I am riding Garmin Tacx FLUX 2 Smart trainer. Since 1 month I have HRM connectivity problem. TACX connects normally to ZWIFT, but when I want to connect my HRM it is NO GO!!! I do not know what is wrong. I think that somehow I have lost ANT+ connection. TACX is connecting via Bluetooth. My hardware is HP Laptop (Intel Core i5) with WINDOWS 11. Usually I also connect Zwift Companion through my Android Phone (no Bluetooth, only WIFI connection).
HOW CAN I RESOLVE MY PROBLEM?
First option would be to test the HRM with something else such as a cycle GPS unit if you have one. For example, for mine if I had this issue I would pair with my Garmin GPS which, in addition to verifying the HRM operation, if I recall correctly can also show the battery level).
I strongly suspect that there’s a correlation between frequency of washing and volume of sweat vs lifetime of the strap. My Garmin strap is still going strong after many years of use, but I don’t sweat that much and I wash it from time to time.
Yes, for sure.
I used an Polar H7 - bought used 2018, cleaned after each use (in- and outdoors). No issues. I bought an H10 (used) in spring 2025 because of 2 BLE channels. The old H7 is using my son now (in- and outdoors again).
@Steve_Hammatt@Nigel_Tufnel
My strap goes into the shower after every ride but I let it drip dry. I am on a well with a water softener so at times the water can be a bit salty.
Note I am not complaining. I consider HRM straps to be consumable. I was responding to the OP that all brands fail and I am currently using a less expensive brand.
Are the ANT+ drivers properly installed on Windows? Windows often struggles with Bluetooth for exercise equipment, but ANT+ is typically reliable if the drivers are correctly installed.
Wahoo provides a helpful guide to install ANT+ on Windows (there are other resources available online if you search). Here’s a link to get you started:
My Garmin strap is 5-years plus old. Failure is not inevitable. Being an old design the battery change can be hard work (biggest shock is I haven’t rounded the screw heads given the challenge they can be).
I sweat plenty, but post ride the strap just gets wiped with a towel and then hung over a rail in the airing cupboard next to the hot water tank.
@Aravind Sometimes it does not want to start when I put the strap on. I either drop it on the charger to kick start it or, the last time, put my thumbs over the snaps of the head unit kick started it (I think a Polar trick to reset their units).
Also, the model I have is rechargeable an comes with a little base unit that is easily misplaced. Ask me how I know
