Polar Electro RCX5 User manual

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CONTENTS
1. GET TO KNOW YOUR RCX5
TRAINING COMPUTER........... 3
RCX5 Training Computer
Parts ............................. 4
2. SET UP YOUR TRAINING
COMPUTER ...................... 6
Buttons and Menu Structure...... 6
Enter Basic Settings.............. 7
3. PREPARE FOR TRAINING........ 8
Plan Your Training................ 8
Using an Accessory with Your
RCX5 ............................ 9
4. TRAINING........................ 11
Wear the WearLink®+ Hybrid
Transmitter....................... 11
Start Training..................... 12
5. AFTER TRAINING ................ 14
6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ..... 15
Caring For Your Product .......... 15
Service........................... 16
Batteries ......................... 17
Power Save Mode................. 19
Battery Lifetime .................. 19
Precautions....................... 21
Technical Specifications.......... 23
Limited International Polar
Guarantee........................ 25

1. GET TO KNOW YOUR RCX5 TRAINING COMPUTER
This guide will help you get started with your new training computer. 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/support/
video_tutorials.
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Get To Know Your RCX5 Training Computer 3

RCX5 Training Computer Parts
RCX5 training computer provides you with all the data you need to
enhance your training performance and saves the data for later analysis. The
large display guarantees clear visibility of training information in all
conditions.
Comfortable WearLink®+ Hybrid transmitter detects your heart rate
accurately from ECG, and sends your heart rate signal to the training
computer in real time, even in water. The transmitter consists of a strap and a
connector.
Transfer your training data with DataLink data transfer unit between the
training computer and polarpersonaltrainer.com web service via WebSync
software. Just plug your DataLink into the USB port of your computer, and it
detects your training computer with wireless W.I.N.D. technology.
4Get To Know Your RCX5 Training Computer

Optional Accessories
•s3+ stride sensor transmits the running speed/pace and distance data to your training
computer and also measures running cadence and stride length.
•G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D./G5 GPS sensor provides speed, distance and location data, as
well as track information, in all outdoor sports using Global Positioning System (GPS)
technology.
•CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. wirelessly measures distance and your real-time, average and
maximum cycling speeds.
•CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D. wirelessly measures your real-time and average cycling
cadence, also known as pedaling rate, as revolutions per minute.
Data from all compatible sensors is sent wirelessly to the training computer over the
2.4GHz W.I.N.D., proprietary to Polar. This eliminates interference during training.
The polarpersonaltrainer.com web service is tailored to support your training goals and
there you can:
• download the Polar Endurance training programs to you training computer and optimize
the way you train.
• store your training files for a long-term follow-up.
• follow up on your progress in detail.
• analyze training intensity and needed recovery time using the training load feature.
• challenge your friends to virtual sports competitions and interact with other sports
enthusiasts.
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Get To Know Your RCX5 Training Computer 5

2. SET UP YOUR TRAINING COMPUTER
Buttons and Menu Structure
LIGHT
• Illuminate the display
• With long press, enter QUICK MENU:
in Time view lock buttons, set alarm or
select time zone. During training lock
buttons, search sensor, adjust training
sounds, set lap view or set countdown
timer.
BACK
• Exit the menu
• Return to previous level
• Leave settings unchanged
• Cancel selections
• With long press, return to time mode
from any mode
UP
• Move through selection lists
• Adjust a selected value
• With long press, change the watch face
or zoom the upmost row information in
Training mode
DOWN
• Move through selection lists
• Adjust a selected value
•With long press, switch between Time 1/Time
2 or zoom lowest row information in Training
mode
6Set Up Your Training Computer

