JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (2024)

Tutorial:Transfer Polar Flow (TCX) Data to Polar ProTrainer 5 (HRM) with JW HRM-GPX-TCX Tool

Polar offers along with their new devicesan upload to their web services. With latest ProTrainer releases it is alsopossible to upload the exercises to it. However, it isn’t possible to downloadthe data from the new devices into your local PolarTrainer software and usingit further as your sports tracking tool working on your local computer.

With JWHGT tool this will be possible.However, there are quite a few tricks that are helpful to know and which I willdescribe here.

<![if !supportLists]>1 <![endif]>ExportExcercise Data from Polar Flow

On the Exercise Details page of Polar Flowservice, use the “Export Session” button, choose to export as TCX format andsave the file in a directory of your choice.

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JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (1)
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<![if !supportLists]>2 <![endif]>ImportExcercise Data to JWHGT Tool

Import the file into the JWHGT Tool, makesure in preferences UTC timezone is set for importing TCX files.

<![if !supportLists]>3 <![endif]>AdjustPreferences and Export HRM File Data

Before exporting the data to the HRMformat, you might want to ensure you have certain preferences set up.

In case you made breaks during recordingthe exercise you might want make use of the Pause Removal feature (see also respectivechapter in manual).

In case you want to export recorded lapsas lap times, go sure that the preference is not set to not export lap times.

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JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (2)
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Finally, export the HRM file.

Important:

Polar ProTrainer needs files to be savedin a certain directory and using a special naming convention.

<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>File location: this is the directorywhere all imported HRM files get imported. The directory can be set up in theapplication individually. Typically it will be stored in a directory with yourname, and in a sub-folder for the respective year. E.g. “…\Bob Foo\2017”.

<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>File Name: The HRM file must be namedexactly like this: first two digits: year of exercise (e.g. “17” for 2017),next two digits month of exercise (e.g. “04”), next two digits day of exercise(e.g. “02”). The last 2 letters is, a little bit simplified for this purpose, thenumber of the next free HRM file on this location. If your current exercise isthe first one on that day the number will be “01”. In case already other HRMfiles got imported, look for the next free file number. If there is already afile “17040202.HRM” then choose “17040203.HRM”.

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JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (3)
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<![if !supportLists]>4 <![endif]>AdjustPreferences and Export GPX File Data

In case you want also to transfer afitting GPX file to Polar ProTrainer (optional), several settings must be used.

<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>Use the same Pause Removalsettings as used for HRM file export.

<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>Polar doesn’t save other datainto GPX files than timestamps and locations. So you could remove basicallyeverything else (e.g. heart rate, …) from export. But usually these data won’tdisturb. However, I recommend to disable Waypointexport here since it seems ProTrainer will create then a kind of additionalpath then.

<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>Polar ProTrainer will use thelocal time zone for converting the GPX file timestamps, although the standardis UTC and also timestamps to be marked as if they would be UTC timestamps. Therefore,you still need to have the export timezone “UTC” set up in Export Preferences! But in order the time values willfit to those of the HRM file, you will need to use time adjustments in case thelocal time zone is different to UTC. Enter the time difference in seconds tothe UTC time zone as positive or negative number as Time Adjustment in MergePreferences (e.g. 7200 for 2 hours in case of Central European Summer Time).

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JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (4)
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<![if !supportLists]>·<![endif]>File Location and File Name(appart from the different “.GPX” instead of “.HRM” file name suffix) must beidentical to the HRM file!

<![if !supportLists]>5 <![endif]>ImportData to Polar ProTrainer 5

Once you saved your file(s) with thecorrect names at the right location, you will be able to import the exercisedata into Polar Trainer 5.

On the calendar, double-click the day ofthe exercise. On the opening window use the respective icon to add a newexercise.

There, you can use the icon to attachexercise and select the HRM file you exported before.

As a result, all kinds of information isloaded into the input fields and you can go on with editing and saving thedata.

In case you created a GPX file in additionand everything worked out correctly with the special settings done before, thesymbol for GPS track information should be shown automatically.

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JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (5)
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<![if !supportLists]>6 <![endif]>Optional: Import Running Index and RR-Data (Heart Rate Variability)

In case a Running Index was calculated and/or Heart Rate Variability data can be downloadedfor your session you might want to transfer that data as well.

This has to be done after before mentioned steps and I have developed two dedicatedmini-tools just for that specific purpose as the required steps are a bit cumbersome doing it all manually and they also wouldn’tfit well into the JWHGT application workflow and design:

For updating Running Index: JWUpdateRunIndex

For creating RR information: JWCreateRrHrm

Please have a look at my homepage for further information about these tools.

All trademarks are © by their respectiveowners.

Polar Flow and Polar ProTrainer aretrademarks of Polar.

This webpage and software is a privateoffer and not provided by Polar.

