Get Ready for ANT+

11/26/2012

Before you can connect your ANT+ Garmin Device to your tablet / phone, you need to install some additional piece of software and set up a few things in your watch. Here is a detailed explanation of each step.

Step 1: check your ANT+ USB key

A small number of Android devices (mostly the Sony Xperia family) come with an internal ANT+ chip. In this case, you don't need the Garmin USB key. In every other case, you need the ANT+ USB key that you're already using with your computer. Before you go further, check the key version on the bottom: it should read USB2. USB1 keys are not supported at this time.

Step 2: install the ANT+ services

In the end, I decided to base Sportablet on the ANT+ services from Dynastream. Unlike the Garmin ANT+ Agent you install on your PC, those ANT+ services don't know about your Garmin device, but know about the ANT+ hardware (the USB key, the internal chip on Xperia, etc). This should make my app a bit more future-proof (read: I shouldn't have to implement low-level drivers for new keys). We'll see :-). Meanwhile, that means you have to install two free apps (Android services actually) from Google Play:
- The ANT Radio Service (which deals with ANT+ channels)
- The ANT USB Service (which deals with the USB key). If you have an internal ANT+ chip (like the Xperia) you don't need this. See here for details on using an Xperia.

Go ahead and do it!

Note that those apps require your Android device to be properly classified by Google Play as one with USB Host capabilities. Some devices, which are host-capable, are not properly classified in Google Play. In that case, unfortunately, the ANT+ services will result "incompatible" with your device and you won't be able to download them. As they're provided by Dynastream, there is little I can do about it - you'll have to find an alternative way to obtain and install the APK (or convince Dynastream to drop the USB HOST requirement from their manifest, as I did for Sportablet).

Step 3: check that everything works

Insert your USB key. If you have a micro-usb connector, remember that you need to use a USB OTG adapter. This dialog should pop up from the ANT+ Service:

of course, you have to accept.
If the dialog does not pop up, your USB key is not being recognized by the ANT+ Service. That's not part of Sportablet, so I can't really help you much on this side. Please check the Google Play page for the two ANT+ Service apps, as there are quite a few hints from users in the comments section.

Now, if you want to double-check that it works, and you have a chest strap that you use with your Garmin, you can also download the free ANT+ Demo from Dynastream. It's a simple app that can connect with a chest strap or a scale and show you some values (it won't connect with your Garmin, just with the HR belt). If the ANT+ Demo works, everything has been set up properly. If you don't have a chest strap, just skip this step.

Step 4: configure your watch

It's time to fiddle with the bezel a little and make sure ANT+ is properly set up. Although you've probably done this before to pair your Garmin with your PC, you have to do this again to enable pairing with your Android device, and to make sure that all the activities in your watch will be sent. The following pics are based on a Forerunner 405.

Choose Settings > ANT+ > Computer

Make sure that:

Enabled is set to yes

Pairing is set to on

Force Send is set to yes

Note: the watch will change "force send" to "no" after any successful upload. If you upload from your Garmin to more than one device (like your tablet + your pc), you have to set it back to "yes". The Garmin does not remember to which device it has sent data, and by default it is only sent once.

Step 5: it's time to run Sportablet!

Run Sportablet. Don't click on Get new yet. First, make sure that your watch is not in stand-by, by clicking the top button. I've found that the watch transmits more reliably while in Time mode:

Now click the Get new button. You may see that the app is trying to connect on different frequencies: that's ok as it's part of the ANT+ protocol. After a while, the app will ask you to accept pairing on your device:

do so by clicking the top button on your watch. After that, it should proceed as usual: Runs are downloaded, then Laps, then Tracks. At the end, the dialog will report how many new activities you got. Click Done to get back to your main screen. Don't forget to send me a log, thanks!

NOTE: if you're using an Xperia or another device with internal ANT+ chip, remember to click options, and set "Force ANT+ scan" on. This will force the app to try using the internal chip.

Tweaking : )

ANT+ has very delicate timings, which can be easily disturbed by background processes, especially in a smartphone. So if you experience problems, the first thing you should do is turn off the GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, data connection on your phone. This is known to help a lot.

ANT+ is not particularly good at transferring long sequences of data, and the protocol Garmin adopted on top of it for the 405/410 family does not allow to retry on failures, so the combination is a little flaky on some devices. If you have any problem downloading long activities, Sportablet and the Uploader provides a few settings that you can try (under "options")

- First, make sure that diagnostics is turned off. ANT+ is very time sensitive, and on some devices even the time spent on logging seems to cause problems.
- Next, just enable "Delay Ack". Leave all the other ANT+ options off. This should give the watch a little more time to synch with the tablet during long bursts.
- If that still fails, turn "Delay Ack" off and set "Boost TX power" on.
- If it keeps failing, leave those on and set "Delay Ack" on as well.
- If you still have problems, get in touch.

