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Stages/Garmin Question

Sabra GonzalezSabra Gonzalez
in General Training Discussions

Hello, Endurance Nation!  I'm a newbie to the team and new to using power.  I have a Stages power meter and use my 920xt as my main source of display. (I also have a Garmin Edge 500 but didn't use that in this instance) I'm currently participating in the NovOS. The first week I did my FTP test and did the 20 minute ride.  I didn't stop peddling the entire time, yet when you look at my data on Garmin Connect, there are huge blank periods of time where the power data wasn't captured.  I did also notice that the power reading will go in and out during a ride on my 920. (this was done inside on my trainer and only used my watch) Any suggestions on how to make sure the power is reading the entire time?  As a result, my FTP is much lower than it probably really is.  Thanks so much!

Comments

  • Brian HaganBrian Hagan

    Sabra,

    I have heard of these issues with Garmin and Stages.  Stages blames Garmin and Garmin blames Stages.  

    Here is a link to a Stages power meter forum that may help.

    https://support.stagescycling.com/en/support/solutions/articles/1000137893-i-m-experiencing-drop-outs-in-my-power-readings-

     

  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    @Sabra - I don't use a Stages pm, but I have experienced drop out issues in the past with other power meters and Garmin. After some research I found that a 5G wifi signal in your home can cause interference and cause dropouts. I have since stopped using the 5G connection on my wifi. Although I still occasionally get a couple of dropouts for a second here and there (not sure why), its not nearly as bad as it was when I had that 5G signal running in the backround. And, YES, it can certainly affect an FTP test!!
  • Brian HaganBrian Hagan

    Sabra,

    From the quick reads I've done, it sounds like a lot of issues have been resolved with the firmware updates.  You may want to try that first.  Directions to update the firmware are in the previous post.

  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]

    I recently made the switch to Stages and use a Garmin 520 with no issues.  I too believe the firmware upgrades have helped. 

  • moetai@gmail.commoetai@gmail.com
    It's a known issue for stages PM (I have 3 of them): if the unit is too far from the PM, you will experience drop outs .
    ie: if I put my Garmin500 at the end of my tribars, it will get the PM signal with my hands on the brakes but will loose it as soon as my hands will be on the tribars (envelopping the garmin).
    You migh experience the same thing if the 920xt is on your wrist: signal is fine when you are on the drop and lost if you get in the aero position with hands in the aerobars. Garmin500 is now on my stem, no problem since (altough not the ideal spot for me)
  • peter Lautenslagerpeter Lautenslager

    Hi Sabra,

    I have a Stages Power meter and broadcast the data to a Garmin Edge.  I use to experience drops all the time.  Even though the distance between the two devices is small, if there is anything in between there can be interference.  I found that mounting the Garmin on top of my water bottle (between the bars) was the worse location and I would have almost no reception.  I finally purchased a Zipp Vuka Alumina BTA Mount.  It mounts the Garmin out in front of the bottle and I rarely have any drops.  It's also a great spot for the Garmin - super easy to read while riding.

    Keep trying new locations and I'm sure you will find the best spot for you set up



  • Sabra GonzalezSabra Gonzalez
    Wow, thanks everyone! Great info. I've calibrated my Garmin Edge and will try that tomorrow to see if that works better than the 920.
  • Sabra GonzalezSabra Gonzalez
    The Edge worked great! No drops...but now...I've gone back to the future. The date/time is reading 1999. ugh!
  • Brian TerwilligerBrian Terwilliger
    Sabra Gonzalez said:
    The Edge worked great! No drops...but now...I've gone back to the future. The date/time is reading 1999. ugh!
    Where did you end up mounting it?
  • Sabra GonzalezSabra Gonzalez
    @Brian Terwilliger - it's mounted in between my aerobars.  I found that updating the firmware helped and by just using my Edge and not my watch.  But funny that you mention this because today, I was back to having drop issues.  I think there may have been interference with my bluetooth headphones? I stopped using them and checked the firmware and it was up to date.  Seemed somewhat better but not great. Not sure what the issue was today. Last weekend outside there were no drop issues. 
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