RC3 GPS User manual

12. IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Caring for Your Product

Like any electronic device, the Polar training computer should be treated with care. The suggestions below will help you fulfil guarantee obligations and enjoy this product for many years to come.

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.

After each time of using the USB port of the training computer, check visually that there is no hair, dust or other dirt on the sealing surface area of the lid/back case. Gently wipe to remove any dirt. Do not use any sharp tools or equipment for cleaning, which could cause scratches to the plastic parts.

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.

Operating temperatures are -10 °C to +50 °C / +14 °F to +122 °F.

If you use the RC3 GPS unit in extreme conditions (high humidity and big temperature changes), some water might condensate inside the unit. This does not damage the unit and water will evaporate after a while. If you want to speed up the evaporation, open the USB lid to ventilate the unit. Please remember to close the USB lid properly afterwards to secure waterproofness.

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 washing instructions on the label of the strap.

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 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 further information, see Limited International Polar Guarantee.

For contact information and all Polar Service Center addresses, visit www.polar.com/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.

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Batteries

The Polar RC3 GPS training computer has an internal, rechargable battery. Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. You can charge and discharge the battery over 300 times before a notable decrease in its capacity. The number of charge cycles also varies according to use and operating conditions.

At the end of the working life of the product Polar encourages you to minimize possible effects of waste on the environment and human health by following local waste disposal regulations and, where possible, utilizing separate collection of electronic devices. Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.

The Polar H2/H3 heart rate sensor has a user changeable battery. To change the battery yourself, please follow the instructions carefully as instructed in chapter Change the Heart Rate Sensor Battery.

The batteries for the CS speed sensor W.I.N.D. and CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D. cannot be replaced. Polar has designed the sensors to be sealed in order to maximise mechanical longevity and reliability. The sensors have long-life batteries inside. To purchase a new sensor contact your authorized Polar Service Center or retailer.

For battery information of the Polar s3+ stride sensor, consult the user manual for the product in question.

Keep the batteries away from children. If swallowed, contact a doctor immediately. Batteries should be disposed of properly according to local regulations.

Change the Heart Rate Sensor Battery

To change the battery of the heart rate sensor yourself, carefully follow the instructions below:

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 the USA the sealing ring/battery kits are also available at www.shoppolar.com.

When handling a new, fully charged battery, avoid clasp-like contact, i.e. simultaneously 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 the lifetime of the battery.

Changing Heart Rate Sensor Battery

  1. Lever the battery cover open by using the clip on the strap.

  2. Insert the battery inside the cover with the negative (-) side outwards. Make sure the sealing ring is in the groove to ensure water resistance.

  3. Align the ledge on the battery cover with the slot on the connector and press the battery cover back into place. You should hear a snap.

 

Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with wrong type.

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Precautions

The Polar RC3 GPS training computer shows your performance indicators. The training computer is designed to indicate the level of physiological strain and recovery during and after an exercise session. It measures heart rate, speed and distance. It also measures running cadence when used with s3+ stride sensor and cycling cadence when used with a CS cadence sensor W.I.N.D.. No other use is intended or implied.

The training computer should not be used for obtaining environmental measurements that require professional or industrial precision.

Interference During Training

Electromagnetic Interference and Training Equipment

Disturbance may occur near electrical devices. Also WLAN base stations may cause interference when training with the training computer. To avoid erratic reading or misbehavior, move away from possible sources of disturbance.

Training 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 heart rate sensor strap from your chest and use the training equipment as you would normally.

  2. Move the training 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 heart rate sensor strap back on your chest and keep the training computer in this interference-free area as much as possible.

If the training computer still does not work with the training equipment, it may be electrically too noisy for wireless heart rate measurement. For further information, see www.polar.com/support.

Parts of RC3 GPS are magnetic. It may attract metallic materials and it's magnetic field may interfere with a compass. To avoid interference, it is recommended to wear your compass on one arm (at the level of your chest) and your RC3 GPS on the other arm's wrist. Do not place credit cards or other magnetic storage media near RC3 GPS, because information stored on them may be erased.

Minimizing Risks When Training

Training may include some risk. Before beginning a regular training 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?

Note that in addition to training 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 training. If you feel unexpected pain or excessive fatigue when training, it is recommended that you stop the training or continue at a lighter intensity.

