Polar IrDA USB Adapter Interface Review

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 Most of the instructions are outdated, don't apply to current version of Windows, or don't reflect current versions of their own software.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.

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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.

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Polar Flowlink Review

First off, this product works amazingly well. Works 98% of the time on the first try with no interference, amazingly easy to upload and track information via [...]. Please note several things that may require this item to not work on your computer that many people overlook:

1) The installation software MUST be downloaded via Internet Explorer.
When I tried to download the software via Google Chrome or FireFox, the Daemon would not install at all, which rendered the product useless, as this daemon file is what allows the upload to the polar website. If you don't download the software via internet explorer, odds are it won't work. Tried this on 4 computers, none of which would install it correctly using ANY browser other than Internet Explorer.

2) The FlowLink itself can NOT sit on a metal surface and successfully sync your Heart-rate Monitor.
It says in the instructions, in smaller print, that the syncing process is based on a magnetic field to transfer data between your watch and the flowlink pad. If the pad itself is on a metal surface, such as a metal desk, the sync between the watch and your computer has a *very* high chance of failure. I experimented with this and found that it only successfully synced about 30% of the time on a metal surface compared with 98% success on my wooden desk. Please take note of this.

3) Despite what the website and other reviewers say, the software and the product are both very compatible with OS's.
This product is NOT compatible with a Mac, unfortunately, but it is widely compatible with Windows. I have installed on 4 different machines, 2 running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit, one running Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit and one running Windows XP 64-bit. Works flawlessly on all of the installed machines, so those that complain about a lack of Windows 7 or 64-bit support are probably either trying to download with a browser other than Internet Explorer or have their FlowLink sitting on a metal desk.

**NOTE**
Be sure to right click the installer file and select "Run as Administrator" when you install. This file does install a Daemon file, which is writing directly to the Windows Services part of the OS. This requires administrator privileges, and just to be safe, make sure that you don't skip this step!!

I hope you all find this review helpful, as these are some tidbits of information that I believe will solve most of the problems that people are experiencing. Good luck and happy training!

Cheers,
Landon

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Product Description:
Polar FlowLink is an accessory used to transfer data between a Polar product and polarpersonaltrainer.com. It's easy to transfer data between the training computer and polarpersonaltrainer.com. Simply connect it to a PC with its USB connection.

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