Comments

Peter Jong

11/28/2012 06:22

I have a Garmin USB1 stick. Will it be possible to use my Androidtablet with this stick in the future? Thanks

Carlo Pescio

11/28/2012 06:34

Hi Peter,
most likely, no, I'm sorry. Dynastream is not going to support USB1 keys, and although I've considered the idea of doing it myself, at this time I don't think I'm going to pursue that option.
USB2 keys can be easily found on ebay etc, often at a very reasonable cost. You may want to consider buying one. However, I would recommend that you first test your tablet for general USB compatibility, as many models have issues and limitations.
It's easy to do so:
- run Sportablet
- activate device diagnostics under "my options"
- plug in your USB1 key
- try to upload (of course, it won't work :-)
- send me the log using the red button. There are enough details in there to understand whether or not a USB2 key would work.

ian

12/26/2012 13:45

Hi, I'm trying to get your app to work with a Garmin 910xt and Samsung note 10.1. I've got the ant stick working and tested with HRM and that works. When downloading, pairing request works, on watch and app says requesting run, but can't get beyond that stage.
Is there anything I can do or is the 910xt not compatible yet?

Carlo Pescio

12/26/2012 13:57

Ian: an updated list of supported devices is always available at
http://www.sportablet.com/answers.html

The 910 is not supported as of december, 2012. The protocol for the 910 is similar to the protocol for the 405, up to pairing. That's why you can get that far. At that point the protocols diverge.

The 910 will be supported, of course, but it's going to take some time. You can follow the sportablet account on twitter or facebook to get news and updates (see here: http://www.sportablet.com/contacts.html)

Tim

12/29/2012 13:49

Hi Carlo ,
I also have a Note and 910. I had the same experience as Ian.
I am looking forward to the app working with my Garmin and phone.
Thanks for your work here.
Tim.

julian

01/14/2013 13:10

i hope the 910xt support is comming soon. I use Sony Ericsson Pro with ANT+ onboard (it works wonderful with the scale and HRM)

Matt Priestley

01/18/2013 23:38

I have the garmin 410 and your app worked great. Just finished uploading everything. I would love to buy it, however it wont take my form of payment. Canadian. I tried amex, but no dice. Now what, I can only look at my last run on my tablet.

carlo pescio

01/19/2013 01:18

Hi Matt,
I see no trace of failed purchases in my google play console, so I can only assume something is going wrong early on. Maybe you could email me with more details on what is happening.

The entire purchase process is handled by google, so I'm afraid you have to ask them why your card is not accepted.

General help on google play purchases is here:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=104671
including a link at the bottom to contact them.

Note that, depending on your country / carrier, google can also accept purchases without a credit card, with carrier billing:
http://support.google.com/googleplay/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=167794
I don't know if this is a viable alternative for you.

Let me know how it goes : )

Jeremy

01/23/2013 16:59

I would just like to report that with device diagnostics turned off, I can upload all data from my Garmin 910xt to my Asus Transformer TF101 using both the Suunto Movestick and the Garmin USB2 Stick.

If you have a Garmin USB1 ANT+ stick and want to use your Forerunner with Sportablet, I would suggest investing in a Suunto Movestick rather than getting a Garmin USB2.

02/13/2013 11:30

Hi, I am using the Uploader for Garmin App in a Galaxy S3 and I was able to successfully import all the activities into the phone through this app. The problem I am facing is, I have the upload to Garmin Connect only on the latest activity, whereas you have said that all the activities shall be uploaded to Garmin Connect. Could you please let me know how can I upload all the activities to Garmin Connect.

carlo pescio

02/13/2013 12:12

The problem I am facing is, I have the upload to Garmin Connect only on the latest activity, whereas you have said that all the activities shall be uploaded to Garmin Connect.
------------
Hmmm, where did I say that? The app allows you to upload all your activities (so you can test that it works) and then unlocks one of them so that you can try out the different features.
Unlocking all the activities requires an in-app purchase. That's what is being said on google play and on this website. It's not like I'm keeping this as a secret.

If you don't want to buy the app, it's ok. Everything is still inside your watch, unless you deleted it. You can just upload it to your pc as usual (depending on your watch model, you may have to set it again to send all the activities, as explained above).