Note! If you are using a pacemaker, you can use Polar training computers. In theory interference to pacemaker caused by Polar products should not be possible. In practice no reports exist to suggest anyone ever having experienced interference. We cannot however issue an official guarantee on our products' suitability with all pacemakers or other implanted devices due to the variety of devices available. If you have any doubts, or if you experience any unusual sensations while using Polar products, please consult your physician or contact the implanted electronic device manufacturer to determine safety in your case.

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 heart rate sensor, 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 s3+ stride sensor is designed to minimize the possibility of it getting caught in something. In any case, be careful when running with the stride sensor in brushwood, for example.

The combined impact of moisture and intense abrasion may cause a black color to come off the heart rate sensor’s surface, possibly staining light-colored clothes. If you use perfume or insect repellent on your skin, you must ensure that it does not come into contact with the training computer or the heart rate sensor.

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Technical Specifications

Training computer

Battery type:

250 mAH Li-Pol rechargeable battery

The battery is not replaceable

Operating time:

up to 12 hours in continuous use with the GPS function on

Operating temperature:

-10 °C to +50 °C / 14 °F to 122 °F

Training computer materials:

PMMA lens with hard coating in top surface, training computer body (ABS+GF)+TPU / (PC+ABS)+GF / (TPU+PC) +TPU / ABS+PC / Aluminium / Stainless steel

Wrist strap and buckle materials:

Polyurethane (TPU) and stainless steel

Watch accuracy:

Better than ± 0.5 seconds / day at 25 °C / 77 °F temperature

GPS accuracy:

distance ±2%, speed ±2km/h

Altitude accuracy:

±20 m / 65 ft

Ascent/Descent resolution:

5 m / 20 ft

Maximum altitude:

16383 m / 32765 ft

Sample rate:

1 sample/sec

Accuracy of heart rate monitor:

± 1% or 1 bpm, whichever larger. Definition applies to stable conditions.

Heart rate measuring range:

15-240 bpm

Current speed display range:

0-36 km/h or 0-22.5 mph (when measuring speed with s3+ stride sensor)

0-127 km/h or 0-79 mph (when measuring speed with CS speed sensor)

0-303 km/h or 0-188.5 mph (when measuring speed with GPS)

Water resistance:

Water proof IPX7

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.

Training computer limit values

Maximum number of files:

99

Maximum time recorded to one file:

99 h 59 min 59 s

Maximum time recorded to files with different sensor combinations:

 
 

Heart rate

253 h

 

Heart rate + stride sensor

52 h

 

Heart rate + GPS

31 h

 

Heart rate + CS speed sensor

63 h

 

Heart rate + CS cadence sensor

139 h

 

Heart rate + stride sensor + GPS

28 h

 

Heart rate + GPS+ CS speed sensor

31 h

 

Heart rate + GPS + CS cadence sensor

28 h

 

Heart rate + CS speed sensor + CS cadence sensor

52 h

 

Heart rate + GPS + CS speed sensor + CS cadence sensor

28 h

 

Stride sensor

63 h

 

Stride sensor + GPS

31 h

 

GPS

35 h

 

GPS + CS speed sensor

35 h

 

GPS + CS cadence sensor

31 h

 

GPS+ CS speed sensor + CS cadence sensor

31 h

 

CS speed sensor

79 h

 

CS cadence sensor

253 h

 

CS speed sensor + CS cadence sensor

63 h

 

The training computer stores the data in one second intervals.

Maximum number of laps recorded in one training session:

99

Maximum number of automatic laps recorded in one training session:

99

Total distance:

99999.99 km / 99999.99 mi

Total duration:

9999 h 59 min 59 s

Total calories:

999 999 kcal

Total training files count:

65535

Heart rate sensor

Battery life:

1600 h

Battery type:

CR2025

Battery sealing ring:

O-ring 20.0 x 0.90 Material Silicone

Operating temperature:

-10 °C to +50 °C / 14 °F to 122 °F

Connector material:

ABS

Strap material:

38% Polyamide, 29% Polyurethane, 20% Elastane, 13% Polyester

Water resistance:

30 m (Suitable for bathing and swimming).

The Polar H3 heart rate sensor does not measure heart rate in water.

The Polar RC3 GPS training computer applies the following patented technologies, among others:

  • OwnIndex® technology for fitness test.

  • OwnCal® personal calorie calculation.

Polar WebSync Software and USB Cable

System Requirements:

Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X 10.5 (Intel) or newer

Internet connection

Free USB port for the USB cable

Water resistance

Water resistance of Polar products is tested according to International IEC 60529 IPX7 (1m, 30min, 20ºC). Products are divided into four different categories according to water resistance. Check the back of your Polar product for the water resistance category and compare it to the chart below. Please note that these definitions do not necessarily apply to products of other manufacturers.

