Question:Have you checked out the Power-tap power meters? They have all the features
you are talking about, and I'm pretty sure it can be downloaded into the
computer. The downside is its a permanent attachment to the bike, and not a
watch. The major thing I would see as possibilities would be the software
interface with the computer. Making a user friendly and functional program
to program in pre-set workouts or interval times would be pretty cool, and
most of the upper end HRM already come with countdown timers which can be
used, however the software interface doesn't completely exist yet (to my
knowledge, and please prove me wrong, because I love computer gadgets.)
Answer:
I'm looking for some comments/advice on an electrical engineering
project I've just started.The concept is to design and build a computer
watch for triathletes.
It is intend that the triathlete will be able to sit down at their
computer before a race and develop a race plan which can be downloaded
into the watch. Then while
the are racing, the watch will be able to give the user prompting on how
well they are sticking to their race plan.
The current main features we intend include in the watch are:
heart rate measurement ( and alarms if the heart rate falls outside a
pre-programmed zone )
countdown to target times for the swim, bike and run as well as
overall race timing.
distance measurement on bike and run legs using cycle - computer and
pedometer type inputs.
alarms and text prompts (e.g.. 1 km, Halfway ) when certain milestones
in the race should have been reached.
Current average speed and target average speed for the cycle leg.
We also intend to log distance and heart rate data on the watch so that
this can be uploaded back to a computer after the race and examined to
give an overall
picture of the race.
I'd like to hear any comments anyone has about this idea and especially
any suggestions on useful functions to include.
What you describe is more of a marketing/product planning project. All
the technology to deliver the features you mention exists in current
production models. What you are proposing is to package a certain mix
of features not currently offered together.
Price is probably as important a feature as anything. As Brian points out
most of these features are available at present
at a price on other watches, especially if the information is downloadable.
Put them all into one watch and at current market values
you could probably buy a half decent bike for what the major players could
sell it for.
