Below are some suggestions for improving the readings you get from the Heart Rate Monitor:

A) Do not move while taking data.

B) When you first begin taking readings, wait a minute or so for the signal offset circuit to adjust.

C) Sitting down often helps, for two reasons: there is better blood flow to the earlobe, and sitting down minimizes movement.

D) If you do not get good readings after a couple minutes, try moving the earclip to another position on the ear, the opposite ear, or reverse the position of the earclip on your ear lobe. Some people have better luck using the earclip on their finger or the web of skin found between the thumb and index finger.

E) Try turning off the overhead lights in the room. Sometimes the light in a bright room can interfere with the Heart Rate Monitor’s photosensor.

F) The lighting conditions in the room should not be changing. This includes people hovering around the test subject and intermittently blocking out light that may be striking the test subject.

G) Adjust the sensor’s gain setting. On the bottom side of the sensor box, there is a small hole drilled into the box. Using a jeweler’s screwdriver, adjust the small white potentiometer through the hole in the box. This will increase or decrease the gain setting depending on which way you turn the potentiometer.

If you are unable to get good results after trying the suggestions listed above, you may consider getting the Hand-Grip Heart Rate Monitor (HGH-BTA) or Exercise Heart Rate Monitor (EHR-BTA). These sensors are a little more expensive than our original Heart Rate Monitor, but provide more reliable readings and allow you to collect data while a person is moving.