OK
• Confirm selections
• Start training session
• Take a lap
• With long press, lock your heart rate to
the current sport zone in Training mode
when training without preset target
zones
Enter Basic Settings
Before using your training computer for
the first time, customize the basic
settings. Enter as accurate data as
possible to ensure correct feedback based
on your performance.
Activate your training computer, by
pressing OK.Select language is
displayed. You can select from Deutsch,
English,Español,Français,Italiano,
Português,Suomi or Svenska and
accept with OK.Please enter basic
settings is displayed. Press OK and
adjust the following data:
1. Time: Select 12h or 24h. With 12h,
select AM or PM. Enter the local time.
2. Date: Enter current date.
3. Units: Select metric (kg/cm) or
imperial (lb/ft) units.
4. Weight: Enter your weight.
5. Height: Enter your height. In LB/FT
format, first enter feet then inches.
6. Date of birth: Enter your date of
birth.
7. Sex: Select Male or Female.
8. Settings OK? is displayed. To change
your settings, press BACK until you
return to the desired setting. To
accept the settings, press OK and the
training computer goes to the time
mode.
For detailed information on the settings
of your training computer, consult the full
user manual at www.polar.fi/support.
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Set Up Your Training Computer 7

3. PREPARE FOR TRAINING
Plan Your Training
The Polar RCX5 training computer offers you different ways to plan your training
sessions.
1. There are four different default sport profiles in the training computer: Running,
Cycling (Bike 1),Swimming, and Other sport. Select the sport and make the
necessary profile settings for each of the sports to suit your training needs. In time
mode press up to enter Menu >Settings >Sport Profiles. For more information on
sport profile settings see the full user manual at www.polar.fi/support.
2. Download the Polar endurance programs from polarpersonaltrainer.com onto your
training computer by using DataLink data transfer unit and WebSync software. For
more information on endurance programs, see polarpersonaltrainer.com Help.
3. Plan and create your own training sessions at polarpersonaltrainer.com and download
the training targets onto your training computer.
4. Utilize the ZoneOptimizer feature during training program to make sure that you train
at the right intensity every time. The ZoneOptimizer feature adjusts the target heart
rate limits according to your daily condition and this way you will not train too hard or
too light.
8Prepare For Training

5. Race Pace feature helps you to keep steady pace and achieve your target time for a set
distance.
6. With Training Load feature you can follow up on your training load and recovery in the
training diary at polarpersonaltrainer.com and avoid over- or undertraining. For more
information see polarpersonaltrainer.com Help.
Using an Accessory with Your RCX5
The RCX5 is compatible with the following optional Polar sensors:
• the s3+ stride sensor / s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D.,
• the G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. / G5 GPS sensor, and
• the CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. and the Polar CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D.
When you take a new sensor into use, it has to be activated and introduced to the
training computer. This is called pairing and takes only few seconds.
For example, pair the GPS sensor with the training computer: Select Menu > Settings
> Running > GPS sensor > Search new and press OK. Once the new GPS sensor is
identified, GPS sensor is found is displayed. Pairing is complete.
Pairing ensures that your training computer receives signals from your transmitter and
sensor only, and enables interference-free training in a group. For more information on
taking a new sensor into use, see the full user manual at www.polar.fi/support.
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Prepare For Training 9

Before entering an event, make sure to perform the pairing process at home. This is to prevent
interference due to the long-range data transmission.
10 Prepare For Training

4. TRAINING
Wear the WearLink®+ Hybrid Transmitter
Wear the transmitter to measure heart rate.
1. Wet the electrode areas of the strap under
running water.
2. Attach the connector to the strap. Adjust the
strap length to fit tightly but comfortably.
3. Tie the strap around your chest, just below the
chest muscles, and attach the hook to the
other end of the strap.
4. Check that the wet 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 after every use, to
maximize the transmitter battery lifetime. Sweat and moisture
may keep the electrodes wet and the transmitter activated.
This will reduce the transmitter battery life.
See detailed washing instructions in Important
Information chapter.
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Training 11

Start Training
Wear the transmitter and set up an optional sensor* as instructed in the sensor's user
manual. If you want to use ZoneOptimizer feature, to determine your body's training
status for the day, see the full user manual at www.polar.fi/support.
1. Start by pressing OK. Training computer enters pre-training
mode and starts searching for the sensor signals.
If a sensor signal is not found, the display will show a triangular
shape with exclamation mark.
Select the sport for the training session by browsing with
UP/DOWN buttons.
2. Once all the sensor signals are found and you have selected the
sport, press OK.Recording started is displayed, and you can
commence your training session.
3. During training session you can change the training view by
browsing with UP/DOWN. With long LIGHT button press you get
access to a QUICK MENU. For further information on functions
during training, consult the full user manual at
www.polar.fi/support.
12 Training