Martyn Jones

03/01/2013 16:02

Hi, I have sportablet installed on galaxy tab 2 7" running CyanogenMod 10.1. Paired buetifully to my Garmin 405CX but everything in the app says coming soon and I cant
find the in app purchase ~ would like to upgrade as I love the idea of getting my garmin data on my tablet

Many Thanks
martyn

carlo pescio

03/02/2013 12:26

The in-app purchase procedure was built on the idea that if the app doesn't work (say, for a specific tablet or garmin model), then it cannot be purchased :-).

So: go past pairing. If you have past activities on your 405, just set Force Send to yes as described above. Otherwise, record at least two activities, then get them into the app.

The first will be unlocked, so that you can try the app and see if you like it. The others will be locked. If you try to open a locked activity, the in-app purchase dialog will pop up. If you choose to buy, payment is carried out as usual through google play.

Larry

03/07/2013 03:35

I have a stupid question...do I have to connect the USB stick to my phone or computer? The USB hole on the phone is small and doesn't fit.

carlo pescio

03/07/2013 04:14

you need a so-called OTG adapter to plug the USB stick into your phone.

It looks like this:

http://usbtips.com/usb-otg-adapter-connects-usb-accessories-to-your-android-device/

and it's usually very cheap (a couple of $ or euros).

Make sure it's an OTG and not just a gender changer.

Stephan

03/31/2013 23:46

Hello Carlo,
I have a forerunner 405CX and an Asus tf300t. I would like to know if you have planned to develop an upload option? For the moment I can download my activities from my forerunner to my tablet (and it works fine, thank you) but I can't send a TCX file or GPX file from my tablet to my forerunner (like website as openrunner.com).

Many thanks
Stephan

carlo pescio

04/01/2013 02:52

Hi Stephan,
a list of upcoming updates is here:
http://www.sportablet.com/wish-list.html

Priorities changed a bit lately, but as you see the ability to send tracks to the garmin is there.

The bad news are: the 405 will be one of the last models to get it. While on your PC all the real work is done in the garmin plugin, so dozens of web apps have this ability to receive and send files to the garmin, in android I have to implement all the protocols myself. The 405 is the most difficult model to handle.

Since I'm working on those apps in my spare time, I need to make hard choices about what to do and what to postpone. Most people simply don't want to buy or support the apps, so progress is necessarily a bit slow on all fronts...

Stephan

04/01/2013 05:29

Thanks for your answer and don't worry, I understand that you have to make some choice.

Many thanks
Stephan

helen

04/19/2013 15:31

hi - am trying to connect from garmin 410, I have downloaded all the appropriate apps but get a "can't disable/enable ANT com.b.a.a.a: unknown ANT interface error. Can anyone shed any light on this am stumped - using nexus 7 but also trying on samsung galaxy ii. I have the OTG cable as recommended from one of the forums. Not sure what to try next? Any help appreciated.

Thanks

carlo pescio

04/20/2013 00:48

Helen, I've also got your log via email. The OTG cable is ok, my app can see the USB device. However, the device is then managed by the dynastream services. The first thing to do is to re-check steps 1 to 3:
1) key has to be USB2
2) you need to install the TWO dynastream services
3) the usb ant service dialog must pop up when you plug in your key (and of course you have to approve)
I would suggest a simple reboot of your tablet, because although I never needed it, quite a few people told me they had to reboot before the dynastream services worked.

carlo pescio

05/12/2013 04:32

for the record: turned out the key was usb1

John

05/12/2013 04:19

I have the galaxy note 10.1 and the garmin 405 xc. when connected the software On the tablet says recieving data but the Watch doesnt go to the transmitting screen any Ideas

carlo pescio

05/12/2013 04:32

I need to see a log to say something more :-).

One note though: please check the version of the ANT+ radio service. Yesterday dynastream released a version 4.0 which I think is breaking the app. It will take me a couple of days before I can look into that. If you have an older version, please send me a log (for instructions, click the "answers" entry in the menu at the top of this page).

John

05/12/2013 05:56

Carlo Just sent the thanks for the Promt reply.

Radovan

05/13/2013 03:07

Hi, What about the combination Forerunner 310XT and Samsung Galaxy Note Android 4.1.2? Will this combination work? Many thanks. Radovan

carlo pescio

05/14/2013 10:48

The app is free to try, so the best thing to do is to download the app, follow the instructions here for the 310:

http://www.sportablet.com/1/post/2013/02/connect-your-tablet-smartphone-to-a-garmin-forerunner-310xt-610-910xt-60-or-70.html

and give it a try. You'll need an OTG cable and your USB dongle.

