Nike Triax Elite Running Watch SDM/HRM
Nike Website
Triax Elite HRM/SDM Watch – Workouts, Chrono, Heart Rate Monitor, Speed and Distance, PC/Mac Software
First let me say that this is one cool package. The watch coupled with the SDM (speed distance monitor) pod that goes on your shoe and the heart rate monitor that goes around your chest is pretty amazing when you think about it.
I give it 4/5 stars
I did my research and you can too by hitting Google. The choices are long for heart rate monitors. I have had a Polar for a few years and it has allowed me to train consistently so I decided to build on that success. I am a traveling salesman so I find myself in strange towns often. So I don’t know how far I’m running, often. So I wanted to add speed and distance to the mix.
The choices are fewer for distance tracking. Well, accurate distance tracking.
SDM: Basically there are two technologies out there to track distance and therefore speed. GPS – Global Positioning System and motion tracking from Dynastream
Innovations. Okay, three – there is the standard Pedometer that measures steps but that is very inaccurate.
GPS systems based on satellite technology are proven and fairly accurate. They are great for hiking, driving, etc. when you have a line of site to the sky and the goal is to know specifically “where†you are going, not necessarily how far. I have a GPS I use for hiking and driving – reviewed in another column and great for the where. The GPS I use for hiking does have issues for small distances though – it is great when it tracks against roads and trails in a database but when moving off road things like altitude and the “drift†of
satellites cause it to be somewhat inaccurate. And if you have tree cover or buildings in the way – you loose the satellite and you are out of luck.
The Dynastream technology is a multi-dimensional motion tracking device that delivers a highly accurate and continuous method of measuring distance and velocity traveled for both runners and walkers. The little “pod†on your shoe generates analytical information about the stride such as stride length and foot lift. It then transmits it to the watch where it is recorded and measured against time. Nike has taken this technology and
created a smart device that is easy to install, light-hardly noticeable and maintainable.
I chose the Nike SDM “pod†because it is all about distance and speed not “where†and it is generally more accurate and not dependent on a line of site to the sky and satellites. I plan on running in the woods so I need that. The pod attaches to your shoe with a little rubber strap. You turn it on by pressing the button
on the top. It will then begin to flash. I ran about two months before the battery ran out. This was an easy switch. The pod takes a single AAA battery and is easily replaced with a coin:
The Strap (HRM Transmitter): This is standard issue Heart Rate Monitor. I had a Polar before, it worked great for years and I probably would have bought another one but its based on GPS technology. Also, I had heard that the Nike tracking software was great. More about that later.
The great thing about the chest strap is that it has a replaceable battery while the Polar is sealed and once it runs out its done. Interestingly enough my Polar strap lasted over three years and never ran out of power, this Nike chest strap battery needed replacement after three months.
The other small problem is that the strap is a little bulky – on long runs it rubs – I haven’t tried vaseline
- not sure if it would harm the unit. Finally, an update here – there have been reported problems with water seeping into the battery via the gasket – so make sure it is tight. You can lose power and use of the strap.
The Watch: This is one complex but comprehensive chronograph. It has a “sleep” option to conserve power – that should tell you how much it uses. The Watch has 4 modes: Time, Workout, Chronograph and PC Link. Time has two time zones and the date. Workout stores distance, time and heart rate combinations to guide you through your workout. Chronograph has a stopwatch that can save multiple runs and a total of 100 laps. This is great for long runs and also when I take road trips and want to save several runs in the watch until I get home. Most of the time, though, I have my laptop computer with me and can’t wait to download the data and see the graph – but more about that later. The watch will also save “auto-laps†set to whatever interval you want. I tend to leave it set to record every mile split.
The Workouts will work in conjunction with the Chronograph to record splits and display or audibly
give information to you during the run. If you set a pace for example based on heart rate it will graphically show you where you are on pace by moving a bar on the side up or down and it will beep fast or slow based on you going out of your target heart rate range. No cheating on the downhill’s, no killing yourself on the uphill’s. You will get the whole run in as if your old cross country coach is following you in his car watching what you do (Yes, my high school coach used to do that on the long road runs).
The biggest complaint I have heard is that the watch display is not as user friendly as the Polar. I kind of agree – there is a lot to track and review and there are two many button pushes to get there:
Lap View shows your current Lap large with total time small.
Total Time view shows Total Time large with your current lap small.
Heart Rate view shows your pulse large and your split small.
Distance view shows your distance large and your split small.
Pace view shows your Pace per minute and your split small.
You must press the “view†button on the edge of the watch to cycle through – so if you want to look at your distance and then your total time it will take you several presses to get that information – all looking down and fumbling.
