Garmin Edge 500 saga continues
UPDATE: December 8, 5:00 PM – The official word from Garmin is that the Garmin Edge 500 requires a software update to allow for downloading zone settings to the device from Garmin Connect. They are also working on a new release of the Garmin Training Center that will include power data options. No estimated time was given for the release.
A big “thank you” to the folks at Peaksware for helping me get up and going loading my data from the Garmin Edge 500 to Trainingpeaks. After mentioning my problems on Twitter, I was contacted directly by Gear Fisher, the COO. I was up and going in less than an hour and had several followup contacts from members of the Trainingpeaks team.
The key to working with Trainingpeaks and the new device is to have the latest Trainingpeaks Device Agent. The version that I have now is a late beta and the release version should be out soon. So far I have found the beta (Windows version only) to be pretty bug free and a great improvement over the previous version!
However, my Garmin Edge 500 issues are not over. While I have gotten my upload issues resolved, I am still having trouble getting some of the settings adjusted on the device. I am unable to set the heart rate and power zones.
With the Garmin Edge 705 you would use the device itself to input the zones. However, the Garmin Edge 500 does not allow you to enter the zones directly into the device. Instead, the manual instructs you to use the Garmin Connect or Garmin Training Center to configure the zones.
So, I went to my Garmin Training Center on my Mac. I did find the spot to enter the heart rate zones. However, there was no place to configure the power zones. Once I entered my heart rate zones, I looked for a way to get that information back to the Garmin. I searched every option and even went online searching for something I might be missing.
Zip. Zero. Nada.
Maybe the Garmin Connect online application could help. Ah, at least now I had the option to enter both the heart rate and power zones. However, once again, I had no way to get the information back onto my Garmin.
Okay, so maybe the issue was the fact that I was attempting to do this with my Mac. Maybe only the latest Windows version would allow me to configure my Garmin with the Training Center. I went to Garmin.com to download the application. Finally I gave up as the download would hang every time. Currently, I am waiting to hear back from Garmin support.
I do like the device and I’m looking forward to describing some of the features that I like. However, I’ve got to get through these issues before I’m ready to give it an enthusiastic review. Really, it isn’t the device itself so much as it is how the device interacts with its support mechanisms.
I realize that I am an early adopter and in today’s world this is just how products come to the market. Hopefully, any readers who are looking to purchase the device will find these issues resolved before their units arrive.
Then again, maybe I am just dumb and am missing an obvious option here. If you have any information that could help me get my zones put into my Garmin, I would appreciate it.
Tags: Garmin Edge 500
Connect your Edge 500 to your computer via USB. On Garmin Connect in Settings, after completing your Personal Information and customizing your heart rate zones and power zones for Cycling, click on Send to Device at the bottom of the left hand menu. A window should popup which allows you to select your Edge 500. Click continue and zones should be changed on your device. Does that work for you?
I did finally get it to see the Garmin Edge 500. I even finally got it to update. However, it was only after running the process several times. I kept getting an error message pop up so quickly that I couldn’t read it. Then I finally got this to pop up: Plugin error: source: WEBP1_PERCENTAGE_T.HPP, line: 49. I ran it a couple more times and it *said* it was successful.
Now when I look in my Garmin I find that it did populate my heart rate zones — but according to a default max HR of 185 bpm. Mine – and what I have entered in Garmin Connect – is 203 bpm. As for the power zones? They don’t show up at all.
[...] Garmin Edge 500 saga continues | Low Cadence [...]
I brought the garmin egde 500 4 days ago the problem that occured to me was it doesnt hold charge even from usb or ac power adapter….i ran the battery to 0 and now it doesnt turn on it’s a dead on arrival for me
but i am getting a replacement sent tomorrow hopefully i can start playing with it because the features looked amazing.
Amazing article this is. It gets a thumbs up from me.
I ran into the same issue trying to set Power/HR Zones from Garmin Connect. The changelog for the 2.10 Edge 500 firmware update claims to fix the issue, however I can’t seem to get Garmin Connect to successfully transfer any of the information. I run into alternating WEBP1_PERCENTAGE_T.HPP, line: 49 errors and generic errors stating “There was an error sending your personal profile to Edge 500″. This is a huge bummer because having zone information on the display is so convenient – fortunately it’s not really a device issue and hopefully they can have the Communicator Plugin/Connect problems solved quickly.
…a quick follow up…I may have spoken too soon. While I get consistent errors in Firefox 3.5.6 on OS X 10.5.8, I only get intermittent errors in Safari and it seemed to finally transfer the HR and Power zones.
Having my own version of issues with the Edge 500. Can’t find a comment on the web that mentions issues with speed irregularities and auto-pause so I thought I’d post here (thanks Jon).
The auto pause feature is munted – turns itself on and off at random. Also the speed can jump around all over the place. I suspect it is the unit itself not the firmware.
Obviously this is totally unreliable given I’ve had maximum speeds in excess of 128kph while climbing. As an exercise, I did a 125k loop with my old Edge 305 and the 500 both paired to the same GSC10. Both set to custom wheel size 2096 and both set to same proflile and HR Zones. Distance was greater in the 305 by 1.8km. HR was identical. Calories was 4108 in the 305 and 1988 in the 500 (51 yo body says the 305 is correct) 305 max speed 75.6, 500 max speed 132kph (not).
I’m still waiting for my CinQo cranks so let’s hope I can get the unit sorted shortly.
Good news. I contacted Garmin in the States (from Taz) about the issues and they said talk to Garmin Australia who then sent me a Return Number.
Returned the unit on a Wednesday and had a whole new one arrive the following Tuesday.
First ride tonight. Let’s see how it goes.
That is good news. I’ve found that Garmin is very good about dealing with problem devices. I have had a couple replaced under warranty and even one that was out of warranty they replaced for a small amount.
Just an FYI- I had LOADS of trouble with the 500 and saving personal data/power zones etc… The solution was simply to use Safari. It works every time. Firefox and Chrome routinely fail…
C’est la vie I suppose.
Also, coming soon GoldenCheetah will be able to download Garmin .fit files directly into the program… no need for Garmin Training Center…
-J