Samsung S4 and [ANT+] Garmin devices

11/5/2013

The S4 is a rather popular phone, and if you plan to use it with my app (Uploader for Garmin) there are a few things you need to know.

If your ROM version is less than 4.2, your phone works just fine with most Garmin devices. If you plan to connect an ANT+ forerunner (310xt, 610, 910xt, 405, 405cx, 410) you need an OTG adapter, so that you can plug in the Garmin USB ANT+ dongle. Just follow the instructions here or here.

If your ROM version is 4.2.x, you may have troubles. That version basically breaks the USB, and if you connect an old Forerunner 305 you'll get a security warning when you run my app; if you connect an ANT+ key, you'll get a security warning about the dynastream driver, and you'll probably never get to step 3 in the instructions above. Unfortunately, it's not something that can be fixed by an app. You have to wait for version 4.3.

Version 4.3 is a huge step forward. For old devices, well, it's just a good step backward :-), that is, the Forerunner 305 will simply work again as before (OTG adapter needed). However, if you have an ANT+ forerunner, you no longer need the ANT+ key, as Samsung has finally enabled the internal ANT+ chip in the S4. Simply follow the instructions I wrote for the xperia and you'll be set (in a nutshell: you don't need the ant+ usb service anymore, and you need to set a flag in the app).

By the way: the S3 has the same internal ANT+ chip, but it is not clear if Samsung is going to enable it in a later version.

12 Comments

Jose Campos

12/2/2013 12:41:35

According to the list published here http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/4644/what-android-phones-are-ant-hardware-enabled
the Samsung has also enabled the internal ANT+ chip in Galaxy Note 3
Given this feature - do you know if the Uploader on Galaxy Note 3 is working without using a USB key? I have a Forerunner 310XT.
Currently I use the uploader with my Galaxy Tab 2 7" via OTG cable/Garmin usb2 key, that combo is working brilliantly.

carlo pescio

12/2/2013 13:11:56

I've only got a couple of logs from users with a Note 3, both had timeout issues. After I suggested the guys to turn off wifi etc, I've got no answer. So I don't really know if it works or not on that tablet, sorry; most people don't send a log when the app works : ).

carlo pescio

12/4/2013 01:55:06

Update: there is a review on google play saying the app is working fine with a Note 3 + a 610 (protocol is the same as the 310xt). So, apparently, it works fine for some people : )

jay

1/14/2014 08:48:28

hi Carlo , I use a paid version of the uploaded for garmin. its a good app for recording the. activities.

however if the swim activity was chosen and uploaded it doesn't track it as swum when exported to Garmin connect. for running and cycling works fine. is there any settings needed for this.

carlo pescio

1/18/2014 06:12:14

you don't mention your garmin but I guess you have a 310 or 910. In those cases, all I do is get the FIT file and send it as-is to garmin connect. So there are no special settings there. Send me one of your files, I'll take a look.

Andy Bao

2/22/2014 23:41:10

Data point: S4 (4.3) syncs with 910xt no issues. (without USB ant+ dongle)
Delay Act : checked
Boost TX : checked
Force ANT+scan : checked
File transfer chunk : default

Ted W

6/5/2014 11:08:31

I have a samsung note 3, and a Garmin Fenix2. This garmin does not upload via ANT+, but rather just USB. using an OTG cable I connected the watch to my Note3. I expected to see and gain access to the .fit files, but did not. Someone else I know with a Nexus 5, needed an interim step by using some Nexus Media importer. Not sure how the N3 with android 4.3 mounts the USB. Is that the issue? You app couldnt find any data to upload. and somewhere in this process, my activites folder got wipe away/corrupted. its just not there anymore

carlo pescio

6/8/2014 09:07:42

What you see here is a combination of two issues. Both are discussed in the help page.
1) most samsung models won't allow the garmin to mount as a flash drive (as it should) unless rooted. Then you can use stickmount to force them to. The media importer is a possible workaround.
2) many samsung models don't play nice with the edge, the fenix, etc.Those devices are loading the usb too much (trying to charge), and the samsung are known to shut down usb power abruptly. When they do so, it's not uncommon for the garmin to lose files, even though it has not been mounted properly.
I would suggest that you use a powered usb hub (or, if you know what you're doing, a y-cable + a charger) to avoid issue #2.

Ted W

6/13/2014 00:13:16

thanks for the update. Interesting or lucky. But after the file system seemed goofed the first time I connected the Fenix2 to my Note3., it all seemed to work. I was able to use Sportlet (though not sure I had to). I went in to the web Version of strava, and when I went to upload the file, I was able to find the file within the garmin connected to the note. So that was pretty cool. Now if I was just lucky and the N3 could have powered down the usb thus hosing up the fenix filesystem. Yes that would not be good.

Patrick

1/19/2015 16:01:17

Hi Carlo! I've heard many good things about Sportablet integration with Samsung Galaxy S4. I'm having trouble. The application will open, but does not scale correctly to the display. I cannot scroll to view any buttons or features which are off-screen. Any suggestions to help me get started? Thank you!

carlo pescio

1/19/2015 23:28:21

Patrick, if you please take 2 minutes to read the description of the app here or in google play, you'll see that sportablet is for 10" tablets only. That's why on top of this page you'll also see "Got a smartphone or a small-screen tablet? check out the Uploader for Garmin!". That's my other app, the one you need.
Depending on your garmin model, you will also find a detailed tutorial on this website, which I suggest you read as well as it contains many suggestions on how to get the best transfer.

Patrick

1/20/2015 18:30:26

RTFM. You already provided the info, I just didn't read it. Thanks for the quick answer!

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 design software-intensive systems at different scales, using a number of paradigms, languages and technologies.
You can read some of my thoughts at carlopescio.com

Samsung S4 and [ANT+] Garmin devices

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