Windows 10 using built in bluetooth. Scosche Rythm+, BT Xbox One Controller(Xbox controller linked to PC as well, no console involved). First couple times I was doing an easy recovery ride and decided to play a game with a controller and everything was fine. Then 2 nights ago I started seeing low heartrate that didn’t match my watch. Yesterday and today as soon as I turn on the controller Zwift loses signal completely on my heart rate monitor.
I originally thought this was an operating system problem, but I noticed windows still detects the Scosche fine, if I turn off the controller AND restart zwift, I can then see the heart rate monitor in Zwift. Until I restart Zwift the heart rate monitor will NOT show up in the choices, even if I restart the heart rate monitor.
All these things lead me to believe Zwift is actually where the problem lies.
It’s not the end of the world, I can either choose not to have heart rate on my video game rides, or look into buying an ant+ dongle in hopes that there is no interference there.
I just figured I’d see if anyone had some other trouble shooting ideas or similar incidents.
This article from Windows Central last week may be relevant to (1) using Bluetooth for Zwift and (2) the thought of running Zwift on Xbox. First, the article says Bluetooth is highly susceptible to interference, and second, the Xbox console does not support Bluetooth. Since the console doesn’t support Bluetooth (or ANT+) it won’t receive input from smart trainers, heart rate monitors, or speed or cadence sensors.
why exactly doesn’t the Xbox One console support Bluetooth, even though the controllers themselves do? The answer is pretty simple: interference.
The requirements for wireless connectivity on Xbox makes Bluetooth simply unsuitable in several ways. First and foremost is bandwidth. Speaking to Xbox Senior Hardware Program Manager Gabi Mitchel at a previous event, she described how the Xbox One wireless signal can support up to eight controllers and headsets while maintaining sub 8ms latency. Bluetooth, conversely, can manage around two.
Additionally, Bluetooth is highly susceptible to interference from other devices, due to the way it continually scans for new connections. If you’re someone who wears a Bluetooth-enabled watch or uses a Bluetooth-enabled phone, simply being in range of your Xbox would impact the bitrate, and thus responsiveness, of your controls.
