GEBRAUCHSANLEITUNG
USER MANUAL
MANUEL D’UTILISATION
MANUALE D’USO
GEBRUIKSAANWIJZING
Manufactured by
Polar Electro Oy
Professorintie 5
FIN-90440 KEMPELE
Tel +358 8 5202 100
Fax +358 8 5202 300
Polar F4™
Fitness Herzfrequenz-Messgerät
Fitness Heart Rate Monitor
Cardiofréquencemètre
Cardiofrequenzimetro per il Fitness
Fitness Hartslagmeter
17925928.00 DEU/ENG/FRA/ITA/NLD A
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Congratulations on your purchase of a new Polar F4™ Fitness Heart Rate Monitor!
The Polar F4 heart rate monitor is easy to use and an ideal
training buddy for many reasons.
Why should you use a heart rate monitor?
• A heart rate monitor helps you to train at your ideal
pace.
• It shows you the date, exercise duration, time spent in
target heart rate zone, your average and maximum
heart rates and your calorie expenditure after each
exercise session.
• It reminds you to exercise at least every three days.
• It has an easy to use, two-button functionality.
• It has a large easy to read display.
• A heart rate monitor maximizes the benefits of
exercise in a limited amount of time.
• A heart rate monitor provides you with objective
information. Are you on the right track with your
training? Are you improving?
• A heart rate monitor provides you with immediate feedback;
this is why it is an ideal training partner for you!
The Polar F4 heart rate monitor provides you a reliable and convenient way to measure your heart rate wirelessly.
It measures the electrocardiogram (ECG). You can use the wrist unit to conveniently view your heart rate and other
information while walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, or performing any other exercise without disturbing your exercise
rhythm. Professional athletes and amateurs alike have relied on the information provided by their Polar heart rate monitor
for decades, so why shouldn’t you?
Read on to find out how to get the most out of your new training buddy!
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POLAR F4 QUICK GUIDE
1. SETTINGS
Press OK
2. TIME MODE?
Select 12h or 24h time mode with SET
Press OK
If you chose 12h time mode select AM or PM with SET
Press OK
SET
OK
3. TIME OF DAY
Select the hours with SET
Press OK
Select the minutes with SET
Press OK
4. SET DATE
Select MONTH/DATE with SET
Switch the unit on by pressing any of the
Press OK
buttons. Press OK to start the Basic Settings
(SETTINGS is displayed). Enter the Basic
Settings information (time mode, time of day,
date, units for weight and height, your
weight, height, age, and gender). Adjust the
values with the SET button and accept your
selection with the OK button. For further
information, see chapter 2. Basic Settings,
page 37.
Select DATE/MONTH with SET
Press OK
Select YEAR with SET
Press OK
5. UNIT
Select POUNDS (lb/ft)/ KILOGRAMS (kg/cm) with SET
Press OK
6. USER SETTINGS
Select your WEIGHT with SET
Press OK
Select your HEIGHT with SET
Press OK
Select your AGE with SET
Press OK
Select FEMALE/MALE with SET
Press OK
7. SETTINGS OK
You have now completed the Basic Settings and
the unit is ready to be taken into use.
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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE F4 HEART RATE MONITOR ... 33
1.1 F4 PRODUCT SET ............................................ 33
1.2 WRIST UNIT BUTTONS AND SYMBOLS ............. 34
1.3 FUNCTIONS..................................................... 36
5.5 UNITS SETTING ............................................... 45
5.6 TRANSFERRING SETTINGS FROM YOUR
COMPUTER ..................................................... 45
6. TARGET HEART RATE ZONE ...................................... 46
7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE ........................................ 48
2. BASIC SETTINGS ...................................................... 37
3. EXERCISING ............................................................ 38
3.1 HOW TO PUT YOUR TRANSMITTER ON AND
START RECORDING YOUR EXERCISE DATA ...... 38
3.2 FUNCTIONS DURING EXERCISE ....................... 39
3.3 HOW TO STOP AND REVIEW THE EXERCISE
SUMMARY ...................................................... 40
8. PRECAUTIONS ......................................................... 49
8.1 INTERFERENCE DURING EXERCISE ................. 49
8.2 MINIMIZING POSSIBLE RISKS WHEN
EXERCISING ................................................... 50
9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................. 51
10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................... 52
11. LIMITED POLAR INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE .......... 53
12. DISCLAIMER ............................................................ 54
4. CHECKING SAVED EXERCISE INFORMATION ............ 41
4.1 SUMMARY FILE ............................................... 41
4.2 TOTALS FILE.................................................... 41
5. HOW TO CHANGE SETTINGS ..................................... 43
5.1 HEART RATE LIMITS SETTINGS ........................ 43
5.2 SOUND SETTING ............................................. 44
5.3 WATCH SETTINGS............................................ 44
5.4 USER INFORMATION SETTINGS........................ 45
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1. INTRODUCTION TO THE F4 HEART RATE MONITOR
1.1 F4 PRODUCT SET
The Polar F4 heart rate monitor set
consists of the following items:
The wrist unit displays your heart rate, calories expended,
and exercise time. You can also wear it as a watch.