The Note usually works well with ANT+, but there are different models, and different ROM versions (ROM version and Android version are not the same thing :-). It's really hard to say without trying, given that Samsung has never really been usb-friendly, but most likely it will work. If you have troubles, send me a log.

Floris

05/28/2013 12:45

Hey Carlos, great work!!! I just tried your app and it all works as designed with Nexus7 tablet and Forerunner 410 with ANT+ wireless connection. I will try it some more and buy the full app. Keep up the good work!!

Floris

carlo pescio

05/29/2013 06:14

Thanks for sending me a log Floris, I'll add this to the list of known working configurtions : )

Orlando Morais

07/15/2013 03:42

Hi.. I have a BQ Elcano tablet, but i can't instal the ANT USB Service
ANT+ (not compatible) is there any other application to install?

carlo pescio

07/15/2013 13:27

no, sorry; you'll have to find the APK somewhere outside google play...

gavin doyle

08/26/2013 06:57

Hi , Great info
I'm having issues with S3 upload from Garmin Ant usb
I'll checked and its a usb2. Downloaded both Ant radio and usb. The S3 is picking up the usb ok but then when I go into get activities its seems to be hanging on ''receiving data ready''...in the transfer log it just says ''ready''...I have played around with the various options within the uploader as suggested but to no avail. any helpe appreciated. thanks again

carlo pescio

08/26/2013 13:50

Gavin: the app is known to work well with the S3; please send me a log (instructions here: http://www.sportablet.com/answers.html) so that I can see what is going on.

Which Garmin device are you trying to connect? Which version of the ANT+ service are you using?

Also: make sure you're not in proximity of a strong WiFi source.

Greg

12/22/2013 05:25

Works well on an S4

Greg

12/22/2013 05:28

On android 4.3 with the new built-in ANT+ drivers.
405cx software 2.40

mahesh

02/19/2014 19:36

I have for runner 410. After every thing that is mentioned above was done, it says receiving data, Ant reset. Even after very long duration it does not go further.

carlo pescio

02/24/2014 00:55

hard to say anything without seeing a full log. make sure wifi etc are turned off in your phone, and stay away from wifi sources. Also check the "delay ack" flag under otions.

Neil

03/26/2014 14:49

Just tried Uploader app on Galaxy S4 running 4.4 with my FR405 (2.60). Followed the instructions and it worked fine. Thanks

Kaye

04/08/2014 09:14

Hi. I'm using a garmin forerunner 410 and trying to connect it to my samsung s3 mini mobile phone using a usb otg adapter. Unfortunately for me, it will not work. I keep getting an error saying device not found. Please can you help?

carlo pescio

04/08/2014 09:34

I need to see a log (instructions in the answers page above). See also this post about ROM issues with S3/S4 and android 4.2, if that's your case: http://www.sportablet.com/1/post/2013/11/samsung-s4-and-ant-garmin-devices.html

Kaye

04/10/2014 04:44

Thanks for your reply Carlo.... however, I'm still no further forward. My Samsung S3 mini mobile phone is running off Android version 4.1.1, so reading your link about the ROM issues, I'm guessing I should be fine. Do you have an email address I can forward a screen dump of the error log to? Many thanks.

carlo pescio

04/11/2014 07:41

Kaye, the app can prepare an email to send, with the right address and a much richer log than you see on screen, you don't need to send a screenshot (that won't help much). Just follow the instructions here: www.sportablet.com/answers.html under "how do I send a log"

john

04/27/2014 08:30

Carlo
I purchased this app a while back but i had to factory reset my tablet
So i reloaded the app from the play store when i started it for the first time after the reinstall it asked for a in app purchase now im not sure if it as taken some more money or it as just reloaded my previous purchase

carlo pescio

04/27/2014 12:03

Instructions to re-activate the app are here:
www.sportablet.com/answers.html
near the botton.

Generally speaking, google play will not allow you to purchase the same app twice (from the same google account - also remember that sportablet and the uploader are two different apps). Also, when you purchase from google play you normally receive a confirmation email with an order number. If you got an email like that (quite unlikely, would be a google play bug) get in touch using the contact form above, I'll need the two order numbers.

