain a certain heart rate for the course of your workout. Once the alarm sounds, pressing any button on the watch can silence the alarm. The FS-1 will automatically rearm itself once you return to the pre-set zone. The Heart Rate Zone can be set either on the watch or via the NetLink and can easily be turned on and off, even during the workout.  To turn the alerts on or off when the chrono is running hold the SET button for 3 seconds.
 
Tip #3: Changing Batteries 

When changing the battery in any FS-1 device leave the old battery out of the device for at least a minute before installing the new one, this will allow the watch to fully discharge.  An even better way to discharge the device is to drop a penny or dime in the battery compartment for a moment to short out the battery contacts, remove the coin, and then install the new battery.

If the device acts strangely after replacing a battery, take the battery back out and try the penny trick above.  Works every time!
  

Tip #1: Training with Pace Zones 

The Pace Zone alert feature of the FS-1 Pro allows you to set upper and lower limits for your pace. If you fall outside of those limits, the FS-1 will beep to indicate that you are outside of your predetermined zone. This feature is especially useful when you are trying to maintain a certain pace for the course of your workout. Once the alarm sounds, pressing any button on the watch can silence the alarm. The FS-1 will automatically rearm itself once you return to the pre-set zone. The Pace Zone can be set either on the watch or via the NetLink and can easily be turned on and off, even during the workout.  To turn the alerts on or off when the chrono is running hold the SET button for 3 seconds.
 
Tip #2: Attaching the Foot Pod

Check the foot pod is firmly attached to the top of your shoe in the center of the lace area. It shouldn't wobble or bounce when you run.  You may have to run it through 3 or 4 sets of lace crossings to get it tight enough.

Make certain that the rungee cord is firmly and fully pulled down into the slot at the front of the pod.  You can also run a lace THROUGH the loop of the cord for added security.

Tip #3: Changing the Heart Strap Battery

Remove the four screws on the back of the heart strap being careful not to lose them.  Tap the monitor on your cupped hand to dislodge the cover and battery.

Insert the new battery.  Press the battery into the three clips by pushing it toward two of the clips and then pressing down near the third.

Replace the insulator over the battery.  The tabs fit down into the battery hole and the flat edges of the circle align with the flat edges of the opening.

Replace the cover and replace the screws.  Firmly press the cover closed with your thumb rather than using the screws to pull the cover closed.

Make sure that the cover is tightly sealed using all 4 screws, otherwise sweat or moisture may enter the battery compartment and damage the electronics.

Tip #4: Canadian Users

For those Canadian users like myself, I would recommend setting the Interval Alert to 0.62. That way the watch beeps at approximately every kilometer, helpful for those of us who are accustomed to running in kilometers instead of miles. Plus the beep for the Interval Alert (kilometer) is different from the beep for each mile so you can tell which is which without having to look at your watch.

- Thanks to Dale Harrison of Cambridge, ON
 

Tip #1: Interval Training 

Use the Distance Alert feature of the FS-1 Pro for interval training.  You can use intervals from .20 to 2.50 miles. Once you set the distance alert (interval), the FS-1 will beep to alert you that you have reached the specified distance. To run .25 mile intervals, for instance, set the distance alert for .25, hit START, and begin jogging. When you reach .25 mile, the watch will beep, alerting you that it's time to pick up the pace for the next interval of .25. The watch will then beep again, letting you know that you have completed the .25 mile and you can slow back down to a jog. The distance alert can be set either on the watch or via your PC and NetLink.
 
Tip #2: Handling Heart Rate Screws

If you find it a challenge to handle the small screws of the heart monitor battery door, one user shared this technique for getting screws to stick to his screwdriver:  He sticks the tip of the screwdriver into a bar of soap and the soap residue on the tip helps hold the screw to the screwdriver for easier handling.

Also remember to press the cover closed with your thumb when replacing the screws, rather than using the screws to pull it closed.

Tip #3:  Calibration Resources

Calibration resources are available at train.fitsense.com: 
Improving Accuracy - General accuracy and calibration tips
Calibration Calculator - Use any known distance to calibrate

Tip #4: NetLink Interface saves .csv files to your PC

Each time you offload, NLI also saves your data as a .csv file, which you can open and edit in Excel or any other spreadsheet program.  NLI is set by default to save the files to your My Documents folder, but you can set your own preferences on the NLI Setup screen (right click on the NLI icon in the system tray and select NLI setup) or even turn off this feature. 
 

Tip #1:  Pace Yourself
 
Don't underestimate the power of setting a goal and sticking with it.  Several users have reported that they've achieved personal bests by simply deciding on a pace for a race and using the FS-1 to make sure that they stick with it.

