Timex Bodylink Trail Runner GPS Watch for Monitoring Exercise in Real-Time
September 12, 2007
In addition to dedicated satellite navigation devices, GPS technology has quickly found its way to other products, like fitness and outdoors watches. Timex has designed a comprehensive system called Bodylink to allow real-time monitoring of information that affects a training session. The system consists of a fitness watch, heart rate sensor, GPS-based speed and distance sensor, and a data recorder. The Timex Bodylink Trail Runner product package comes with the necessary components for simple navigation and for monitoring an exercise session in real time.
Timex Bodylink Trail Runner Features:
- The Bodylink system consists of a fitness watch, heart rate sensor, GPS unit, and of an optional data recorder.
- Water resistant to 50 meters.
- Night light (Indiglo).
- Dedicated zones for heart rate tracking and training data.
- Heart rate can be displayed as a percentage of the maximum rate.
- GPS module makes it possible to measure real-time, average, and maximum running, jogging, cycling or hiking speed.
- The watch can display pace, average pace and best pace.
- GPS provides geographic coordinates as latitude and longitude data.
- Up to 10 waypoints can be saved on the watch.
- Navigation to selected waypoints.
- Show directional heading while on the move.
- Ascent and descent rates can be monitored.
- Battery life about 2 years.
The Timex Ironman Bodylink Trail Runner product consists of a fitness watch, heart rate transmitter, and GPS module. It is possible to hook up other components, such as the Data Collector to the system as well.
Timex Bodylink Performance Monitor
The sport watch is the core component of the Bodylink system. The watch displays real-time data on ongoing workout. If a Speed and Distance Sensor (GPS module) is connected to the Bodylink system, it is possible to mark waypoints and perform simple navigation (like show me the way back to the car park).
The watch can also be used as a chronograph for measuring, for example, lap and split times.
Bodylink Heart Rate Sensor
The Heart Rate Sensor wirelessly transmits data to the Performance Monitor.
Bodylink Speed and Distance Sensor
The Speed and Distance Sensor is a GPS module that must be able to receive satellite signals for determining its location. The unit must be worn so that there's a clear view to the sky. GPS information makes it possible for the performance monitor to calculate the user's speed and distance.
Bodylink Data Recorder
During exercise, the Timex Data Recorder collects information transmitted by the Heart Rate Sensor and Speed and Distance Sensor. When the session is over, the collected information can be downloaded to a PC via USB connection. The Timex Trainer software can be used to analyze and track progress in training.
The Data Recorder is an optional module that is not included in the Trail Runner product package.
Timex Bodylink is not the only product that cleverly combines fitness watch features with location, speed, and distance information from a GPS module. The Polar RS800 training system, Suunto t3 Pod system, and the Garmin 205 and 305 devices are some of the alternative solutions available.
Here is a video where you can view the components included in the Timex Bodylink Trail Runner product and how the GPS unit should be worn (Merci, Paul):
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