Wear the transmitter while exercising. The electrode areas
are on the back of the transmitter. The electrodes detect your
heart rate continuously and transmit it to the wrist unit.
The elastic strap holds the transmitter around your chest.
This user manual contains necessary information on using
your Polar F4 heart rate monitor.
Polar Web Services
Polar Fitness Trainer (www.PolarFitnessTrainer.com)
is a complete web service tailored to support your exercise.
Free registration gives you access to the exercise diary,
tests & calculators, reports and useful articles. Moreover,
you can get latest product tips and support online at
www.polar.fi/fitness.
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1.2 WRIST UNIT BUTTONS AND SYMBOLS
OK button
SET button
•
Starts and stops the heart rate
measurement
•
•
•
Moves to the following mode or display
Increases the selected value
Snoozes the alarm for 10 minutes
•
•
Enters the displayed menu and setting
Moves back to the main mode in the
Summary and Totals menu
Accepts the settings
By pressing and holding the SET button
•
•
•
•
•
In the Time of Day display the key lock
can be switched ON/OFF
In the Totals menu an individual value
can be reset
In the Exercise mode the target zone
alarm can be switched ON/OFF
Switches the alarm and snooze off
Note: By pressing and holding the OK button,
you can return to the Time of Day display from
any menu except while you are recording your
exercise.
Heart Touch
In the Exercise mode, you can see the
time of day by bringing the wrist unit
close to the Polar logo on the
transmitter.
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The blinking heart symbol indicates
Weekday indicators
that your heart rate is being measured.
MON = Monday, TUE = Tuesday,
WED = Wednesday, THU = Thursday,
FRI = Friday, SAT = Saturday,
SUN = Sunday
The sound symbol indicates that
• the Target Heart Rate Alarm is
on (Exercise mode).
• the Alarm is on (Time of Day mode).
Pressing the SET button snoozes
the alarm for ten minutes. Press
the OK button to stop the alarm.
The key lock symbol indicates that
the buttons are locked in the Time of
Day display. By pressing and holding
the SET button, you can lock the buttons.
The following text will scroll on the
display: HOLD TO LOCK, LOCKED.
Unlock by pressing and holding the
SET button again. HOLD TO UNLOCK,
UNLOCKED scrolls on the display.
The fitness bullets indicate the time
you have spent on the target heart
rate zone. For further information, see
the section Functions during exercise
on page 39.
The battery symbol indicates that
the wrist unit battery is low.
For further information, see the
section Care and Maintenance on
page 48.
The watch symbol indicates the time
of day in the Exercise mode.
Your heart rate is displayed as a
percentage of your maximum heart
rate (HR ).
Automatic exercise reminder text
appears when three days have passed
since your most recent exercise. This
reminder appears every full hour on
the display when the time of day is
displayed.
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1.3 FUNCTIONS
Basic Settings
• When using the
wrist unit for
the first time or
after resetting
it, press any
button to go to
the Basic
Settings mode.
SET
SET
SET
SET
Settings
OK
Exercise
Summary
Totals
• Shows the data
recorded during the
exercise session
(date, duration,
time in target zone,
average heart rate,
maximum heart
rate and calorie
expenditure)
• Accumulates time,
calories, exercise
counts and average
exercise frequency
per week
• Target heart rate
limits settings
• Sound setting
• Watch settings:
alarm, time, date
• User settings:
weight, height, age,
gender
• Measures and
records exercise
information
• Shows exercise
information during
the exercise session
• Exercise Summary is
automatically
• Starting point
for all functions
• Shows date
and time
• Unit setting: lb/ft or
kg/cm
shown after
stopping the
exercise recording
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2. BASIC SETTINGS
You only need to activate the blank wrist unit once or after
resetting it. Once activated, the wrist unit cannot be
switched off.
4. SET DATE: Press SET to select the MONTH or DAY. Press OK.
• Press SET to select the DAY or MONTH. Press OK.
• Press SET to select the YEAR. Press OK.
5. UNITS for weight and height: Press SET to select pounds
and feet (lb/ft) or kilograms and centimeters (kg/cm).
Press OK.
6. WEIGHT: Press SET to select your weight. Press OK.
7. HEIGHT: Press SET to select your height. Press OK.
Note: If you selected lb/ft as your units, you first set feet and then
inches.