* Optional sensors include s3+ stride sensor, G3 GPS sensor W.I.N.D. /G5 GPS sensor,
Cycling speed sensor W.I.N.D. or Cycling cadence sensor W.I.N.D.
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Training 13

5. AFTER TRAINING
To pause your training session, press
BACK. To stop recording completely,
press BACK again.
Detach the transmitter connector from
the strap and rinse the strap under
running water after every use. Wash the
strap regularly in a washing machine at
40ºC/104ºF at least after every fifth use.
For complete care and maintenance
instructions, see Important Information.
To view basic data on your performance,
go to MENU > DATA > Training files on
your training computer. For deeper
analysis, transfer the data to
polarpersonaltrainer.com with DataLink.
For more information on data transfer,
consult the full user manual at
www.polar.fi/support or
polarpersonaltrainer.com Help.
The software offers you different options
to analyze data with.
• The Training files lists a maximum of
99 exercise files.
• The Week summaries display training
summaries for the past 15 weeks plus
current week.
•Totals since xx.xx.xxxx include
cumulative values recorded during
training sessions commencing from the
last reset date.
• In Delete filesyou can delete just one
or all training files.
14 After Training

6. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Caring For Your Product
Like any electronic device, the training
computer should be treated with care. The
suggestions below will help you fulfill guarantee
obligations and enjoy this product for many
years to come.
Detach the transmitter connector from the
strap after every use. Rinse the strap under
running water. Dry the connector with a soft
towel. Never use alcohol or any abrasive
material (steel wool or cleaning chemicals).
Wash the strap regularly in a washing
machine at 40ºC/104ºF or at least after every
fifth use. This ensures reliable measurement
and maximizes the life span of the transmitter.
Use a washing pouch. Do not soak, spin-dry,
iron, dry clean or bleach the strap. Do not use
detergent with bleach or fabric softener. Never
put the transmitter connector in the washing
machine or drier!
Dry and store the strap and the transmitter
connector separately to maximize the
transmitter battery lifetime. Wash the strap in
a washing machine before long-term storage and
always after use in pool water with high chlorine
content.
Keep your training computer, transmitter 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). The training
computer and transmitter are water resistant,
and can be used in water activities. Other
compatible sensors are water resistant, and can
be used in rainy weather. 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.
Keep your training computer and sensors clean.
To maintain the water resistance, do not wash
the training computer or the sensors with a
pressure washer. Clean them with a mild soap
and water solution and rinse them with clean
water. Do not immerse them in water. Dry them
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Important Information 15

carefully with a soft towel. Never use alcohol or
any abrasive material such as steel wool or
cleaning chemicals.
Avoid hard hits to the training computer and the
sensors, as these may damage the sensor units.
Operating temperatures are -10 °C to +50 °C /
+14 °F to +122 °F.
Service
During the two-year guarantee/warranty period
we recommend that you have service 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.
For contact information and all Polar Service
Center addresses, visit www.polar.fi/support and
country specific websites.
Register your Polar product at
http://register.polar.fi/ to ensure we can keep
improving our products and services to better
meet your needs.
The username for your Polar Account is always your
email address. The same username and password
are valid for Polar product registration,
polarpersonaltrainer.com, Polar discussion forum
and newsletter registration.
16 Important Information