Marking on case back

Water resistant characteristics

Water resistant IPX7

Not suitable for bathing or swimming. Protected against wash splashes and raindrops. Do not wash with a pressure washer.

Water resistant

Not suitable for swimming. Protected against wash splashes, sweat, raindrops etc. Do not wash with a pressure washer.

Water resistant 30 m/50 m

Suitable for bathing and swimming

Water resistant 100 m

Suitable for swimming and snorkeling (without air tanks)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question/Problem

Answer/Solution

How can I best catch satellite signals?

Wear the training computer with its face upwards on your wrist. Keep your wrist stationary and raised above the level of your chest during the search. Stand still and hold the position until the training computer has found the satellite signals. See Starting a Training Session for more information.

How do I ensure a good GPS signal reception in RC3 GPS?

The best GPS signal reception can be reached when training in an open area where there are no obstructions for the satellite signals. Due to the nature of the GPS signal, for example hills, tall buildings, and trees may block the satellite signal. Rain, fog, and snow may also affect the signal quality. Wear the training computer with its face upwards on your wrist.

The training computer does not find or it takes long time to find the satellite signals

Something in your surroundings may be blocking GPS satellite signal reception (e.g. underpasses, tall buildings, terrain or forested areas). Go outdoors and away from tall buildings and trees. In good conditions, acquiring satellite signals for the first time typically takes 30-60 seconds. Note that the GPS reception does not work indoors.

The speed or distance readings are incorrect or irregular

Something in your surroundings may be blocking GPS satellite signal reception (e.g. underpasses, tall buildings, terrain or forested areas). If the training computer cannot locate the satellite signals, it will not be able to calculate its location. Distance is measured between the last location before the shadow area and the first location after the shadow area in a straight line.

What is the measurement accuracy of Polar RC3 GPS?

Polar RC3 GPS training computer measurement accuracy is +/- 2% for distance and +/- 2km/h for speed. When moving at low speeds (below 3km/h) accuracy of this level can sometimes cause relatively big errors. However, with higher speeds the measurement is more accurate.

In order to improve the accuracy of the position calculation, Polar RC3 GPS utilizes the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). WAAS is an extremely accurate navigation system in North America. It is widely used e.g. in aviation to enable precision approaches for airplanes. WAAS Wide-area Reference Stations, which are located on the earth, monitor and collect information on the GPS signals and send correction messages to the two Wide-area Master Stations. These two master stations then send the message forward to geostationary satellites, which in turn send the correction signals to WAAS-enabled GPS receivers, like Polar RC3 GPS.

Low battery is displayed

This notification is displayed when the training computer has enough charge for one hour of training with the GPS function on. It is recommended to charge the training computer before starting a new training session. For more information, see 3. Training Computer Battery.

Low battery, GPS switched off is displayed

The training computer charge is too low for continuing the recording of the training session with the GPS function on. The training computer sounds and backlight are automatically deactivated and the training computer switches the GPS function off. You can still use Available Accessories and carry out the training session. A new training recording cannot be started before charging the training computer. For more information, see 3. Training Computer Battery.

Recording stopped, Battery Empty is displayed

The charge is critically low. The training computer stops recording the training session and saves the training data and then goes to sleep mode. Charge the training computer. For more information, see 3. Training Computer Battery.

The training computer display is blank

The training computer battery is empty and it has gone to sleep mode. Charge the training computer. If the battery is totally drained, it may take a while for the charging animation to appear on the display. For more information on charging the battery, see 3. Training Computer Battery.

Check heart rate sensor! is displayed

  • Make sure the heart rate sensor strap has not loosened during exercise.

  • Make sure the electrodes of the heart rate sensor are wet.

  • Make sure the electrodes of the heart rate sensor are clean and undamaged.

If you have done all of the above-mentioned actions, and the message still appears and heart rate measurement does not work, the battery of your heart rate sensor may be empty. For further information, see Batteries.

Check speed sensor! is displayed

Make sure the position and distance of the sensor to the magnet are appropriate. If the message still appears you may have exceeded 3000 riding hours and the battery is empty.

Check cadence sensor! is displayed

Make sure the position and distance of the cadence sensor to the crank magnet are appropriate. If the message still appears, you may have exceeded 3000 riding hours and the battery is empty.

Check stride sensor! is displayed

Make sure the sensor is correctly positioned on your foot. If the message still appears, the battery may be empty. See the user manual for Polar s3+ stride sensor for instructions on changing the battery.