8. AGE: Press SET to select your age. Press OK.
9. SEX: Press SET to select FEMALE or MALE. Press OK.
The wrist unit displays SETTINGS OK and goes to the
Time of Day Display after 3 seconds.
It is important that you be precise with the Basic Settings,
especially when setting your weight, height, age and gender,
as they have an impact on the accuracy of the measuring values,
such as the target heart rate limits and calorie expenditure.
Alternatively you can transfer your Basic Settings to the
wrist unit from the PC. For further information, see the
section Transferring Settings From Your Computer on
page 45.
1. Activate the wrist unit by pressing any button.
2. SETTINGS is displayed. Press OK to go to Basic Settings.
3. TIME MODE?: Select 12 h or 24 h time mode by pressing SET.
Press OK to accept your selection. TIME OF DAY is displayed.
12 h: the time is displayed from 1 to 12 AM or PM.
• Press SET to select AM or PM. Press OK.
If you prefer to change some of your settings after
accepting the Basic Settings, you can do it in Settings
mode. For further information, see the section How to
Change Settings on page 43.
• Press SET to select the HOURS. Press OK.
• Press SET to select the MINUTES. Press OK.
24 h: the time is displayed from 0 to 23 hours. In the date
setting the day is set first and then the month.
• Press SET to select the HOURS. Press OK.
• Press SET to select the MINUTES. Press OK.
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3. EXERCISING
To measure your heart rate, you need to wear the transmitter.
The wrist unit records the exercise information (date, duration,
time spent in target heart rate zone, average heart rate,
maximum heart rate and expended calories) during your
exercise session.
1. Attach one end of the transmitter
to the elastic strap.
2. Adjust the transmitter’s strap
length to fit snugly and comfortably.
Secure the strap around your chest,
just below the chest muscles, and
buckle the strap to the transmitter.
Note: The default settings of the target heart rate limits are calculated
according to your Basic Settings. You can learn more about target heart
rate zones in the section Target Heart Rate Zone on page 46. This
information will help you to exercise at the right level. For further
information on how to set the target heart rate limits, see the section
How to Change Settings on page 43.
3. Lift the transmitter off your chest
and moisten the two grooved
electrode areas on the back. Check
that the wet electrode areas are
firmly against your skin and that
the Polar logo is in a central,
upright position.
3.1 HOW TO PUT YOUR TRANSMITTER ON AND
START RECORDING YOUR EXERCISE DATA
Keep the wrist unit within 3 feet/1 meter of your transmitter.
Check that you are not near other people wearing heart rate
monitors or any source of electromagnetic disturbance. For
further information on interference, see the section Precautions
on page 49.
4. Wear the wrist unit as a watch and
press OK to start recording your
exercise data. Your heart rate and
the heart symbol appear in a
few seconds.
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3.2 FUNCTIONS DURING EXERCISE
Checking the Time of Day
limits. These are the limits you can see on the upper row of
the display. If you have not set your age, you can do it in the
Settings mode. For further information on determining your
personal target heart rate limits, see the section Target
Heart Rate Zone on page 46.
The heart symbol in the line moves according to your heart
rate. If there is no heart symbol in the line, your heart rate
is either below or above your limits. An alarm sounds when
you are outside the limits, if the heart rate zone alarm is on.
Bring the wrist unit near the Polar logo
on the transmitter. The time of day is
displayed for three seconds. Or you can
press the SET button until you see
the Time of Day display.
Checking Exercise Duration, Heart Rate Limits and Calories
Press the SET button to browse the following information:
Turning the Heart Rate Zone Alarm On or Off
Press and hold the SET button until the alarm is turned on or
off. The alarm symbol is displayed when the alarm is on.
Accumulated exercise calories (Cal/Kcal)
Heart rate (bpm or (HR ))
If the numbers flash, you are outside your
target heart rate zone.
Fitness bullets
Time of day
Heart rate limits
Exercise duration (hh:mm ss)
Fitness bullets
There are six fitness bullets. Each represents 10 minutes in
the target heart rate zone, equaling one hour in total if all
the bullets appear. When you are in the target heart rate zone,
the 1st bullet starts to blink. When 10 minutes is up, the next
bullet starts to blink and so on. When you are not in the
target zone, the blinking bullet disappears.
Heart rate limits
Providing that you have set your age in the Basic Settings
mode, the unit gives you your personal target heart rate
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3.3 HOW TO STOP AND REVIEW THE EXERCISE SUMMARY
MAX HR Maximum heart rate of the
Note: The following information is only available if you have used the
transmitter belt during your exercise session.
exercise session (bpm)
Press the OK button to stop the recording of the exercise
data. The SUMMARY view is automatically displayed. Each
result is displayed for 3 seconds.