How many of you run like that – Split is important – perhaps for three seconds on the split to display but in general I want to see total time. Especially with pace – if you are tracking pace you don’t need to see the last split. Also – PACE is average pace over the segment in workout but instantaneous on chrono.
During my race I found myself staying with the Heart Rate and listening for the splits (audible beep) to track miles.
That is also where I realized my calibration was off. I had gone to a track to calibrate the watch. Basically you run a quarter mile and tell the watch it was a quarter mile. The problem was, it wasn’t a quarter mile, it was a little longer. So I trained for three months as a much faster pace then I though. Imagine my surprise when I hit the first mile in less then 7 minutes and my watch beeped the first mile split a minute or so later.
But that is it, no other complaints – others have said they don’t like the angle of the watch, I like it. Time is easy to set but the real easy way is to set it on your computer. Okay, lets get to the software. I’m going to show
you the Mac OS X version – as far as I know it is the same on Windows.
Software: The Triax Elite software lays everything out on one screen. The main view is a calendar with a month’s worth of workouts and plans. Here you can see a summary of your distance and time, connect to the website and get some help. I have to say that they aren’t finished yet – we connect just takes you to the Nike Website and Help is a rudimentary list of FAQ’s. At some point it would be nice for them to create a community of posted workouts to load into the software as well as software updates and technical
support.
When you plug the USB Dock into your laptop and launch the software you will have two additional buttons – Set Watch and Sync. Set watch is great, you can set everything from the time to critical pieces of information about your workouts. When you Sync you load the workouts into the watch. Both a menu of workouts to choose from if you want to try something new on the fly or as an entire plan – a set of workouts that take you through a set process over several days, weeks or months.
The Sync also downloads what you have done. All of your saved runs are loaded into the calendar where you can add journal entries, view a graph of the data and export to a spreadsheet for other uses.
I particularly like the journal and the graphing. I keep track of how I felt during the run as well as the day’s conditions. You can also export the day’s results with the button located at the bottom of this screen. It outputs a flat file that can be printed as a text file or imported into Excel for example. It will show every bit of data collected in intervals – that is what the system uses to create graphs.
You can match HR against Time, Distance and Pace/Speed. Its a great motivator. I wish it had a smoothing function – the system is so accurate that it shows every sub second measurement so it is choppy. See the following image:
Historical data is important if you want to adjust your routine or see what works. You can look at the full month and see what you have done (or not done) and then match days against each other in a long term graphic view.
Then you can create plans, working towards a goal. You can be very creative – setting up intervals based on heart rate or long slow runs based on time not distance.
The UI is pretty easy to use – you simply drag and drop workouts and plans onto the calendar. For the most part this works – there are some glitches in the Mac OS X version for planning – Individual workouts drag and drop fine, dropping a whole plan on the calendar had some issues with absolute dates – often taking it back a few years or not working at all. Nike Tech Support was very persistent getting back to me to resolve these issues. I’ll let you know if we do.
I recommend this watch for serious runners and those who think they are serious. If you are a gadget guy then you will love this watch. If you are working towards a better time and stronger heart then you will love this watch. If you cannot program the VCR and jog occasionally – don’t bother, you will find it too complicated.
I can see Nike targeting rehab and physical therapists with this device. Heart rate is the best measure of Cardiac health. Serious runners are the other target because tracking speed and distance is the most useful way to see how you will do in the race.
JimmyC
Polar USA S625X
It looks like Polar has released a running shoe pod version for sDM over GPS; I have to imagine the quality is excellent.
Error – watch reset!
Update to OSX Installation Issues
A note about calibration. I have been using the Nike Traix Elite Since June 04.
For distance running, I found manual calibration much more accurate than the 400m automatic calibration mentioned in the manual. I recommend a distance of at least a 1/2 mile for calibration and using a treadmil or acurately measured course is very crtical. I also recommend that you do the calibration based on your average pace. I find that by doing this I have got the error rate
I have been using the Nike Triax Elite on my Mac. However, the software I actually runs on OS 9, do you have a more current software?
Chris Z – Are you running OS X on your Mac but running the Triax software in classic mode? Or is your mac running OS 9?
To get the latest version of the software go here:
http://www.nike.com/timing/extranet/elite_software/
I’m trying to use the link provided by Jim Charanis (http://www.nike.com/timing/extranet/elite_software/) to update my software for use on MacOS 10.4. However, I believe the OSX link is malfunctioning (I download a file but it fails to expand properly). Has anyone had this problem or am I doing something wrong? The Classic file downloads and expands fine (but doesn’t run in OSX of course). Any other source for this software?
This may be a problem with Tiger not recognizing the downloaded file as an OS X file. When I opened it it went to OS/9 but when I option clicked it and opened it with stuffit it opened up into a folder and that folder contained the OS/X installation files.
