Polar Electro RS400 User manual

Polar RS400™
Getting Started Guide

Contents
1. RUNNING COMPUTER PARTS ............... 3
2. GETTING STARTED .......................... 4
Basic Settings............................... 4
Menu Structure ............................. 6
3. PREPARE FOR TRAINING .................... 7
Wear the Transmitter ....................... 7
Position the Polar S1 Foot Pod ............. 8
Install Foot Pod Battery ................. 8
Attach Foot Pod on Shoe ............... 9
Position the Polar s3 Stride Sensor
W.I.N.D. ..................................... 10
Install Stride Sensor Battery............ 10
Attach Stride Sensor on Shoelaces .... 11
Attach Stride Sensor in Sole Cavity.... 12
4. RECORD TRAINING .......................... 13
5. AFTER TRAINING ............................ 14
6. CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION ........ 15
Care and Maintenance...................... 15
Caring of Your Product .................. 15
Service.................................... 16
Changing Batteries....................... 16
Precautions ................................. 17
Interference During Exercise ........... 17
Minimizing Risks When Exercising..... 19
Technical Specifications ................... 21
Limited International Polar Guarantee ..... 24
Polar Disclaimer ............................ 26
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1. RUNNING COMPUTER PARTS
Congratulations! You have purchased a complete
training system to tailor-fit your training needs.
For complete instructions on your running
computer, see the User Manual.
1. Polar RS400/RS800 Running Computer: The
running computer displays and records your
heart rate and other exercise data during
exercise.
2. Polar WearLink® 31 transmitter (Polar RS400)
or Polar WearLink® W.I.N.D. transmitter (Polar
RS800): The transmitter sends the heart rate
signal to the running computer. The transmitter
consists of a connector and a strap.
3. Polar S1 foot podTM (Polar RS400): The sensor
transmits the running speed/pace and distance
measurements to your running computer.
4. Polar s3 stride sensorTM W.I.N.D. (Polar
RS800): The sensor transmits the running
speed/pace and distance measurements to your
running computer. The sensor also measures
your running cadence and stride length.
5. CD-ROM: The CD includes Polar ProTrainer 5TM
and a complete user manual to help you make
the most out of your running computer.
The full user manual and the latest version of this
getting started guide can be downloaded at
www.polar.fi/support.
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Running Computer Parts 3

2. GETTING STARTED
Basic Settings
Before exercising with your running
computer, customize the basic settings.
Enter as accurate data as possible to
ensure correct performance feedback
based on your personal metrics.
To adjust the data, use UP, DOWN and
accept with OK. The values scroll faster
if you press and hold UP or DOWN.
1. To activate your running computer,
press OK twice.
2. Welcome to Polar Running World!
is displayed. Press OK.
3. Language: Select English,Deutsch,
Español or Français.
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4Getting Started

4. Start with basic settings is displayed. Press
OK.
5. Time: Select either 12h or 24h. With 12h,
select AM or PM. Set the local time.
6. Date: Set today’s date, dd=day, mm=month,
yy=year.
7. Units: Select metric (kg/cm/km) or imperial
(lb/ft/mi) units.
8. Weight: Enter your weight. To change units,
press and hold LIGHT.
9. Height: Enter your height. If you use imperial
units, first set feet (ft) then inches (in).
10. Birthday: Enter your date of birth, dd=day,
mm=month, yy=year.
11. Sex: Select Male or Female.
12. Settings OK? is displayed. Select Yes: Settings
are accepted and saved. The running computer
displays time of day. Select No if settings are
incorrect and need to be changed. Press STOP
to return to the data you want to change.
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Getting Started 5

Menu Structure
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6Getting Started

3. PREPARE FOR TRAINING
Wear the Transmitter
Wear the transmitter to measure heart rate.
1. Moisten the electrode areas of the strap under
running water and make sure that they are well
moistened.
2. Attach the connector to the strap. Position the
connector's letter L to the word LEFT on the
strap and snap the fastener. Adjust the strap
length to fit snugly and comfortably. Secure the
strap around your chest, just below the chest
muscles, and snap the second fastener.
3. Check that the wet electrode areas are firmly
against your skin and that the Polar logo of the
connector is in a central, upright position.
4. To detach the connector from the strap, apply
pressure with your thumb and forefinger and
turn your hand as indicated in the picture.
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Prepare For Training 7