JW HRM-GPX-TCX: Tutorial 1 (2024)

FAQs

Should I use .TCX, .fit, or .GPX format? ›

Conclusion. The Fit format brings a lot of enhancements compared to GPX and TCX formats. Garmin, Strava, Polar, Suunto and more now use Fit format, which is now a reference in the sport tech industry and could be the new standard for sport activity portability.

What is the difference between .FIT and .GPX files? ›

FIT files contain more data than a GPX file. For example a . FIT file may contain a recorded stream of distance data separate from GPS data. GPX files typically don't contain that distance stream and distance must be calculated from the GPS data in the GPX file.

What is the difference between GPX and TCX files on Strava? ›

TCX files contain more information than GPX files such as heart rate, cadence, and watts. TCX files exported from Strava will also contain power data. TCX export only works for activities with GPS data, which may exclude indoor activities with no GPS. This is a little-known trick, however, it's simple to use.

What is the difference between fit and TCX? ›

TCX History: contains ride history, like speed data, date and time, duration, and more. These files do not provide turn by turn navigation. FIT: contains turn by turn navigation data for use with Garmin Edge series devices. Generally smaller in size than TCX course files.

What is the difference between GPX and TCX? ›

GPX, or GPS Exchange Format, is a common an (xml) data format which can describe waypoints, tracks, and routes. TCX or Training Center XML format is also an xml data format, but was created by Garmin. It is very similar to GPX but treats a track as an Activity rather than simply a series of GPS points.

What is the best way to use a GPX file? ›

Using a GPX file on a phone

Find the file on your phone – usually in your downloads folder. Select it and click 'Share'. Choose the navigation app on your phone that you wish to use for navigation, such as Komoot or Ride with GPS. The app will open and process the GPX file.

What software can read GPX files? ›

GPX Viewer - Google Workspace Marketplace. GPX Viewer is a free online app that reads GPX files, works on your computer, uploads or imports from your Google Drive. No need to install the application, it takes time, we will help you do it easily. We support the most popular GPX Viewer formats, such as .

What app can open a .FIT file? ›

Just about all major sports software programs should be able to open . fit files. Garmin Connect and Strava work just fine with . fit files, in fact, Zwift can even upload directly to Strava!

What file format does Garmin use? ›

Data can be imported into the Garmin Explore™ website for use with GPS devices or for planning adventures. These can be GPX, KML, or KMZ files (not Custom Maps). If you also wish to see imported data on your GPS device, you will need to sync your device. For instructions on syncing, see Related .

How to read TCX file on pc? ›

You can rename the TCX file extension to . zip then expand the file with a Zip decompression program, such Apple Archive Utility. I've been able to open TCX files in my computer using Microsoft Word Viewer or Microsoft Excel Viewer. If you have any other question, please let us know.

How does TCX work? ›

TCX hedges against exchange rate risk by providing simple risk-mitigation tools, primarily cross-currency forwards and cross-currency swaps, to its shareholders and in some case to the clients of its shareholders.

Is Garmin 1000 GPX or TCX? ›

What File Format Should I Use? The Edge 1000 can use GPX Track, TCX, or FIT Course files. A TCX Course has the advantage of embedding your planned route's cuesheet. So, alongside Garmin's dedicated navigation, you get beeps and text for each pre-planned cue entry in the cuesheet.

What can you do with a TCX file? ›

A TCX (Training Center XML) file is a data exchange format used to share data between fitness devices. Then use the save as option to save your file in the . XML format. Then you can input your file in the Alteryx easily.

Does Garmin use .FIT files? ›

Some Garmin devices can simultaneously record track data in both the GPX and FIT file formats. These file formats are designed for specific uses and each have their own strengths. Because these file formats record data differently, the same activity may show some variation when the two formats are compared.

What is TCX format file? ›

Training Center XML (TCX) is a data exchange format introduced in 2007 as part. of Garmin's Training Center product. The XML is similar to GPX since it. exchanges GPS tracks, but treats a track as an Activity rather than simply a. series of GPS points.

What is the best file type to upload to Strava? ›

Strava supports FIT, TCX and GPX file types as described below. New file types are not on the road map. Developers are encouraged to use one of these types as it will also maximize compatibility with other fitness applications.

Will Garmin accept GPX files? ›

GPX files can come from a variety of sources and contain data such as routes, tracks, waypoints, and geocaches. These files can be imported into our Garmin BaseCamp™ program to review on a computer and then transferred to a compatible handheld Garmin.

Does Garmin 1000 use TCX or GPX? ›

What File Format Should I Use? The Edge 1000 can use GPX Track, TCX, or FIT Course files. A TCX Course has the advantage of embedding your planned route's cuesheet. So, alongside Garmin's dedicated navigation, you get beeps and text for each pre-planned cue entry in the cuesheet.

Is Wahoo TCX or GPX? ›

Wahoo ELEMNT devices will also accept files in TCX or GPX formats, although TCX files support fewer types of turn arrows and GPX files will not show any turn arrows, so we recommend using FIT files.

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