What the heck:
I put it on my server. I make no claims that this is the correct version and it is subject to all Nike licenses. Please don’t hold me accountable, etc.
Elite Software
Jim
A quick update: I talked to a Nike representative at the Nike Timing Service Center (888-350-6453). He told me there is no version of the software that will run exclusively on OS X. He claims the latest version (v2.0), which is available on the extranet or on CD, is designed for OS 9 and is only capable of running in classic mode. Apparently they haven’t updated the software further because they are coming out with a new, redesigned Triax Elite system. Has anyone reading this actually run the Triax software in OS 10.4 that doesn’t run classic (i.e. a new mac shipped with OS 10.4)? I’m hoping the new Triax will be Mac OS X compatible.
I think that’s bull – I have been running the OS X version for years. Its not pure Coco – in other words it could be more OS X like but it works. Try the link above.
Having said that = a new version would be more then welcome!
Jim
Hey Jim
Thanks for posting that software. I was able to install it and run (in OS 10.4) with no problems. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that Nike customer support was dead wrong. Incidently, I called their Service Center again and a different rep gave me a completely different story (they don’t know much about the Mac OS) . He also said they have no idea about the time-line for release of a new version.
Anyways, thanks for the help and for maintaining this page. It is an incredibly useful source of info and advice for Triax Elite users.
Max
Has anyone used the bike feature on the Triax? I see the icon on the watch, but cannot find any info in the user’s manual regarding how to set it up for biking as well as running. Thanks.
That came up on the forum. Everyone suspects that they will eventually come out with a bike watch that tracks rpm’s/distance via a wheel sensor. They may have a new device we can buy or they may just use the same watch componants for a new watch – but as far as I know there is no bike upgrade. One note – many people use the foam insert that came with the watch – the round rubber thing that the watch was around – to put on your handlebar when riding.
Thanks so much for posting the information. I have been looking for the Mac OS X version for sometime — it’s not so easy to find on the Nike site. Additionally, your explanation of how to operate the watch/pod is far better than the instruction book.
Thanks again.
Just an added review of the triax elite. i’ve been using it since 12/04. I think I was pretty early into the game.
I calibrated it on a 400m track and it has been 99.5% or better in my races. I ran a half in tampa and it was 100%. I recently ran a marathon in dallas and it was only off by .1 (26.3) for the entire race.
I did have one instance where the calibration was off. It was right around the time when i changed the foot pod battery. Now, i usually go to a track every so often and give it a test.
I don’t notice the foot pod and it’s taken 2+ years of all kinds of weather in the midwest. I love the freedom you get.
The watch is good but my biggest complaint is that there isn’t an HR/pace on the same screen.
The HRM is pretty comfortable and seems to get the rate right.
The USB link can get interference with other wireless devices but you just have to keep them apart a few feet.
I only use the software to extract the raw data. i have a spreadsheet i like better. But, i honestly haven’t given the software much of a chance.
Overall i give it 4.5 out of 5. the half point knock is for the lack of the HR/pace split screen and that i don’t know how committed nike is to the product.
A quick question if someone could give me some advice — How do I calibrate the pod? I’ve lost my manual and can’t seem to find any instructions on the web. I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!
Well, after a little more digging, I found the following link where you can download a PDF copy of the user’s manual.
http://www.sporttek.co.uk/Nike_Triax_Elite_SDM_HRM_SM0019-001.html
Thanks Randy – your addition is what makes these posts work!
The OSX version from the nike website is self-expanding archive that runs in OS 9. But, you can just drag it on top of the OS X StuffIt Expander and it will expand… no classic required. Now, if I could only get it to run on my Intel-based Mac.
I think it only runs in OS 9 if your stuffit is set to open older files in OS 9, but I could be wrong; purged OS 9 a few years ago so nothing runs in it.
Good point though – and your other point on the discussion boards – about the new Intel based Mac Book Pro and the USB support for the transmitter is an interesting problem. I know the software installes a USB serial emulator and that may need to be updated. for the new hardware. This might be a problem for many products that do the same with USB.
Jim,
Thanks for your excellent review — it helped me decide to purchase the Triax, and I’ve been loving it (on my 12″ Powerbook). Notably, a user in the niketiming group on Yahoo writes that he’s solved a problem with the new MacBook Pro and Triax Elite Software 2.0.4: an out of date USB driver package, for which an update is available here: http://ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP/MacOSX/UniBin/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_2_0.dmg
Hope this helps someone!
I am having difficulty calibrating the foot pod and was wondering if anyone could tell me why when I download the info from a run it will show my pace as 20 min when I know this is not accurate–I ran the entire time and although I am not fast my pace is much better than this.
Any calibration tips would be appreciated.
If I could just get this calibrated I would love this system.
Thanks.
