Polar Electro Equine RC3 GPS User manual

Polar RC3 GPS™
Getting Started Guide

CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.................. 3
2. PREPARING...................... 8
3. TRAINING........................ 11
4. ANALYZING...................... 17
5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ..... 19
Caring for Your Product........... 19
Battery Information............... 21
Precautions....................... 24
Technical Specifications.......... 26
Limited International Polar
Guarantee........................ 28

1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your Polar RC3 GPS training computer! The RC3
GPS offers you an all-in-one system to guide you in your training.
The full user manual and the latest version of this getting started guide can be
downloaded at www.polar.fi/support. For video tutorials, go to
http://www.polar.fi/en/polar_community/videos.
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The Training System
With an integrated GPS unit the Polar RC3 GPS training
computer provides speed and distance data, as well as route
information at the polarpersonaltrainer.com web service, in all
outdoor sports using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
If you purchased a set which does not include a heart rate
sensor, turn it off in the Sport Profile settings. For
instructions, see Preparing.
Connect the Polar RC3 GPS training computer to your computer with
aUSB cable to charge the battery and to transfer data between the
training computer and the polarpersonaltrainer.com web service.
Polarpersonaltrainer.com is your online training diary and
interactive training community that keeps you motivated. For a
deeper analysis of your training, transfer the training data to the
polarpersonaltrainer.com web service using the USB cable and
WebSync software.
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Available Polar Accessories
With the help of Polar accessories, you can enhance your training experience and
achieve a more complete understanding of your performance.
Comfortable heart rate sensor Polar H3 detects your heart rate
accurately from the heart's electrical signals and sends the data to
the training computer in real time.
The heart rate sensor consists of a connector and a strap.
s3+ stride sensor transmits running speed/pace and distance data to the training
computer. It also measures running cadence and stride length.
CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. wirelessly measures distance and your real-time, average and
maximum cycling speed/pace.
CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D. wirelessly measures your real-time, average and maximum
cycling cadence as revolutions per minute.
Data from all compatible sensors is sent wirelessly to the training computer over the 2.4 GHz
W.I.N.D. technology, proprietary to Polar. This eliminates interference during training.
ENGLISH 5

Menu Structure and Button Functions
In time view press UP to enter MENU. Browse the menu structure with UP/DOWN and
enter with START.
• Select Data to view all the saved training
information.
• Select Settings to modify sport profiles,
heart rate settings, user information,
general settings, and watch settings.
• Select Fitness test to start the test
or view the results. Polar Fitness Test
measures your aerobic fitness at rest
in five minutes. The result, Polar
OwnIndex, evaluates your maximal
oxygen uptake (VO2max). Perform the
test in every 6 weeks and see how you
progress.
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LIGHT
• Illuminate the display
•Press and hold to enter QUICK MENU:
In time view lock buttons, set alarm
or select time zone. During training
lock buttons, search sensor, adjust
training sounds, set automatic lap
on/off, show GPS info or show zone
limits.
BACK
• Exit the menu
• Return to previous level
• Leave settings unchanged
• Cancel selections
•Press and hold to return time mode
from any other mode.
UP
• Move through selection lists
• Adjust a selected value
•Press and hold to change the watch face.
START/OK
• Confirm selections
• Start training session
• Take a lap
•Press and hold to set zone lock on/off in
training mode.
DOWN
• Move through selection lists
• Adjust a selected value
•Press and hold to switch between Time 1/
Time 2.
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2. PREPARING
Charge the Battery
The RC3 GPS has an internal, rechargable battery.
Charge the RC3 GPS via a USB connection on your
computer by using the USB cable that comes with the
product set. If you want to plug the USB connector to
a wall outlet, use a USB power adapter (not included
in the product set).
1. Plug the micro USB connector into the USB port in
the RC3 GPS.
2. Plug the USB connector into a computer USB port.
It is recommended not to use USB hubs because a
USB hub may not supply enough power for the RC3
GPS.
3. The charging animation appears on the display.
Fully charging the battery takes up to 1,5 hours.
4. When the RC3 GPS is fully charged, Charging
complete is displayed. Disconnect the cable.
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The RC3 GPS goes to basic settings after
the first charge. To enter the basic
settings during the charge, press any
button.
Use a USB 1.1/2.0 compliant cable
included in the set package. The
charging time may be prolonged if you
charge from a USB hub.
Enter Basic Settings
Enter as accurate data as possible to
ensure correct feedback based on your
performance.
1. First, select your language. Confirm
your selection with START.
2. Please enter basic settings is
displayed. Press START and start
entering your personal data by using
the UP/DOWN buttons and confirm
your selections with START.
3. After completing the basic settings,
adjust your activity level and
maximum heart rate at Settings >
User information, if necessary.
It is important that you are precise with
the Basic Settings, especially when
setting your weight, height, date of birth
and sex, as they have an impact on the
accuracy of the measuring values, such
as the heart rate limits and calorie
expenditure.
For detailed information on the settings
of RC3 GPS, consult the full user manual
at www.polar.fi/support.
ENGLISH 9