CALORIES Calories expended during the
exercise session (Cal/Kcal)
The following information is shown in the Exercise Summary.
After the Exercise Summary review, the wrist unit returns to
the Time of Day display. You can skip the Exercise Summary
by pressing OK button and check the information later. For
further information on checking saved information, see chapter
Checking Saved Exercise Information on page 41.
DURATION Exercise duration (hh:mm ss)
Note: If your display reads 00, your heart rate is not being received. Bring
the wrist unit up to your chest near the transmitter’s Polar logo. The wrist
unit starts looking for the heart rate signal again. The display refreshes
in about 5 seconds.
IN ZONE Exercise time in the target
heart rate zone (hh:mm ss)
Note: Your exercise information is saved in the Summary and Totals files
only if the exercise session has lasted more than one minute.
AVG. HR Average heart rate of the
exercise session (bpm)
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4. CHECKING SAVED EXERCISE INFORMATION
4.1 SUMMARY FILE
You can review your latest exercise information in the
Summary file.
4.2 TOTALS FILE
You can review cumulative exercise information in the
Totals file.
1. In the Time of Day display, press SET.
SUMMARY is displayed.
2. Press OK to start reviewing the data.
DATE is displayed.
3. Scroll with the SET to see the following exercise
information:
1. If you start from the Time of Day display, press SET twice.
TOTALS is displayed.
2. Press OK to start reviewing the data.
TOT. TIME is displayed.
3. Scroll with SET to see the following exercise information:
TOT. TIME Total accumulation of exercise time and
the date the accumulation started.
DATE
Exercise session date
DURATION Exercise session duration
TOT. KCAL Total calorie expenditure and the date
IN ZONE
AVG. HR
MAX HR
Exercise time in target zone
Average heart rate of the exercise session
Maximum heart rate of the exercise session
the accumulation started.
COUNT
Total number of all exercise sessions and the
date the accumulation started.
CALORIES Calories expended during the exercise session
PER WEEK Average frequency of exercise sessions per
week (starting from Monday 00:00.00).
RESET ALL Resets all information in the Totals mode to
zero.
4. Press OK. SUMMARY is displayed.
You can proceed to the Totals menu by pressing SET
(TOTALS is displayed). For further information on Totals,
see the section Totals File in the next chapter.
Alternatively, return to the Time of Day display by pressing
and holding OK.
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If you wish to reset all the information, press OK.
RESET flashes on the display. Select RESET or NO RESET
with SET.
Press and hold OK
Confirm your choice with the OK button. RESET ALL is
displayed.
Press SET twice
Totals
4. Press and hold the OK button until the wrist unit returns
to the Time of Day display.
OK
SET
SET
SET
SET
Tot.
Time
Tot.
Kcal
Per
Week
Reset
All
Count
Note: You can also reset an individual Total value in the Totals menu.
Press the SET button to review the TOTALS menu and find the value you
want to reset. Press and hold the SET button until the wrist unit asks if
you want to reset the value (RESET?). Continue pressing and holding the
SET button until the value is reset to zero. The accumulation date is set
to the current date.
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5. HOW TO CHANGE SETTINGS
In the Settings menu, you can view or change the information
you have set earlier, such as heart rate limits, your personal
information and watch settings. You can also prepare your
settings and transfer them to your wrist unit from your PC.
For further information, see the section Transferring Settings
from Your Computer on page 45.
5.1 HEART RATE LIMITS SETTINGS
These are the heart rate limits that are used during your
exercise session. The wrist unit calculates your personal
target heart rate limits based on your age. You can also set
the target heart rate limits yourself. For further information
on determining your personal target heart rate limits, see
the section Target Heart Rate Zone on page 46.
1. In the Time of Day display, press SET until SETTINGS is
displayed.
If you start from the Time of Day
display, repeat steps 1-4.
2. Press OK. LIMIT SET is displayed.
3. Press SET to browse LIMIT SET, SOUND SET, WATCH SET,
USER SET or UNIT SET.
5. LIMITS is displayed. Press SET to
select heart rate limits as beats
per minute (HR) or as a percentage
of your maximum heart rate
(HR ). Press OK.
6. HIGH LIMIT is displayed. Select
the higher limit value with SET.
Press OK.
4. Press OK to enter the desired setting.
Note: You can return to the Time of Day display at any stage by pressing
and holding the OK button.
7. LOW LIMIT is displayed. Select
the lower limit value with SET.
Press OK.
8. LIMIT SET is displayed. Press SET
to proceed to SOUND SET. Press OK.
Summary
Totals
Settings
OK
SET
SET
SET
SET
Limit
Set
Sound
Set
Watch
Set
User
Set
Unit
Set
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5.2 SOUND SETTING
Time Setting
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. SOUND SET is displayed. Select sound ON or OFF
with SET. Press OK.