Position the Polar S1 Foot Pod
Install Foot Pod Battery
Before using the foot pod* for the first time, insert the battery
(included in the product package).
1. Lift the small flap, detach the fork from the foot pod* and lift the
black cover off (pic 1).
2. Carefully slide the battery case out of the footpod (pic 2) and
insert the battery (AAA) in the case.
3. Slide the battery case inside the foot pod. Be careful not to touch
the switch on the battery case. Keep the sealing ring in its groove
to ensure water resistance.
4. Secure the black cover on the foot pod.
5. Press and hold the red button to switch the foot pod on. Green
light indicates it is working. Switch it off to save battery.
6. The old batteries should be properly disposed of according to
local regulations.
*Optional S1 foot pod required.
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8Prepare For Training

Attach Foot Pod on Shoe
To measure speed/pace and distance accurately,
make sure the foot pod is correctly positioned.
1. Undo the flap and detach the foot pod from the
fork.
2. Loosen your shoelaces and place the fork
underneath them, on top of the tongue of the
shoe. Tighten the laces.
3. Fit the front part of the foot pod (closest to the
red button) to the fork and press from the rear
end. Fasten the flap. Make sure the foot pod
does not move and is aligned with your foot.
The more secure the sensor, the more
accurately speed and distance are measured.
4. Turn the foot pod on before exercising. Press
and hold the red button on the foot pod until
the green light starts flashing.
5. After exercising, turn the foot pod off by
pressing and holding the red button until the
green light switches off.
Optional calibration of the foot pod can improve
the accuracy of speed, pace and distance
measurements. For further information, see
Calibrate the Foot Pod in the User Manual.
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Prepare For Training 9

Position the Polar s3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D.
Install Stride Sensor Battery
Before using the stride sensor* for the first time, insert the battery
(included in the product package).
1. Open the battery cover by turning it counterclockwise to OPEN
using the sensor fork or a coin (see picture 1).
2. Place the battery inside the cover with the positive (+) side facing
the cover (see picture 2). Make sure the sealing ring is in the
groove to ensure water resistance.
3. Place the cover with the battery inside it into the sensor.
4. Press the cover in place and close it by turning clockwise from
OPEN to CLOSE using the sensor fork or a coin.
The stride sensor can be positioned either on the shoelaces or in the
sole cavity of a specific running shoe.
*Optional s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. required.
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10 Prepare For Training

Attach Stride Sensor on Shoelaces
1. Undo the flap and detach the fork.
2. Loosen your shoelaces and place the fork
underneath them, on top of the tongue of the
shoe. Tighten the laces.
3. Fit the front part of the sensor onto the fork and
press from the rear end. Fasten the flap.
4. Make sure the sensor does not move and is
aligned with your foot. The more secure the
sensor, the more accurately speed and distance
are measured.
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Prepare For Training 11

Attach Stride Sensor in Sole Cavity
1. Undo the flap and detach the fork.
2. Lift the insole. Place the sensor with the Polar logo facing
upwards and the rear end of the sensor facing the shoe heel
inside the sole cavity. Note that you can place the sensor in only
one way, without using too much force.
Optional calibration of the sensor can improve the accuracy of speed,
pace and distance measurements. For further information, see
Calibrate the Stride Sensor in the User Manual.
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12 Prepare For Training

4. RECORD TRAINING
Wear the transmitter and foot pod/stride sensor* as instructed. Make
sure the S1 foot pod is on (RS400) and that the foot pod or stride
sensor in your running computer (Settings > Features > Footpod /
S sensor) is activated.
1. Start by pressing OK on the running computer.
2. Within 15 seconds, your heart rate appears on the display. Stand
still and wait until the running computer finds the foot pod/stride
sensor signal (runner symbol stops flashing).
3. Start exercise recording by pressing OK. Different displays and
data appear on the display. Scroll the displays by pressing UP or
DOWN.
4. Stop exercise recording by pressing STOP twice. For further
information on functions during exercise, see the User Manual.
*Optional S1 foot pod/s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. required.
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Record Training 13