Adjust the Sport Profile Settings
The Sport Profile feature helps you start
your training session with ease. The RC3
GPS provides five sport profiles; one for
running, two for cycling and two for other
sports.
Adjust the settings for the sport profiles
to suit your training needs in MENU >
Settings >Sport Profiles. You can, for
example, activate the sensors you want to
use in the sport. Then when you start a
training session using the sport profile,
the RC3 GPS detects the needed sensors
automatically.
The heart rate sensor is on by default in
every sport. Due to this, the RC3 GPS will
automatically start searching for the
heart rate sensor signal once you press
START in time view. If you purchased a
set which does not include a heart rate
sensor, turn it off in MENU >Settings
>Sport Profiles >Running >
Heart rate sensor >Off.
When you activate an optional sensor
(s3+ stride sensor, CS speed sensor
W.I.N.D. or CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D.)
for the first time, it needs to be paired
with the RC3 GPS. For more information
on the sport profile settings and pairing a
sensor with the RC3 GPS, see the full
user manual at www.polar.fi/support.
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3. TRAINING
Wear the Heart Rate Sensor
Wear the heart rate sensor to measure heart rate.
1. Moisten the electrode area of the strap.
2. Attach the connector to the strap.
3. Tie the strap around your chest, just below the chest
muscles, and attach the hook to the other end of the
strap.
4. Adjust the strap length to fit tightly but comfortably.
Check that the moist electrode areas are firmly against
your skin and that the Polar logo of the connector is in
a central and upright position.
Detach the connector from the strap and rinse the strap
under running water after every use. Sweat and moisture
may keep the electrodes wet and the heart rate sensor
activated. This will reduce the heart rate sensor battery life.
For more detailed washing instructions, see Important
Information.
ENGLISH 11

Start a Training Session
Start a training session by pressing START.
If you purchased a set which does not include a heart rate sensor, and you have set the heart
rate sensor off in the Sport Profile settings, skip points 1 and 2 and go straight to point 3.
1. Wearing the RC3 GPS and the heart rate sensor, start by
pressing START.Searching for new heart rate sensor is
displayed. The RC3 GPS searches for a heart rate sensor signal.
2. Heart rate sensor found is displayed, once the RC3 GPS
finds the signal. This action is called pairing and is performed
only once to the heart rate sensor. Pairing ensures that your RC3
GPS receives signal from your heart rate sensor only, and
enables interference-free training when there are other training
computer's around.
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3. The RC3 GPS enters the pre-training mode. Select the sport
profile you want to use by browsing with UP/DOWN.
If you have activated the GPS function and/or an optional sensor
in this sport profile, the RC3 GPS will automatically start
searching for the signal.
To catch satellite signals, go outdoors and away from tall
buildings and trees. In good conditions, acquiring satellite
signals for the first time typically takes 30-60 seconds. RC3
GPS will find the signals faster if you keep it immobile during
the search.
4. The check mark indicates that the signal is found. In this image
the RC3 GPS has found the heart rate sensor signal and the GPS
signal. If the RC3 GPS does not find the signal, the display
shows a triangle with an exclamation mark.
Once the RC3 GPS has found all the signals, press START.
Recording started is displayed, and you can start recording
your training session.
ENGLISH 13

Training Functions
Training in Polar sport zones is an easy way to follow your intensity during
training. The Zonepointer feature shows the sport zone you are currently
training in with a heart symbol that moves on the scale according to your heart
rate.
You can lock your target sport zone for a training session. When your heart rate
goes below or above the target sport zone, the RC3 GPS gives a visual and
audible alarm.
By using the heartrate-variability based ZoneOptimizer feature at
the beginning of every training session you can make sure you train at
the right intensity. The ZoneOptimizer adjusts the sport zones
depending on your physiological state at that exact moment.
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The Back to starting point feature guides the way back to your starting
point. When you start a training session, the training computer saves your
location as your starting point. When it is time to return to your starting point,
do the following:
• Browse to the BACK TO START-view.
• Keep the RC3 GPS in a horizontal position in front of you
("POLAR" logo facing forward).
• Keep moving in order for the RC3 GPS to determine which
direction you are going. An arrow will point in the direction of your
starting point.
• To get back to the starting point, always turn in the direction of
the arrow.
• The RC3 GPS also shows direction coordinates and the direct
distance (beeline) between you and the starting point.
Always keep a map handy in case the RC3 GPS loses the satellite signal or the battery runs out.
See the full user manual at www.polar.fi/support for detailed instructions on using Polar
sport zones,ZoneOptimizer and Back to starting point feature.
ENGLISH 15