Terence St.John

05/13/2014 07:10

Dear Carlo, is there a way of only uploading new runs to my Samsung note 3? I have now succeeded in uploading all runs but each new one will only load at the end of uploading everything still on the Garmin 405.
Great app otherwise and if not I may try the Sportablet app on my phone!
Thanks for all your work.
Terence

carlo pescio

05/15/2014 12:24

The 405 will only send the "new" activities if you don't set the "force send" flag, which you need to set only the first time you use the app.
That works if you use the 405 only with the app. If you use it with your PC as well (someone do), I'll suggest that you leave the "force send" off when you upload to the app (first), and on when you upload to your pc (later).

Tijs

06/06/2014 13:15

Just tried to upload data from my 410 to my Samsung s3 and that worked.

Afterwards purchased the full app and also got a confirmation message but nothing changed in the app (i.e. Functionality). Any tips on how to complete this final step?

Thanks, Tijs.

carlo pescio

06/08/2014 06:58

I'm not sure I've understood. If activities are still locked after purchase, ask the app to check for activation again - instructions are in the answers page above (scroll near the bottom).
There is no extra functionality after activation of the uploader - what you see is what you get, with the exception of being able to send courses to some FR models (the 410 is not in the list at this time). Activation simply removes the locks on activities.

Mary

06/29/2014 16:11

Hi Carlo - I've been trying for two days to download my running from Garmin 405CX to my Samsung Galaxy Pro 10 tablet. I have downloaded both of your programs, and had the option a couple of times to email a log to you but have been unsuccessful to recreate it.

I've turned off all wifi, hooked up the Garmin USB2 stick to my otg and tablet, made sure all the Garmin's ANT+ settings were properly configured (ie pairing on, force send on, enabled yes. It downloads properly to my laptop but I am in the processing of switching from my laptop to use only the tablet.

When your pairing request came up, I accepted. Said device couldn't be found yet my watch kept saying "transferring data" and then "transfer complete" but your program kept saying "directory transfer failed, retry".

Said it was linking to different frequencies, sending authorization key, authenticated, requesting directory, receiving data, yet my watch would go back to standby mode and your program kept saying "requesting directory" with nothing else happening.

Any suggestions or should I just give up?

Thank you.

Mary

carlo pescio

07/01/2014 01:43

The app is known to work fine with your tablet / watch so you may want to persist a little more.

- you mention "both of my programs" but you only need Sportablet on a 10" tablet, the uploader is for small devices. If you have both, uninstall the uploader.

- you need the two dynastream services but I assume you have installed those.

- make sure that you have data/3g off in your tablet and you're not too close to a wifi source (modem/router)

- if it fails pairing, you have to stop the transfer and start over (enable pairing again if it never succeeded)

- you may want to set a few options, like delay ack and boost power. DO NOT set the force model for a 405.

That's it, pretty much. There are no other options for a 405.

Ken Hyland

07/21/2014 09:05

Evening Carlo
I've spent the evening trying to connect my 405CX with a Nexus 7 and 3 hours later the screen tells me it is still 'performing ANT+ scan'. I've followed the instructions, the watch is recognized but the receiving data wheel is just spinning despite turning the tablet off and on, etc. Can you help? Thanks.

carlo pescio

07/21/2014 09:10

Ken, the connection procedure should take a minute or so, waiting 3 hours is useless. Send me a log from the app so that I can see what's going on. However, be aware of the recent issues with the latest radio driver: http://www.sportablet.com/blog/about-the-ant-radio-service-update

Ken Hyland

07/22/2014 05:13

Many thanks for the amazingly fast reply, Carlo. Much appreciated. I tried uninstalling the usb service, rebooting and reinstalling but still no joy. I am off to the airport so have left it too late, but will pick this up again in a month! A pity as I really needed this for my trip, but I'm determined to get it working when I get back. Thanks again!

carlo pescio

07/22/2014 09:52

see also the latest post: http://www.sportablet.com/blog/patch-release-for-ant-radio-service1

About me

I'm a decent runner, ex mountain biker, and a good swimmer. I created Sportablet to squeeze a little more fun out of my Forerunner.

In my everyday life, I'm sort of a software design guru.
You can read some of my thoughts at carlopescio.com

Get Ready for ANT+

Step 1: check your ANT+ USB key

Step 2: install the ANT+ services

Step 3: check that everything works

Step 4: configure your watch

Step 5: it's time to run Sportablet!

Tweaking : )

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Get Ready for ANT+

Step 1: check your ANT+ USB key

Step 2: install the ANT+ services

Step 3: check that everything works

Step 4: configure your watch

Step 5: it's time to run Sportablet!

Tweaking : )

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