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. ALARM is displayed. Press OK until TIME is displayed.
6. Select 12 h or 24 h mode with SET. Press OK.
7. Only when 12 h mode is in use: Select AM or PM with SET.
Press OK.
6. Press SET to proceed to Watch Settings. Press OK.
8. Select the hours with SET. Press OK.
9. Select the minutes with SET. Press OK to proceed to
Date Setting step 6.
5.3 WATCH SETTINGS
Note: The time and date are presented in two ways. Select the presentation
mode by choosing 12h (date: month, day, year) or 24h (date: day, month,
year) mode.
Date Setting
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. ALARM is displayed. Press OK until MONTH or DAY is
displayed.
Alarm Setting
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. ALARM is displayed. Select ALARM ON or OFF with SET.
Press OK.
6. Select MONTH or DAY with SET. Press OK.
7. Select DAY or MONTH with SET. Press OK.
8. Select YEAR with SET. Press OK.
9. Press SET to proceed to User Information Settings.
Press OK.
ALARM OFF: Proceed to Time Setting step 6.
ALARM ON (24 h mode): Select the hours with SET.
Press OK. Select the minutes with SET. Press OK to
proceed to Time Setting step 6.
ALARM ON (12 h mode): Select AM or PM with SET.
Press OK. Select the hours for the alarm with SET.
Press OK. Select the minutes with SET. Press OK to
proceed to Time Setting step 6.
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5.4 USER INFORMATION SETTINGS
5.6 TRANSFERRING SETTINGS FROM YOUR COMPUTER
Your Polar F4 heart rate monitor offers you the option of
transferring all the settings easily from your PC to your
wrist unit via Polar UpLink feature.
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. WEIGHT (LBS/KG) is displayed. Adjust your weight with
SET. Press OK to proceed to height setting.
6. HEIGHT: Adjust your height with SET. Press OK to proceed
to age setting.
Note: If you use lb/ft, you need to set feet first and then inches.
7. AGE: Adjust your age with SET. Press OK to proceed to
gender setting.
8. SEX: Select FEMALE or MALE with SET. Press OK.
9. Press SET to proceed to Unit Setting. Press OK.
5.5 UNIT SETTING
If you start from the Time of Day display, repeat steps 1-4.
5. UNIT is displayed. Select LB/FT or KG/CM with SET.
Press OK.
6. Return to the Time of Day display by pressing and
holding OK.
In order to to be able to use the UpLink feature, you need a
computer with a sound card and dynamic loudspeakers or
headphones.
For further instructions see www.polar.fi/fitness.
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6. TARGET HEART RATE ZONE
Target Heart Rate Intensity Zones
The table below contains target heart rate intensity zones in beats
per minute (bpm) estimated by age in 5-year intervals. Calculate your
Your target heart rate zone is a range between
the lower and upper heart rate limits expressed
as percentages of your maximum heart rate
own HR , write down your own target heart rate zones and select the
(HR ) or as beats per minute (bpm). HRmax is
max
max
ones suitable for your exercise.
the highest number of heartbeats per minute
during maximum physical exertion. The wrist
unit calculates your HRmax according to your age:
Maximum heart rate = 220–age. For more
accurate measurement of your HRmax visit your
doctor or exercise physiologist for an exercise
stress test.
Age
HR
Light
Intensity
60-70% of HR
Moderate
Intensity
Hard
Intensity
80-90% of HR
max
max
(220–age)
70-80% of HR
max
max
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
200
195
190
185
180
175
170
165
160
155
120-140
117-137
114-133
111-130
108-126
105-123
102-119
99-116
140-160
137-156
133-152
130-148
126-144
123-140
119-136
116-132
112-128
109-124
160-180
156-176
152-171
148-167
144-162
140-158
136-153
132-149
128-144
124-140
In exercise, different heart rate zones produce
different results. The heart rate zones that suit
you depend on your goal and your basic physical
condition.
96-112
93-109
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When your heart beats at 60-70% of your HRmax (HRma%x ),
you are in the Light Intensity Zone. Whether you have just
started working out or you exercise fairly regularly, much of
your workout will be in this zone. Fat is the body’s main source
of energy at this level of intensity; therefore this zone is also
good for weight control. This intensity still feels fairly easy for
most people and provides, for example, the following
benefits:
• Improves cardiovascular fitness
• Improves endurance
• Helps in weight control
• Accustoms your body to exercising at a faster pace
• Helps to increase the speed you can maintain without
building up lactic acid (your anaerobic threshold)
At 80-90% of your HR , you have moved into the Hard
max
Intensity Zone. Exercise in the hard intensity zone definitely
feels "hard". You will find yourself breathing heavily, having
tired muscles and feeling fatigued. This intensity is
• Helps in weight control
• Improves endurance
• Improves cardiovascular (aerobic) fitness
recommended occasionally for fit people. Exercising in this
zone is intensive, so it provides some unique benefits.
