Broken Polar S Power Speed Sensor

AdamAntsy

Hi folks - The speed sensor on my Polar Power meter (S series not WIND) decided to break off! I get cadence & power data, but no speed & distance. Given the recession and all I can't shell out for a whole new kit, anyone any experience or ideas on repairing? Its the only reason I'm not getting enough training in.. really.

DJsail

Do you still have the sensor? If so how clean was the break?

AdamAntsy

yes I have the sensor, its still attached by the wire to the main power unit. It had cracked and an application of superglue made it serviceable, but then time & elements & rough handling during a puncture damaged the fix. Now the sensor does not react when I pass the magnet in front of it. It could be wiring, or the internal sensor..

Morgan

AdamAntsy wrote: »

Hi folks - The speed sensor on my Polar Power meter (S series not WIND) decided to break off! I get cadence & power data, but no speed & distance.

Are you sure it's broken? Could it be that you're not moving?

DJsail

Had a Polar set-up a while back so trying to remember any problems associated with it, as its a fully sealed transmitter your probably going to have to fork out for a new sensor. However it may be simply suffering from an ingress of moisture within the sensor housing after the damage.

If you can get a loan of a multi-meter you can test the wiring extremely easily and confirm whether indeed its at fault however it may be the sensor itself,

If you could post a few pic.'s I'd have a greater idea but in the meantime try removing all the super-glue you've put on it then place the sensor in a bowl of uncooked rice, cover it completley and place it in the hot-press/boiler room and leave it there for a week or so, once removed buy some epoxy-resin compound and make up a pea size amount and try using a lollipop stick to cover the crack with the thinest possible coating of the resin.

Obviously before doing this check if the sonsor actually works!

blorg

Morgan wrote: »

Are you sure it's broken? Could it be that you're not moving?

Yes, check your chain to make sure you haven't broken it instead.

scottreynolds

AdamAntsy wrote: »

Its the only reason I'm not getting enough training in.. really.

Oh dear... thats the best excuse I've seen for ages. Just shell out for a new S speed sensor. You can probably get one from Cyclesuperstore today if you are in Dublin or...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Polar_CS_Speed_Sensor/5360020400/

AdamAntsy

Ah broken chain - that might be it alright... wondered why the hills were getting easier!!!

Tried running the speed sensor as well as the power sensor, but the 720 won't pick up the wireless speed sensor when the power meter is plugged in (it seems - feel free to contradict me!). Pity as that would of been a nice fix.

I'll give it another bash to see if the elves visited (it does happen!) and if not soak the sensor and see what happens, but €200+ on a new sensor is too rich atm!

Cheers folks,

blorg

It might be worth asking Polar what your options are? I don't have one myself, I have a Garmin. They do however have a no-fault replacement system where they will provide you with a new refurbished unit at a severely discounted price (about a third of the lowest price you will find on the internet) if you break the old one in a crash etc. Polar may do similar or have a paid repair service.

AdamAntsy

Great tip - they did actually replace the 720 Head unit for me before as the watertight seal leaked. No cost or quibble. I'll drop them a mail and let you know in case anyone else suffers with a broken unit.