What is your offset?
do a search on my site – calibration and you will see I have had challenges too, but not to the point you have.
I would first make sure you are running on a measured 400 METERS and then do your calibration. Instructions are in the manual but let me know what your offset is, what if you are calibrating on known 400 meters. Also – what height are you and what do you normally run a mile in?
JimmyC
Can anyone suggest where I might go, or do, to replace just the strap of my hrm? One of the “clips” broke. Thanks…dan-o
Has anybody had any problems syncing with their PC when there are more than 3 or 4 runs stored on your watch? I normally sync after every run but I’ve procrastinated lately and now with 7 runs stored on it I can’t sync. I get a message that says I need to put my watch in PC Mode (which it initially is, I know how to sync) but then it automatically switches to Time Mode. I have tried several times to no avail. A friend has had the same problem with his as well. Any thoughts?
Dan-O — I just broke my clip, too. Can’t see an easy way to repair it.
Mike….I found a place in Illinois that is an authorized repair center for Nike that carries the elastic strap. The cost is $6.00…of course it cost more to ship it then the part (the shipping to MD was $6.95), but I really missed having that info on my runs, so for $13.00 it was a good deal. The 800 # to call and order is: 800-359-2508. They said it could take up to 10 days, but I had my new strap within 5 days I think it was.
Thanks Dan-O. I’m still using my watch; wondering if the battery is running low as sometimes it puts my HR WAY above 210 – I am either having a heart attack or its wigging out. Its usually in the begining.
A few folks have asked Is Nike Keeping this Triax Elite SDM? I’m not sure Nike+ seems to be doing very well. Not sure if its better or worse. maybe I’ll get it and track both on a few runs.
CAYMAN ISLANDS/December 1, 2006/PR Newswire — Garmin Ltd. (Nasdaq: GRMN) announced that it has today acquired Dynastream Innovations Inc. (“Dynastream”) for approximately $36 million in cash. Dynastream will continue operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. The acquisition is expected to be neutral to Garmin Ltd. earnings in 2007.
Dynastream is located in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada and employs approximately 50 people including over 25 engineers and scientists. Dynastream is a leader in the field of personal monitoring technology — such as foot pods and heart rate monitors for sports and fitness products — and is also a leading provider of ultra low power and low cost wireless connectivity solutions for a wide range of applications. These products address the needs of a broad spectrum of fitness consumers, from heath and wellness to performance athletes.
The watch battery went last week, and I had three runs in it that were uploaded to my software to March of 2003 or something like that after I changed the battery. When your watch battery starts to go it will show a low indicator but there may not be enough power to PC Sync as with my experience. So there I was – knowing this would happen. Sync often!
Great review – Ordered one from Amazon based on the review. Shipped via USA (they won’t ship to Australia) waited a week. Everything seemed to be working fine but could not get past the ‘PC not found’ situation. Tried everything under OSX 10.4.8 with Nike Triax Elite 2.0.4 and no updates on the Nike site. USB MSA012 suspected as dud. Sent the whole lot back to Amazon for exchange – QUESTION This OSx software seems very old – circa Apr 2004. Is anybody using a newer version and where did you get it from?
Zambezi – look through here and do a search on my blog for nike triax elite OS X and you will find all the posts that deal with this. They haven’t updated it – if you have a new Intel mac there are problems; I think there is a USB driver patch; otherwise its all about getting the USB port to recognize that unique dongle.
I had trouble getting my Intel Macbook Pro to recognize the Triax receiver (and generate a SYNC button in the Triax software interface), but the USB driver patch here solved my problem:
http://ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Simply download the driver for Mac OS X (intel), install the package, restart your computer, fire up the Triax Elite software and you should be good to go.
Posted in Nike Timing News Group on Yahoo….
Intel Mac driver? That is _so_ cool!!! Thank you so much!
[...] Chattahochee Road Runners 10K Posted on 3/4/2007 by Jim Charanis. Categories: Running Log.Chattahochee Road Runners 10K 354 JAMES CHARANIS 42 M 40-44 46:52.75 @ 7:34/M Crazy fast race – what I mean is its a great deal downhill. I warmed up 1.2 miles but the start was crowded and I started a bit in the back of the pack. First few miles were steady – 4 was fast and 5 was tight. 6 went really fast until the end, up a little hill for the last 100 yards then around the corner to finish with tight thighs. This puts me in Time Group A for the Peachtree Road Race 10K on July 4 – a goal posted earlier For my Nike Triax Elite fans – I have to adjust my offset again! Here is my calculation based on my spreadsheet And my pace based on the same spreadsheet (XLS that gives you your pace and helps you change your offset to the correct setting based on that race) Here is the Graph from the Nike Software Full Review of the Triax Elite Watch Here – along with a lot of reader comments. [...]