Batteries
The RCX5 training computer and the
WearLink®+ Hybrid transmitter both have a user
changeable battery. To change the battery
yourself, please follow the instructions carefully
as instructed in chapter Change Batteries
Yourself.
Prior to changing the batteries, please note the
following:
• The low battery indicator is displayed when
only 10-15% of the battery capacity is left.
• Excessive use of the backlight drains the
battery more rapidly.
• The backlight and sound are automatically
turned off when the low battery indicator is
displayed. Any alarms set prior to the
appearance of the low battery indicator will
remain active.
• In cold conditions, the low battery indicator
may appear, but will disappear when the
temperature rises.
If you train in cold conditions (-20 °C to -10 °C / -4
°F to 14 °F ) we recommend that you wear the
training computer under the sleeve of your jacket,
directly on your skin.
Change Batteries Yourself
When changing the battery, make sure the
sealing ring is not damaged, in which case you
should replace it with a new one. You can
purchase the sealing ring/battery kits at
well-equipped Polar retailers and authorized
Polar Services. In the USA and Canada, the
additional sealing rings are available at
authorized Polar Service Centers. In USA the
sealing ring/battery kits are also available at
www.shoppolar.com.
Keep the batteries away from children. If
swallowed, contact a doctor immediately.
Batteries should be properly disposed of
according to local regulations.
When handling a new, fully charged battery,
avoid clasp-like contact, i.e. simultaneous from
both sides, with metal or electrically conducting
tools, like tweezers. This may short-circuit the
battery causing it to discharge more rapidly.
Typically, short circuiting does not damage the
battery, but it may decrease the capacity and
lifetime of the battery.
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Important Information 17

1. Open the battery cover with a coin by turning it
from CLOSE to OPEN.
2. • When changing wrist unit battery (2a),
remove the battery cover and lift the
battery out carefully with a suitable sized
small rigid stick or bar, such as a
toothpick. A non-metal tool is preferable.
Be careful not to damage the metal sound
element (*) or the grooves. Insert a new
battery with the positive (+) side outwards.
•When changing transmitter battery (2b),
place the battery inside the cover with the
positive (+) side facing the cover.
3. Replace the old sealing ring with a new one (if
available), fitting it snugly in the cover groove
to ensure water resistance.
4. Put the cover back on and turn clockwise to
CLOSE.
5. Re-enter the basic settings if you changed the
wrist unit batteries.
Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with
wrong type.
18 Important Information

Power Save Mode
To maximize the battery lifetime of the RCX5
training computer we recommend you to use the
power save mode. It can be activated in
WebSync software and has the following effects
on your training computer usage:
1. Power save mode during the day
During the hours of 06:00 and 24:00 /
6:00am to 12:00pm, the power save mode
will be activated, if you have not pressed any
of the buttons for five minutes. The time
shown on the display will change smaller and
the AutoSync function is disabled. To exit
the power save mode, press any button.
2. Power save mode during the night
During the night, in between the hours
24:00 - 06:00 / 12:00am - 06:00am, the
training computer display will be switched
off automatically. During this time the
AutoSync function is not enabled. To exit the
power save mode, press any button. After
five minutes, the display returns to power
save mode. The time period during which the
power save mode is enabled, can be
modified in the WebSync software, to better
suit your training schedule.
The power save mode will not be enabled during
training session recording. For more information,
see WebSync Help.
Battery Lifetime
The battery lifetime for the RCX5 training
computer is on average 11 months and depends
on which features and sensors you use. The
below suggestions will help you to lengthen the
battery lifetime.
Average lifetime 11 months
To get the 11 months lifetime for the battery,
take the following settings into use in your
training computer:
•Large clock with date or logo on the display.
•Heart rate transmitter and GPS sensor in use
during training.
•AutoSync function off.
•Display off during 24:00 - 06:00 / 12:00am -
06:00am.
It is possible to extend the battery lifetime by
taking the following settings into use in your
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Important Information 19

training computer:
•Do not use the GPS sensor when you don't
need speed, distance or location data.
•Set the power save mode on in WebSync
software.
•Set the AutoSync off in WebSync software.
•Set the watch display off during 24:00 -
06:00 / 12:00am - 06:00am in WebSync
software.
Average lifetime 8 months
By using the following settings in your training
computer, the average liftetime of the battery
will be less than 11 months.
•Large clock with date or logo on the display.
•Heart rate transmitter, GPS sensor/s3+ stride
sensor or cycling speed and cadence sensors
in use during training.
•AutoSync on at all times.
•Display off during 24:00 - 06:00 / 12:00am -
06:00am.
For more information see the WebSync Help.
20 Important Information