Ant+ devices and Roku / wifi interference
karlkras
Posts: 14
Hello,
I'm using a (formally) Lemond Revolution flywheel trainer and have picked up a Wattbox for Power and Speed sensor support.
Also using a Wahoo hrm.
I attempted to setup this equipment over the weekend with varying degrees of success.
I'm attempting to use the Wahoo fitness application from my GS5 phone for the head unit.
I was able to pair the devices relatively easily, initially overjoyed by the simplicity. However...
when I try to use the devices (primarily the wattbox) they are continuously dropping and re-establishing connections.
According to the device meters on the phone, it's ~5 seconds between disconnects/reconnects, not so overjoyed.
I've since tried using my Garmin 500 for the head unit just to see if maybe it was the computer that was the culprit. While at first it appeared this might be the case, on closer observation the disconnects are less frequent, my guess is the garmin is checking for the connection on a less frequent schedule giving the appearance that it's less of an issue.
I also questioned the Wattbox, maybe it was faulty, but I noticed that my HRM was dropping connections too, it was just quieter when it happened (on my phone app, a voice would wail, "Bike connection lost!", "Bike connection found!" whenever the power or speed sensor dropped/reestablished. but the HRM would simply go flat line).
So now I'm considering other factors in the room. Google has mention how WiFi can interfere with Ant+ frequencies which is pretty clear on how to adjust this, but there's also a Roku box in the room (running over wifi) which apparently can also cause interference, and reportedly isn't as easily remedied.
1) Anyone else have issues with this in like configurations? and if so,
2) had to work around any of these problems? (and can provide antidotes).
I'm using a (formally) Lemond Revolution flywheel trainer and have picked up a Wattbox for Power and Speed sensor support.
Also using a Wahoo hrm.
I attempted to setup this equipment over the weekend with varying degrees of success.
I'm attempting to use the Wahoo fitness application from my GS5 phone for the head unit.
I was able to pair the devices relatively easily, initially overjoyed by the simplicity. However...
when I try to use the devices (primarily the wattbox) they are continuously dropping and re-establishing connections.
According to the device meters on the phone, it's ~5 seconds between disconnects/reconnects, not so overjoyed.
I've since tried using my Garmin 500 for the head unit just to see if maybe it was the computer that was the culprit. While at first it appeared this might be the case, on closer observation the disconnects are less frequent, my guess is the garmin is checking for the connection on a less frequent schedule giving the appearance that it's less of an issue.
I also questioned the Wattbox, maybe it was faulty, but I noticed that my HRM was dropping connections too, it was just quieter when it happened (on my phone app, a voice would wail, "Bike connection lost!", "Bike connection found!" whenever the power or speed sensor dropped/reestablished. but the HRM would simply go flat line).
So now I'm considering other factors in the room. Google has mention how WiFi can interfere with Ant+ frequencies which is pretty clear on how to adjust this, but there's also a Roku box in the room (running over wifi) which apparently can also cause interference, and reportedly isn't as easily remedied.
1) Anyone else have issues with this in like configurations? and if so,
2) had to work around any of these problems? (and can provide antidotes).
0
Comments
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Not familiar with all the devices mentioned, but debugging this sort of thing always takes the same approach. As in switch off *everything* in the room that you don't need in that instant. So your wifi, roku box, the lot. Then try your Lemond with the Garmin first of all, then add in the HRM. Then repeat with your phone.
If you're methodical you can pin down the cause.
Does your equipment provide a Bluetooth connection? The Wahoo HRM certainly will, many people have reported as many issues with interference on BT channels but it could be worth investigating - obviously your Garmin won't be able to pick up BT signals.0 -
i found that bluetooth headphones interfered with ant+ connectionswww.conjunctivitis.com - a site for sore eyes0
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Certainly there must be a professional service somewhere that can determine that an ant+ device is working properly? Having to shut down my entire house to test this thing simply isn't realistic, or necessarily conclusive.0
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It is classic troubleshooting methodology... and costs only your time. A professional service (assuming it exists and is available to the consumer) will absorb your time (you need to fully explain your issue) and money (professional services are not run as charities as a general rule)
Alternatively you swap the suspected faulty part for a known good one and observe.0 -
I'm not familiar with the equipment either but have found, using a Mac connected over Ant+ to a power meter / HR strap / cadence meter / Taxc Neo, that the range really isn't great. The solution was to get a USB extension cable and plug the ANT+ stick into that and have it on the floor next to the turbo.
Can't say I tried turning wifi or anything else off but so far the extension cable approach has been pretty robust.0