The heart rate reading becomes erratic, extremely high or shows nil (00)

  • Make sure the heart rate sensor strap has not loosened during exercise.

  • Make sure the textile electrodes in the sports apparel fit snugly.

  • Make sure the electrodes of the heart rate sensor strap are moistened.

  • Make sure the heart rate sensor is clean. Strong electromagnetic signals can cause erratic readings. For further information, see Precautions.

  • If the erratic heart rate reading continues despite moving away from the source of disturbance, slow down your speed and check your pulse manually. If you feel it corresponds to the high reading on the display, you may be experiencing cardiac arrhythmia. Most cases of arrhythmia are not serious, but consult your doctor nevertheless.

  • A cardiac event may have altered your ECG waveform. In this case, consult your doctor.

The speed, distance or cadence readings are irregular

Temporary electromagnetic interference in your current surroundings can cause irregular readings. WLAN base stations may cause interference. To avoid erratic reading or misbehaviors, move away from possible sources of disturbance.

I do not know where I am in the menu

Press and hold BACK until the time of day is displayed.

There are no reactions to any buttons

Reset the training computer by pressing UP, DOWN, BACK and LIGHT buttons simultaneously for two seconds until the display fills with digits. Press any button and set the time and date. All other settings are saved.

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Limited International Polar Guarantee

  • This guarantee does not affect the consumer’s statutory rights under applicable national or state laws in force, or the consumer’s rights against the dealer arising from their sales/purchase contract.

  • This limited Polar international guarantee is issued by Polar Electro Inc. for consumers who have purchased this product in the USA or Canada. This limited Polar international guarantee is issued by Polar Electro Oy for consumers who have purchased this product in other countries.

  • Polar Electro Oy/Polar Electro Inc. guarantees the original consumer/purchaser of this device that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase.

  • The receipt of the original purchase is your proof of purchase!

  • The guarantee does not cover the battery, normal wear and tear, damage due to misuse, abuse, accidents or non-compliance with the precautions; improper maintenance, commercial use, cracked, broken or scratched cases/displays, armband, elastic strap and Polar apparel.

  • The guarantee does not cover any damage/s, losses, costs or expenses, direct, indirect or incidental, consequential or special, arising out of, or related to the product.

  • Items purchased second hand are not covered by the two (2) year warranty, unless otherwise stipulated by local law.

  • During the guarantee period, the product will be either repaired or replaced at any of the authorized Polar Service Centers regardless of the country of purchase.

Guarantee with respect to any product will be limited to countries where the product has been initially marketed.

 

This product is compliant with Directives 1999/5/EC and 2011/65/EU. The relevant Declaration of Conformity is available at www.polar.com/support.

Regulatory information is available at www.polar.com/support.

To see the RC3 GPS-specific certification and compliance information, select MENU > Settings > General settings, and press and hold LIGHT for two seconds.

 

This crossed out wheeled bin marking shows that Polar products are electronic devices and are in the scope of Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries and accumulators used in products are in the scope of Directive 2006/66/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 September 2006 on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators. These products and batteries/accumulators inside Polar products should thus be disposed of separately in EU countries. Polar encourages you to minimize possible effects of waste on the environment and human health also outside the European Union by following local waste disposal regulations and, where possible, utilize separate collection of electronic devices for products, and battery and accumulator collection for batteries and accumulators.

 

This marking shows that the product is protected against electric shocks.

Polar Electro Oy is a ISO 9001:2008 certified company.

© 2013 Polar Electro Oy, FI-90440 KEMPELE, Finland. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of Polar Electro Oy.

The names and logos in this user manual or in the package of this product are trademarks of Polar Electro Oy. The names and logos marked with a ® symbol in this user manual or in the package of this product are registered trademarks of Polar Electro Oy. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation and Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

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Disclaimer

  • The material in this manual is for informational purposes only. The products it describes are subject to change without prior notice, due to the manufacturer’s continuous development program.

  • Polar Electro Inc./Polar Electro Oy makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual or with respect to the products described herein.

  • Polar Electro Inc./Polar Electro Oy shall not be liable for any damages, losses, costs or expenses, direct, indirect or incidental, consequential or special, arising out of, or related to the use of this material or the products described herein.

 

Manufactured by:

Polar Electro Oy

Professorintie 5

FI-90440 KEMPELE

Tel +358 8 5202 100

Fax +358 8 5202 300

 

2.0 EN 02/2014

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