Button functions
• Change the training view on display by
browsing with UP/DOWN.
• Access the QUICK MENU by pressing
and holding LIGHT for two seconds.
• Record a lap by pressing START.
• Lock a zone by pressing and holding
START.
• Pause your training session by pressing
BACK.
• Stop training recording completely by
pressing BACK twice.
For further information on functions
during training, consult the full user
manual at www.polar.fi/support.
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4. ANALYZING
The Training Benefit feature helps you
better understand the effectiveness of
your training. This feature requires the
use of the heart rate sensor. After each
training session you get textual feedback
and a summary of your performance
providing that you have trained at least a
total of 10 minutes in the sport zones.
You can see details on your training
sessions by selecting MENU >Data >
Training files.
For a deeper analysis of your training,
transfer the training data to the
polarpersonaltrainer.com web service
using the USB cable and WebSync
software.
You can download the WebSync software
from www.polarpersonaltrainer.com after
you have registered to the web service.
Using the polarpersonaltrainer.com web
service is free of charge.
ENGLISH 17

With the polarpersonaltrainer.com web
service you can
• see your training route
• share your training result as your status
update in a social network
• challenge your friends to virtual sports
competitions
• get more detailed information on your
training feedback
• store your training files and follow up
your progress, and
• follow your training load and recovery in
the training diary.
For more information on the functions in
the polarpersonaltrainer.com web service,
consult the online help for
polarpersonaltrainer.com.
With WebSync software you can
• synchronize and transfer data between
your RC3 GPS and
polarpersonaltrainer.com,
• adjust your RC3 GPS settings, and
• customize your RC3 GPS display for
example with your own logo.
For more information on data transfer and
other functions in the WebSync software,
consult the full user manual at
www.polar.fi/support or the online help
for WebSync.
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5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Caring for Your Product
Training computer
Keep your training computer clean. Use a damp
paper towel to wipe dirt from the training
computer. To maintain the water resistance, do
not wash the training computer with a pressure
washer. Do not immerse the training computer
in water. Never use alcohol or any abrasive
material such as steel wool or cleaning
chemicals.
Not suitable for bathing or swimming. Protected
against wash splashes and raindrops. Do not
immerse the training computer in water. Using the
training computer in excessive rainfall may cause
interference on GPS reception.
Heart rate sensor
Connector: Detach the connector from the strap
after every use and dry the connector with a soft
towel. Clean the connector with a mild soap and
water solution when needed. Never use alcohol
or any abrasive material (eg. steel wool or
cleaning chemicals).
Strap: Rinse the strap under running water after
every use and hang to dry. Clean the strap
gently with a mild soap and water solution when
needed. Do not use moisturizing soaps, because
they can leave residue on the strap. Do not
soak, iron, dry clean or bleach the strap. Do not
stretch the strap or bend the electrode areas
sharply.
Check the label on your strap to see if it is machine
washable. Never put the strap or the connector in a
dryer!
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CS speed sensor, CS cadence sensor and
s3+ stride sensor
Clean the sensors with a mild soap and water
solution and rinse them with clean water. To
maintain the water resistance, do not wash the
sensors with a pressure washer. Do not immerse
the CS speed sensor, CS cadence sensor or s3+
stride sensor in water. Never use alcohol or any
abrasive material such as steel wool or cleaning
chemicals.
Avoid hard hits to the sensors, as these may
damage the sensor units.
Storing
Keep your training computer and sensors in a
cool and dry place. Do not keep them in a damp
environment, in non-breathable material (a
plastic bag or a sports bag) nor with conductive
material (a wet towel). Do not expose the
training computer to direct sunlight for
extended periods, such as by leaving it in a car
or mounted on the bike mount.
It is recommended to store the training
computer partially or fully charged. The battery
slowly loses its charge when it is stored. If you
are going to store the training computer for
several months, it is recommended to recharge
it after a few months. This will prolong the
battery lifetime.
Dry and store the strap and the connector
separately to maximize the heart rate sensor
battery lifetime. Keep the heart rate sensor in a
cool and dry place. To prevent snap oxidation,
do not store the heart rate sensor wet in
non-breathing material, such as a sports bag.
Do not expose the heart rate sensor to direct
sunlight for extended periods.
Service
During the two-year guarantee/warranty period
we recommend that you have service, other than
battery replacement for the heart rate sensor,
done by an authorized Polar Service Center
only. The warranty does not cover damage or
consequential damage caused by service not
authorized by Polar Electro.
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