Apple picker PR Autumn is a time of long training kilometers, when we often go running with only one partner - the sports tester. This is because it can collect and often analyze data about our physical activity. In addition to mapping the distance covered, the main function is usually the measurement of heart rate, however individual devices can differ diametrically in their functions, durability, design and price. However, they all need an energy source, which is a battery, for their operation. We have therefore summarized basic tips on how to handle the sports tester and especially its battery in the colder months, so that the device can last a long time.
Tip #1: Extremes are not good, warm up the sports tester on your hand
Whether the sports tester is a classic button battery or works thanks to a rechargeable battery, it is definitely true that extreme temperatures can be a problem for this energy source. "In general, we can say that ideal temperatures for batteries are from 10° to 40°. A more extreme deviation from this average can harm them, and prolonged exposure to severe frost could even damage them a lot," explains Radim Tlapák from the online store BatteryShop.cz. Especially in severe frosts, the battery can signal a much faster discharge, as its capacity decreases due to the low temperature. "Manufacturers of sports testers naturally submit their machines to this fact. But even so, we can help by our own efforts to ensure that the batteries are not exposed to such an extreme temperature shock, especially in lower temperatures and severe frosts. It is a good idea, if you use the sports tester only for outdoor jogging, to put the device on your hand in advance, before you go out into a cold environment. At least it warms up a little on the hand, and the shock is not so pronounced." adds Tlapák. Due to the contact with our body, the Sporttester is thus in greater "temperature" safety than, for example, a smartphone that we only have hidden in our pocket.
Tip No. 2: Not damp, but also airtight bags
Many of us have a bad habit - after a run, we take off all our sweaty clothes, throw them in a pile and run to the shower. If you also do this, definitely take out the sports tester from the pile. Moisture can damage it, and especially its battery. "Water vapor condenses in a humid environment and this has a negative effect on battery life. The worst option is corrosion of the battery, which significantly shortens its life. Corrosion is generally the most common reason why our battery stops working," emphasizes David Vandrovec from the company REMA Battery, which ensures the take-back and recycling of batteries and accumulators. Another common myth is that we should hide the device in a resealable plastic bag to protect it from adverse conditions. "Since the Sporttester absorbs a lot of moisture from contact with our skin, it is necessary, mainly because of the integrated battery, to store it in a dry but ventilated place. If we seal it in an airtight container and it still has residual moisture in it, we prevent dust from getting into it, but we increase the risk of corrosion." adds Vandrovec.
Tip #3: Hide your meter under your jacket, even if it's waterproof
It sounds simple, but as the main shield against the rain or even the mentioned lower temperatures, it is enough to hide the meter attached to the hand under the jacket. This, at first glance, insignificant thing can significantly help the endurance and especially the life of the battery. "Individual manufacturers of course, they think about the fact that we run even in worse weather, so they standardly fit sports testers in bodies that are able to withstand rain and dust. However, this protection can of course vary. Resistance to water ingress is given in the so-called IP, or Ingress Protection. Nowadays, sport testers usually guarantee at least IP47, where four indicates the level of resistance to dust and 7 to water, where immersion for 30 minutes to a depth of one meter should not be a problem. But immersion in water can do much less harm than, for example, a shower or even rain, where the water pressure is much stronger. So even this seemingly waterproof tester definitely needs to be protected.” he says Lubomír Pešák from a specialized running store Top4Running.cz
Tip #4: The general rules for saving battery also apply to sports testers
Even in the case of sports testers, of course, general rules work that will help save the battery and especially its capacity. If you do not use the sports tester for a long time, it is a good idea to fully charge it and then put it away - the battery will gradually discharge slowly. If, on the other hand, it is in daily use, a proper and gentle brightness setting can ensure savings. It is also true that the more mobile notifications the device sends to you, the more power it consumes. And the less you use it during the activity - in the sense of control - the longer it will last. At the very conclusion, it should be added that if the battery in the sports tester no longer works, it should be disposed of in an ecological way. This is dangerous waste that does not belong in the regular trash, but in special collection boxes for electronic waste. "Collection containers can most often be found in electrical appliance stores. If someone is unable or unwilling to search, they can easily send the non-functioning battery and other electrical waste in a package free of charge directly to the collection point, where the contents of the package are sorted and the individual components are recycled. Just fill out the online order for the so-called re:Balík, print the generated label and take the waste to the post office." points out David Vandrovec z REMA Battery.
Shouldn't it be an Autumn tip?