Push on to 70-80% of your HR , and you are in the
max
Moderate Intensity Zone. This is especially good for people
who are exercising regularly. For most people, this is often
the fastest pace they can maintain and still remain
comfortable and free of pain. Exercising in this zone is
particularly effective for improving cardiovascular fitness.
If you are out of shape, your muscles will use carbohydrates
for fuel when you are exercising in this zone. As you get fitter,
your body starts using a higher and higher percentage of
fat for fuel, thus preserving its limited stores of muscle
carbohydrate. Exercising in the moderate intensity zone
results in some additional benefits:
• Increases muscles’ tolerance to lactic acid
• Improves hard, short effort ability
When you exercise in the right intensity zones, it guarantees
your enjoyment in your favourite sports. Alternate between
intensity zones to improve your fitness and get variation in
your exercise. Remember that the lower the intensity the
longer you can comfortably exercise in it. Exercise in higher
intensity for shorter periods.
Note: Polar target heart rate intensity definition is modified from
international exercise science authorities' recommendations in which
light intensity can reach lower than 60% of HR
.
max
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7. CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your Polar heart rate monitor is a high-tech instrument and should
be treated with care. The suggestions below will help you fulfill the
guarantee obligations and enjoy the product for many years to come.
Service
During the two-year guarantee/warranty period we recommend that
you have service done by an authorised Polar Service Center. The
warranty does not cover damage or consequential damage caused
by service not authorised by Polar Electro.
Taking Care of Your Polar Heart Rate Monitor
• Clean the transmitter regularly after use with a mild soap and
water solution. Dry it carefully with a soft towel. Keep the wrist
unit clean and wipe off any moisture. Never use alcohol or any
abrasive material such as steel wool or cleaning chemicals.
• Do not dry the transmitter in any other way than with a towel.
Mishandling may damage the electrodes.
Transmitter Batteries
The estimated average battery life span of the transmitter is
2500 hours of use. If you suspect that the transmitter battery has
run out, contact your authorized Polar Service Center for a
replacement transmitter. Polar recycles used transmitters.
• Never store the transmitter wet. Sweat and moisture can keep
its electrodes wet and the transmitter activated, which
shortens the battery life span.
• Store your heart rate monitor in a cool and dry place. Do not
store it in any kind of non-breathing material, such as a
plastic bag or a sports bag if it is wet.
Wrist Unit Batteries
The estimated average battery life span of the wrist unit is two years in
normal use (including 1h/day, 7 days a week of exercising). Please note
that excessive use of the alarm signals drain the battery more rapidly.
The battery symbol
indicates that the battery should be replaced.
• Do not bend or stretch the transmitter. This may damage the
electrodes.
• Keep your heart rate monitor out of extreme cold and heat. The
operating temperature is 14 °F to 122 °F/ -10 °C to +50 °C.
• Do not expose the heart rate monitor to direct sunlight for
extended periods, such as by leaving it in a car.
Note:
• If you have set the alarm before the symbol is displayed, the alarm
will still activate until the battery runs out.
If you try to reset the alarm the wrist unit displays Battery Low. You
cannot reset the alarm until the battery is changed.
• In cold conditions the low battery indicator may appear, but the
indicator is deactivated when you return to a normal temperature.
• Do not open the wrist unit yourself. To ensure the water resistance
properties and the use of authorized components, the wrist unit
battery should be replaced by an authorized Polar Service Center
only. At the same time a full periodic check of the Polar heart rate
monitor will be done.
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8. PRECAUTIONS
Crosstalk
8.1 INTERFERENCE DURING EXERCISE
Polar F4 wrist unit picks up transmitter signals within
3 feet/1 meter. Other signals, picked up simultaneously from more
than one transmitter, can cause incorrect readouts.
Electromagnetic Interference
Disturbances may occur near high voltage power lines, traffic lights,
overhead lines of electric railways, electric bus lines or trams,
televisions, car motors, bike computers, some motor driven exercise
equipment, cellular phones, or when you walk through electric
security gates.
Using The Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor in a Water Environment
Your Polar heart rate monitor is water resistant to 100 feet/30 meters.
To maintain the water resistance, do not press the buttons of the
wrist unit under water.
Exercise Equipment
Users measuring their heart rate in water may experience
interference for the following reasons:
• Pool water with high chlorine content and seawater are very
conductive. The electrodes of a transmitter may short-circuit,
which prevents ECG signals from being detected by the
transmitter.