For more on pace training visit http://www.fitsense.com/pace_training.asp 

Tip #2:  Train with a partner (even a virtual partner)

If you can't actually run with a friend, you can achieve some of the same benefits by virtually running together with with the help of your FS-1 and NetLink.  Share you data with your training partner to help keep in touch and stay honest.

Tip #3:  train.fitsense.com is for Everyone
 
You can train on-line at train.fitsense.com even if you don't own a NetLink (although there's never been a better time to add one).  You can manually enter data for you walks and runs and keep track of your weekly, monthly, and yearly totals.   Just visit train.fitsense.com and register to get started.

Tip #4:  Waiting for foot pod 

If you see the message "WAIT FOOT" on the watch it means that the watch is waiting to hear a message from the foot pod.   The most common cause for this message is that the foot pod is not turned on.  You can optionally skip past this message by pressing SELECT or MODE on the watch. 

Tip #2:  Watch Time
 
Remember to set the correct date and time after you change the battery in your watch.   Pay specific attention to the year or your offloads will be filed under the wrong dates.  

The watch defaults to 00 (2000).   If you can't find your offloads click on Show All and look under the year 2000.  You can then edit those your workouts with the correct date (and make sure to set your watch to 02 (2002)!)

Tip #3:  Share your data

Click on Share my data at the bottom of your training page to allow your friends, training partner, or coach to review your workouts.

Once you've sent the secret link to your friends, they can watch your progress from day to day.  Great for running clubs!  If you have your own web page, you can even include the link to allow all your visitors to see what you're up to!

Tip #4:  Spare Heart Strap Elastic  
 
We now sell spare heart strap elastic bands.  They're available in two sizes: Regular and Extra Large.

Tip #1:  Battery Life
 
It's important to leave the watch in TIME mode when you're not working out. SPED mode uses much more power than TIME mode. The watch battery should last about 2 months when in SPED mode 1 hour a day and TIME mode the rest of the time. It can last as little as a week if left in SPED mode continuously. Note that the watch has no low battery warning. The first clues are sluggish radio response and a pulsing or dim display in SPED or COMM mode.

Each of the components (Watch, Foot Pod, and Heart Monitor) lasts at least 2 months when used an hour per day.

We now offer a power pack - 12 batteries for $19.95 with FREE shipping

Tip #2:  Battery Changing Tips
 
Sometimes low power devices can act strangely when their power runs low.  The trick is to fully discharge the device before installing the new battery. 

The best way to discharge the watch or foot pod is to remove the old battery, drop a penny or dime in the battery compartment to short out the battery contacts, remove the coin, and install the new battery.   

Tip #3:  Your NetLink works best with no batteries installed.

The NetLink does not require batteries, in fact it works best without them.   The NLI software takes care of powering the NetLink via the PC connection.

December 2001

Tip #1:  New way to navigate your data

It's now easier than ever to navigate your data at train.fitsense.com.  Just click the 'Show All..." link at the bottom of the workout list on the left.  A new window will pop up listing every workout you've ever offloaded.  Click on an entry and your Day view window will display that run.   It's like a remote control for your data. 

If you don't have a NetLink, you can see what we're talking about by taking a look at Peter's shared data.

Tip #2:  Foot Pod

For highest accuracy it's important to make sure that the foot pod is firmly mounted in the center of your laces.  It shouldn't wobble or bounce when you run.  It can be made tighter by running the cord under one more lace crossing - 3 or 4 lace crossings works great on most running shoes.   

More information about calibration and accuracy

Tip #3:  Expand your FS-1

Remember that you can add a Heart Strap and/or NetLink to your Speedometer system at any time.  Just go to our on-line store. 

Add both and gain amazing insight into your total fitness.  See
http://www.fitsense.com/tour4-2.asp for a sample chart.

September 2001

Tip #1:  Pace and Heart Zone Shortcuts

You can enable or disable zones while in the middle of a walk or run.  In SPED mode hold the SET button for 3 seconds.  This only works when the chrono is running.  If the chrono is stopped then holding SET puts you into the SET menu.

You can temporarily stop the zone alarms from sounding by pushing any button when they sound.  The alarm will then be silenced until you re-enter the zone and once again leave it.

Tip #2:  That extra push

Several users have discovered that it's not much harder for them to increase their normal running pace by about 15 seconds.   The instantaneous pace reported by the FS-1 allows them to maintain a pace just faster then they normally would fall into.

Folks are also starting to report new personal records, many attributing results to the feedback of the FS-1. 

Tip #3:  Expand your FS-1

Remember that you can add a Heart Strap and/or NetLink to your Speedometer system at any time.  Just go to our on-line store. 

Add both and gain amazing insight into your total fitness.  See
http://www.fitsense.com/tour4-2.asp for a sample chart.