5. AFTER TRAINING
Detach the connector from the strap after use. Keep the transmitter
dry and clean. For further information, see Care and Maintenance.
Review exercise data under File.
• The Exercise Log lists a maximum of 99 exercise files.
• The Weekly summary displays summaries for the past 16 weeks.
•Totals include cumulative values recorded during training
sessions.
•Delete files. To view exercise data, press OK and scroll UP or
DOWN.
For complete analysis, transfer data to Polar ProTrainer 5.
For further information on how to review training information, see
the User Manual.
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14 After Training

6. CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
Care and Maintenance
Caring of Your Product
Like any electronic device, the Polar running
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 use. Clean the connector with a mild soap
and water solution. Dry it with a towel. Never use
alcohol or any abrasive material (steel wool or
cleaning chemicals).
Rinse the transmitter strap with water after every
use. If you use the strap more than three times a
week, wash it at least once every three weeks in a
washing machine at 40°C / 104°F. Use a washing
pouch. Do not soak, and use neither detergent
with bleach nor fabric softener. Do not dry-clean
or bleach the strap.
Wash the strap before long–term storage, and
always after use in pool water with high chlorine
content. Do not spin-dry or iron the strap. Never
put the connector in a washing machine or a drier!
Dry and store the strap and the connector
separately.
Keep your running computer, transmitter, foot pod
and stride sensor 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 immerse the foot pod or stride sensor in
water. Do not expose to direct sunlight for
extended periods.
Operating temperatures are -10 °C to +50 °C /
+14 °F to +122 °F.
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Customer Service Information 15

Service
During the two-year guarantee/warranty period, we
recommend that you service the product at an
authorized Polar Service Center only. The warranty
does not cover damage or consequential damage
caused by service not authorized by Polar Electro.
For further information, see ”Limited International
Polar Guarantee”.
Changing Batteries
To change the batteries of the running computer,
transmitter, and stride sensor* yourself, carefully
follow the instructions in Install Stride Sensor
Battery. All batteries are changed the same way.
For further information on changing the foot pod*
battery, see Install Foot Pod Battery.
If you would prefer Polar to replace the battery,
contact an authorized Polar Service Center. The
Service will test the sensor after replacing the
battery.
Excessive use of the backlight drains the running
computer’s battery more rapidly. In cold
conditions, the low battery indicator may appear,
and disappear again when you return to a warmer
environment. To ensure the maximum lifespan of
the battery cover, open it only when changing
battery. When changing the battery, make sure the
sealing ring is not damaged, in which case you
should replace it with a new one. Battery kits with
sealing rings are available at well-equipped Polar
retailers and authorized Polar Service Centers. In
the USA and Canada, sealing rings are available at
authorized Polar Service Centers only.
Keep batteries away from children. If swallowed,
contact a doctor immediately. Batteries should be
properly disposed of according to local
regulations.
*Optional S1 foot pod/s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D.
required.
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16 Customer Service Information

Precautions
Interference During Exercise
Electromagnetic Interference and Exercise
Equipment. Disturbance may occur near
high-voltage power lines, traffic lights, overhead
lines of electric railways, electric bus lines or
trams, televisions, car motors, bike computers,
some motor-driven exercise equipment, cellular
phones, or when you walk through electric security
gates. Microwave ovens, computers and WLAN
base stations may also cause interference when
exercising with RS800. To avoid erratic readings,
move away from possible sources of disturbance.
Exercise equipment with electronic or electrical
components such as LED displays, motors and
electrical brakes may cause interfering stray
signals. To solve these problems, try the following:
1. Remove the transmitter from your chest and
use the exercise equipment as you would
normally.
2. Move the running computer around until you
find an area in which it displays no stray
reading or does not flash the heart symbol.
Interference is often worst directly in front of
the display panel of the equipment, while the
left or right side of the display is relatively free
of disturbance.
3. Put the transmitter back on your chest and
keep the running computer in this
interference-free area as much as possible.
If the running computer still does not work with
the exercise equipment, it may be electrically too
noisy for wireless heart rate measurement.
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Customer Service Information 17

