Timex Data Recorder 2

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2008-08-12 8:50 PM

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Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Subject: Timex Data Recorder 2
What's with no one having any stock on the DR2?  Is the unit going kaput or do we see a replacement in the future?  Wondering if I should look at other options...

2008-08-13 5:38 AM
in reply to: #1599125

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2

I've used them.  The problem with the whole concept that Timex uses is that you have to turn on several units (watch, GPS, data recorder), as well as carrying all the units. In general, the data recorder worked fine, although I've had several workouts where the GPS stopped picking up and I lost a part of the workout.

I switched to the Forerunner 305 this year when REI had them on sale.  Much better overall experience, using one unit, and only having one thing to turn on.  It all seems to orient itself quicker than my old Timex unit (but I had a first generation Timex, so it might not be a fair comparison).

If you are thinking of alternatives, I would go with a Forerunner.

2008-08-13 2:55 PM
in reply to: #1599460

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Coquitlam, BC, Canada
Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2
gearboy - 2008-08-13 3:38 AM

I've used them. The problem with the whole concept that Timex uses is that you have to turn on several units (watch, GPS, data recorder), as well as carrying all the units. In general, the data recorder worked fine, although I've had several workouts where the GPS stopped picking up and I lost a part of the workout.

I switched to the Forerunner 305 this year when REI had them on sale. Much better overall experience, using one unit, and only having one thing to turn on. It all seems to orient itself quicker than my old Timex unit (but I had a first generation Timex, so it might not be a fair comparison).

If you are thinking of alternatives, I would go with a Forerunner.

Thanks.  I'm considering a 405.  I'm already annoyed with the Timex after one run and it lost signal, leaving over a km off my distance.  Makes me wonder what purpose it serves if it's not really doing what it's supposed to. 

2008-08-13 3:11 PM
in reply to: #1599125

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2

I've had the second generation timex and logged thousands of miles on it. Works well and does what it says in a variety of conditions, including sub-zero temperatures.

The second generation GPS does sync very fast.

But, unless you're down the Timex road like I am, get the garmin. I keep waiting for mine to fail so I can make the switch.

Edited to add...I want to make the switch for the reasons GEARBOY mentioned. 



Edited by morey1 2008-08-13 3:12 PM
2008-08-13 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1599125

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Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2
The one good thing about the Timex is that you don't need a new watch just for swimming...stupid Garmin not waterproofing anything.  Stupid.  
2008-08-13 5:39 PM
in reply to: #1601515

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Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2

Deputy - 2008-08-13 4:56 PM The one good thing about the Timex is that you don't need a new watch just for swimming...stupid Garmin not waterproofing anything.  Stupid.  

True, but the gen 1 timex at least you had to turn on the GPS first, and then the watch.  If you didn't, the watch would not display the distance. So for a race, it would do me no good. And neither the GPS nor the data recorder are waterproofed, so you would have to put them on at T1, and remember to activate them as well.  PITA!

Mostly useful just as a HRM in that context.

2008-08-13 5:49 PM
in reply to: #1599125

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Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2

Definitely too annoying to be worth it.

 

Timex is not for me. 

2008-08-21 7:52 AM
in reply to: #1601827

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Rutland Ohio (South Eastern Ohio)
Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2
I have had good results with the timex generation 1. To get the GPS signal to pick up I just push the upper right button when I am in chronograph mode (once the GPS unit is on.) The GPS does take a little while to find the satellites. I haven't used my data logger for awhile mainly because I haven't got that far into training again. I have been looking for a next generation GPS unit because the first generation is a bit heavy and uses 2 AA batteries. I like the timex HRM better than my previous because it never loses the HRM signal (my previous was a reebok and gave faulty readings.) I do lose signals from the gps to the satelites at times but I run in hilly and somewhat wooded routes.

The last tri I did I mounted the GPS on my aerobars because I was only concerned with speed on the bike. (By the time I reach the run I am normally just trying to finish, or will just run the speed that I can run.)

Edited by clightle 2008-08-21 7:54 AM
2008-08-21 8:27 AM
in reply to: #1618143

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Elite
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Muskego, WI
Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2

clightle - 2008-08-21 7:52 AM I have had good results with the timex generation 1. To get the GPS signal to pick up I just push the upper right button when I am in chronograph mode (once the GPS unit is on.) The GPS does take a little while to find the satellites. I haven't used my data logger for awhile mainly because I haven't got that far into training again. I have been looking for a next generation GPS unit because the first generation is a bit heavy and uses 2 AA batteries. I like the timex HRM better than my previous because it never loses the HRM signal (my previous was a reebok and gave faulty readings.) I do lose signals from the gps to the satelites at times but I run in hilly and somewhat wooded routes. The last tri I did I mounted the GPS on my aerobars because I was only concerned with speed on the bike. (By the time I reach the run I am normally just trying to finish, or will just run the speed that I can run.)

 

Yes, I agree, I have good results with the timex as well. 

You can buy a gen2 GPS unit here .  IT syncs MUCH faster, the batteries last longer, and as you state it is much lighter.  Not 100% sure if it syncs with the older watches, but this retailer know their stuff and will reply promptly to emails if you have questions. 

2008-08-21 8:54 AM
in reply to: #1618212

Veteran
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Rutland Ohio (South Eastern Ohio)
Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2
Thanks for the link. I'll consider the purchase (after I check to make sure it syncs) after I have a few more months of training. It doesn't make sense to buy one if it sits in a drawer due to me taking more time off again.
2008-08-21 12:56 PM
in reply to: #1599125

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Subject: RE: Timex Data Recorder 2
I have had the Timex body link system for almost 4 years and at times it has been anoying, but overall it has greatly increased my feedback and made me faster. That said I would pick up the new Garmin (which is human size and not made for a dinasaur). If you go with Timex don't waste your money and time on the data recorder. I have gone through 3 of these (Timex has replaced the latter two at no charge). They work for about 5-6 work outs and then you have to start using the staic reset button and then it is downhill from there and after about 12 -1 5 workouts they are dead. Plus the data returned to you is in such a raw format that it is not as useful as Garmins or Polars.


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