Several pieces of exercise equipment with electronic or electrical
components such as LED displays, motors, and electrical brakes
may cause interfering stray signals. To try to tackle these problems,
relocate the wrist unit as follows:
1. Remove the transmitter from your chest and use the exercise
equipment as you would normally.
• Jumping into water or strenuous muscle movement during
competitive swimming may cause water resistance that shifts
the transmitter on the body to a location where it is not
possible to pick up ECG signals.
• The ECG signal strength depends on the individual and also
varies depending on an individual’s tissue composition. The
percentage of people who have problems in heart rate
measuring is considerably higher in water than in other
environments.
2. Relocate the wrist unit until you find an area in, which it displays
no stray reading and 00 is displayed. Interference is often worst
right in front of the display panel of the equipment, while the
left or right side of the display is relatively free of disturbance.
3. Put the transmitter back on your chest and keep the wrist unit in
this interference-free area as far as it is possible.
4. If the Polar heart rate monitor still does not work with the exercise
equipment, this piece of equipment may be electrically too noisy
for wireless heart rate measurement.
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It is important to be sensitive to your body’s reactions during
exercise. If you feel unexpected pain or excessive fatigue when
exercising, it is recommended that you stop the exercise or continue
at a lighter intensity.
8.2 MINIMIZING POSSIBLE RISKS WHEN EXERCISING
Exercise may include some risk, especially for those who have been
sedentary. Before starting a regular exercise program, it is
recommended that you answer the following questions about your
health status. If the answer is yes to any of these questions,
we recommend that you consult a doctor before starting an exercise
program.
Notice to persons with pacemakers, defibrillators, or other
implanted electronic devices. Individuals who have a pacemaker
use the Polar heart rate monitor at their own risk. Before use, we
always recommend an exercise test under a doctor’s supervision.
The test is to ensure the safety and reliability of the simultaneous
use of the pacemaker and the heart rate monitor.
• Have you been physically inactive for the past 5 years?
• Do you have high blood pressure?
• Do you have high blood cholesterol?
• Do you have symptoms of any disease?
• Are you taking any blood pressure or heart medication?
• Do you have a history of breathing problems?
• Are you recovering from a serious illness or medical
treatment?
If you are allergic to any substance that comes into contact with
your skin or if you suspect an allergic reaction due to using the
product, check the listed materials in the Technical Specifications
chapter on page 52. To avoid any skin reaction risk with the
transmitter, wear it over a shirt. However, moisten the shirt well
under the electrodes to ensure flawless operation.
• Do you use a pacemaker or another implanted electronic
device?
• Do you smoke?
• Are you pregnant?
Note: The combined impact of moisture and intense abrasion may cause
black color to come off the transmitter's surface, which might stain
light-colored clothes especially.
Note that in addition to exercise intensity, medications for heart
problems, blood pressure, psychical conditions, asthma and
breathing, as well as some energy drinks, alcohol, and nicotine,
can affect heart rate.
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9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I do if...
…the display is blank?
The Polar F4 heart rate monitor is in battery saving mode when it is
dispatched from the factory. To activate it, press any of the buttons.
The Basic Settings starts. See the section, Basic Settings on page
37.
…I don’t know where I am in the menu?
Press and hold the OK button until the time of day is displayed.
…there is no heart rate reading (00)?
1. Check that the electrodes of the transmitter are moistened and
that you are wearing it as instructed.
2. Check that you have kept the transmitter clean.
3. Check that there are no sources of electromagnetic radiation in
close vicinity to the Polar wrist unit, such as TV sets, cellular
phones, CRT monitors etc.
…the display is fading?
The first sign of an expired battery is the low battery symbol.
Have the batteries checked. After battery replacement, you only need
to set the time of day and date in the Basic Settings. After setting
these values you can get to the Time of Day display by pressing and
holding the OK button.
4. Have you had a cardiac event that may have altered your ECG
waveform? In this case, consult your physician.
…the buttons do not react?
Reset the wrist unit by pressing and holding both buttons. The display
is filled with digits. By pressing any button the unit goes to the Basic
Settings mode (SETTINGS is displayed). When you have completed
the Basic Settings, the unit returns automatically to the Time of Day
display. If this does not work, have the batteries checked.
…heart symbol
flashes irregularly?
1. Check that your wrist unit is inside the transmission range and not
further that 3 feet/1 meter from the Polar transmitter you are wearing.
2. Check that the elastic strap has not become loose during exercise.
3. Make sure that the electrodes of the transmitter are moistened.
4. Make sure that there is no other heart rate transmitter within the
reception range (3 feet/1 meter).
…the wrist unit battery needs changing?
We recommend that all service should be done by an authorized
Polar Service Center. The two-year International Guarantee/Warranty
does not cover damage or consequential damage caused by service
not authorized by Polar Electro. Polar Service Center will test your
wrist unit for water resistance after battery replacement and makes
a full periodic check of your complete Polar heart rate monitor.
