Heart Rate Monitor
The Heart Rate Monitor must be connected to a serial data port on a data logger as shown here:
The available data from the unit is as shown in the following table.
Channel Name
| Race Technology message
| Race Technology Default name
| Race Technology VAR number
| Resolution
|
HeartRate
| aux 26
| Auxiliary 1
| VAR_2025
| 1 BPM
|
RRInterval
| aux 27
| Auxiliary 2
| VAR_2026
| 1 ms
|
HeartRateZone
| aux 28
| Auxiliary 3
| VAR_2027
| 1 – 5 zone
|
HRVariability
| aux 29
| Auxiliary 4
| VAR_2028
| 1 ms
|
EnergyBurn
| aux 30
| Fuel aux temp comp
| VAR_2029
| Calories per second
|
Exertion
| aux 31
| Fuel aux volt comp
| VAR_2030
| 0 to 100%
|
There are no configuration options available for the heart rate monitor. As such it is important to make sure that the above channels are not used for any other sensors.
Heart Rate
Heart Rate is measured in beats per minute (BPM). Heart rate is an indicator of the physical load a driver is experiencing. Age and fitness govern the maximum achievable heart rate; taking the measured heart rate as a percentage of the maximum shows how close the driver is to the limit.
RR Interval
The RR interval is the time in milliseconds between each heart beat (ECGs are traditionally labelled using the letter R for the main part of the beat). The change in intervals can be analysed to better understand physiological performance.
Heart Rate Zone
Heart rate zones are a common way to control training. Zone zero is the lowest level, with zone five the highest. Zones are a great way of matching gym training to on-track demands.
Heart rate variability
Derived from the RR interval value, heart rate variability is given in milliseconds and shows how much the heart rate has varied over the proceeding minute. Higher numbers suggest better physical adaptability to the track conditions.
Energy burn
Energy burn is given in calories per second. Calories burnt varies with heart rate, age and fitness. Every calorie burnt must ultimately be replaced.
Exertion
Exertion is given as a percentage from 0 to 100. This gives a very clear indication of how hard a driver is working. The higher the percentage, the more physical effort is being put in.