RS400 Crosstalk. A heart rate symbol without a
frame indicates non-coded heart rate
transmission. When in non-coded mode, the
running computer picks up transmitter signals
within 1 m / 3 ft. Simultaneous non-coded signals
from more than one transmitter can cause an
incorrect reading.
If another person with a running computer or a
heart rate monitor is causing interference, move
away from that person and continue your exercise
normally.
Alternatively, to avoid other people’s heart rate
signals:
1. Take the transmitter off your chest for 30
seconds. Move away from the other device.
2. Put the transmitter back on and bring the
running computer up to your chest near the
transmitter’s Polar logo. The running computer
will start searching for a heart rate signal again.
Continue your exercise normally.
Using RS400 Running Computer in Water. The
running computer may be worn when swimming. It
is not, however, a diving instrument. To maintain
water resistance, do not press the buttons of the
running computer under water. When measuring
heart rate in water, you may experience
interference for the following reasons:
• Pool water with a high chlorine content, and
seawater, are very conductive. The electrodes of
a transmitter may short-circuit, preventing ECG
signals from being detected by the transmitter.
• Jumping into water or a strenuous muscle
movement during competitive swimming may
shift the transmitter to a location on the body
where ECG signals cannot be picked up.
• The ECG signal strength is individual and may
vary depending on the individual’s tissue
composition. Problems occur more frequently
when measuring heart rate in water.
The S1 foot pod can be used in any wet running
environment, including rain, but it is not intended
for underwater use.
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18 Customer Service Information

Using RS800 Running Computer in Water. The
running computer is water resistant. However,
heart rate measurement does not work in water.
You can use the running computer under water as
a watch but it is not a diving instrument. To
maintain water resistance, do not press the
buttons of the running computer under water.
Using the running computer in excessive rainfall
may also cause interference.
Minimizing Risks When Exercising
Exercise may include some risk. Before beginning
a regular exercise program, it is recommended
that you answer the following questions
concerning your health status. If you answer yes to
any of these questions, we recommend that you
consult a doctor before starting any training
program.
• Have you been physically inactive for the past 5
years?
• Do you have high blood pressure or high blood
cholesterol?
• Are you taking any blood pressure or heart
medication?
• Do you have a history of breathing problems?
• Do you have symptoms of any disease?
• Are you recovering from a serious illness or
medical treatment?
• Do you use a pacemaker or other implanted
electronic device?
• Do you smoke?
• Are you pregnant?
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Customer Service Information 19

Note that in addition to exercise intensity,
medications for heart conditions, blood pressure,
psychological conditions, asthma, breathing, etc.,
as well as some energy drinks, alcohol, and
nicotine may also affect heart rate.
It is important to be sensitive to your body’s
responses during exercise. If you feel unexpected
pain or excessive fatigue when exercising, it is
recommended that you stop the exercise or
continue at a lighter intensity.
Notice to individuals with pacemakers,
defibrillators or other implanted electronic
devices. Individuals who have a pacemaker use
the Polar running computer at their own risk.
Before starting use, we always recommend a
maximal exercise stress test under a doctor’s
supervision. The test is to ensure the safety and
reliability of the simultaneous use of the
pacemaker and the Polar running computer.
If you are allergic to any substance that comes
into contact with your skin or if you suspect an
allergic reaction due to using the product, check
the listed materials in Technical Specifications.
To avoid any skin reaction to the transmitter, wear
it over a shirt, but moisten the shirt well under the
electrodes to ensure flawless operation.
Your safety is important to us. The shape of the
foot pod/stride sensor is designed to minimize the
possibility of it getting caught in something. In
any case, be careful when running with the foot
pod/stride sensor in brushwood, for example.
The combined impact of moisture and intense
abrasion may cause a black color to come off the
transmitter’s surface, possibly staining
light-colored clothes. If you use insect repellent
on your skin, you must ensure that it does not
come into contact with the transmitter.
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20 Customer Service Information