5. Cardiac arrhythmia may cause irregular readings. In this case,
consult your physician.
…heart rate reading becomes erratic or extremely high?
You may have come within range of strong electromagnetic signals,
which can cause erratic readings on the wrist unit display. Check your
surroundings and move further away from the source of the disturbance.
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10. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
The Polar F4 heart rate monitor is designed to
• help users to achieve their personal fitness goals.
• indicate the level of physiological strain and intensity during
an exercise session.
Transmitter
Battery type:
Battery life:
Built-in Lithium Cell
Average 2500 hours of use
Operating temperature: 14 °F to 122 °F/-10 °C to +50 °C
Material:
Water resistance:
No other use is intended or implied.
Polyurethane
Waterproof
Wrist Unit
Battery type:
Battery life:
CR 1632
Average 2 years (Exercise 1h/day,
7 days/week)
Elastic Strap
Buckle material:
Fabric material:
Polyurethane
Nylon, polyester, and natural rubber
including a small amount of latex
Operating temperature: 14 °F to 122 °F/-10 °C to +50 °C
Water resistance:
Accuracy of heart
rate measurement:
100 feet/30 meters
Limit Values
1% or 1 bpm, whichever is larger,
Chronometer
Heart rate limits
Total time
Total calories
Total exercise count
23 h 59 min 59 s
30–199 bpm
0–9999 h 59 min 59 s
0–999999 (Cal/Kcal)
65 535
definition applies to steady state conditions
Watch accuracy error: better than 0.5 seconds/day
at 77 °F/ 25 °C
Wrist Strap Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
Wrist Strap Buckle and
Strap Tongue Material: Polyoxymethylene (POM)
Back cover material: Stainless steel complying with the nickel
release regulations of the EU (EU Directive
94/27/EU and its amendment 1999/C 205/05).
Heart rate is displayed as the number of heartbeats per minute
(bpm) or as a percentage of your maximum heart rate (HRma%x ).
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11. LIMITED POLAR INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE
• This limited Polar international guarantee is issued by
Polar Electro Inc. for the consumers who have purchased this
product in the USA or Canada. This limited Polar international
guarantee is issued by Polar Electro Oy for the consumers who
have purchased this product in other countries.
This CE marking shows compliance of this product with
Directive 93/42/EEC.
Polar Electro Oy is a ISO 9001:2000 certified company.
• Polar Electro Inc. / Polar Electro Oy guarantees to the original
consumer/purchaser of this product that the product will be
free from defects in material or workmanship for two years
from the date of purchase.
Copyright © 2004 Polar Electro Oy, FIN-90440 KEMPELE, Finland.
All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be used or
reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written
permission of Polar Electro Oy.
• Please keep the receipt or International Guarantee Card,
which is your proof of purchase!
• Guarantee does not cover battery, damage due to misuse,
abuse, accidents or non-compliance with the precautions;
improper maintenance, commercial use, cracked or broken
cases and elastic strap.
The names and logos marked with a ™ symbol in this user manual
or in the package of this product are trademarks of Polar Electro Oy.
The names and logos marked with a ® symbol in this user manual
or in the package of this product are registered trademarks of Polar
Electro Oy.
• Guarantee does not cover any damage/s, losses, costs or
expenses, direct, indirect or incidental, consequential or
special, arising out of, or related to the product. During the
guarantee period the product will be either repaired or
replaced at an authorized service center free of charge.
• This guarantee does not affect the consumer’s statutory rights
under applicable national or state laws in force, or
the consumer’s rights against the dealer arising from their
sales/ purchase contract.
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12. DISCLAIMER
• The material in this manual is for informational purposes only.
The products it describes are subject to change without prior
notice, due to the manufacturer’s continuous development
program.
• Polar Electro Inc. / Polar Electro Oy makes no representations
or warranties with respect to this manual or with respect to
the products described herein. Polar Electro Inc. /
Polar Electro Oy shall not be liable for any damages, losses,
costs or expenses, direct, indirect or incidental, consequential
or special, arising out of, or related to the use of this material
or the products described herein.
This product is protected by one or several of the following patents:
US 6361502, US 6418394, US 6537227, FI68734, DE3439238,
GB2149514, HK812/1989, US4625733, FI 88223, DE 4215549,
FR 92.06120, GB 2257523, HK 113/1996, SG 9591671-4, US
5491474, FI88972, FR92.09150, GB2258587, HK306/1996,
SG9592117-7, US5486818, FI4150, DE20008882.3, FR0006504,
US6477397, FI4069, DE29910633, GB2339833, US6272365.
Other patents pending.
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