Polar IrDA USB Adapter Interface

by Polar

Product Features

• Transfers data from your Polar heart rate monitor to your PC for analysis
• Communicates with PCs via either IR (infrared) or USB 2.0 port
• Works with the Polar S625X, S720i, S725 and other Polar IR downloadable units
• Store and analyze critical performance data and maintain a detailed training log
• Adapter color may vary

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Transfer your training data quickly and easily with the Polar IR USB 2.0 adapter. You'll be able to download data from your HRM wirelessly to your PC via infrared signal so you can take an in-depth look at your stats. Store and analyze critical performance data and maintain a detailed training log. The IR interface works with the Polar F55, AXN500, AXN700, RS400, RS800, S610i, S710i,S720i S810i, S625X, S725, and S725X.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

Product Description

Transfer your critical data in seconds! The new Polar IR Interface quickly transfers the data from your HRM to your PC so you can take an in depth look. The IR Interface also allows you to upload your training zones and timers from your PC for easy programming. Store and analyze critical performance data and maintain a detailed training log. IR interface works with the Polar F55, AXN500, AXN700, RS400, RS800, S610i, S710i,S720i S810i, S625X, S725, and S725X. Compatible with USB Ports. Adapter color may vary.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000N4LBLA
• Item model number: 91029347
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,885 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy it, seriously, December 1, 2006

By 

L. Holmes - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I'm pretty good at getting devices up and running, but this thing is a complete mess. They don't have the software figured out, and the instructions for trying to fix it when it's not working are preposterously complicated. Note that it comes with no directions of any kind. In fact, it arrives with an unlabeled mini-disc with no indication of what it's for, what it is, how to use it, whether everyone needs it, or anything else. Nothing but the blank disc. Note that this device failing to work is a "Frequently Asked Question" on the Polar web site, and they have a list of about thirty things you're supposed to "check," most of which they don't explain as far as what it is you're checking FOR. (In other words, they say "Check the [whatever] setting," but they don't tell you anything about what that setting should be or what might be wrong with it.) Most of the instructions are outdated, don't apply to current version of Windows, or don't reflect current versions of their own software.

Mine will be going back -- the first thing from Amazon I have ever had to return.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This is an absolute piece of junk, February 25, 2008

By 

DigitalMan "DMAN" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

I have bought two of these and both have failed after their first use. I just figured I had gotten unlucky with the first one, perhaps thought I had done something to it but when I got the replacement it worked one time and now will not work at all. Aside from the fact that it is ridiculously overpriced for what it is, I must warn you to avoid this product. The only reason I gave this one star is because the system required I rate the product. It deserves zero stars.

Update: I purchased the StarTech device (half the price) that shows up under the alternatives and it works really well. I must also add that Polar's heart rate monitors are first rate. It is a shame they put their name on this device and then charge customers 2X what it should cost.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally Mac and Linux Support from Polar (sort of), November 17, 2006

By 

C. R. Souser (Anchorage, AK United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I picked this up looking for a non-serial or bulky IR device for my desktop PC but was VERY happy to find that it came with "SigmaTel IR-721 USB IrDA Bridge Driver" drivers for both Linux and the Mac on the CD; in addition of course to the standard Windows drivers.

The only drawback with the Mac Drivers is that it is a Mini-CD which is not-compatible with the insert drives on Mac, but I was able to get it installed successfully without issue on my MacBook Pro (Intel Based) and on my Windows PC.

Now if Polar could start releasing a Mac Version of their Polar Precision software and the other third-party vendors of HRM Software (like iSmarttrain) can get the update out for this new hardware it will make many Mac owners happy.

Polar Precision 4.03.43 (Mar 06) has worked with this device on my Windows XP SP2 on a Native Intel/AMD Windows PC.

It also works fine on my Mac Book Pro under Nova Development's Parralels Desktop (still windows but on a Mac) running Polar Precision 4.03.43. I have not gotten Polar Precision to run under Dreamweaver's Crossover yet though; but hopefully that is only a matter of time.

As an added bonus, being this device includes Macintosh Drivers it could be used in theory to support other IR applications that have been limited by the lack of two-way IR support on Macs, as of OSX Tiger (10.4.x) on the MacBook Pro the built in IR support is only receive mode.