How Timex GPS Watches Differ: Ironman Bodylink/Speed and Distance Comparison

GPS watches allow an athlete to track their performances in terms of real-time speed and pace as well as overall distance. The result is some tremendous benefits to sports watches which have, as a result of GPS emerged into a powerful training tool that can analyze your training in ways that were never before possible.

GPS technology has, over the last few years become a lot more predominant in popular high-end sports watches. A gps running watch can, for instance inform a runner what pace they are running at, what their predicted time is (based on their pace) over a specified distance as well as alert them if they are pushing too hard or their pace is too slow for their target event time.

GPS running watches with navigation features can track waypoints and allow an athlete to backtrack along a previously travelled route.

Whether you are a marathon runner, a triathlete, a road cyclist, a skier or kayaker. If you are a competitive athlete, take your sport seriously and wish to push their fitness and performance to the maximum limit possible, should seriously consider adding the powerful features of a GPS sports watch to their fitness toolset.

Timex, who have always been a market leader in terms of creating amazingly robust and functional sports watches for all types of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, whether they be elite level athletes or the proverbial weekend warrior have taken GPS technology and integrated it into their famous and easy to use sports watch to deliver a package that delivers on almost al sporting needs and wishes.

This article illustrates the Timex watches that support GPS functionality and compares the features amongst these. This page also contains information on some of the major modes and features of the Timex watches and how these benefits athletes from all walks of life.

Timex GPS Watch Components

Timex GPS watches function as a number of devices that are worn separately from the wrist watch device and communicating via a wireless, digital FM signal. Here is an overview of some of the different devices that can be used with Timex GPS watches.

Timex Navman GPS Pod

Timex GPS works by acquiring a signal from orbiting GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites that determine your position and changes in position anywhere on the globe. This information is transmitted wirelessly to your watch using digital FM frequency so that it can view your computed speed, pace and distance traveled in real time as well as in a summarized form at the end of your training session.

Timex provides two different types of GPS, a Speed and Distance sensor which measures exact speed and exact pace, but does not measure altitude and an altitude capable GSP-3D device which measures altitude as well as speed and pace.

The Timex GPS system is called Navman and utilizes the Navman II chipset.

GPS Lock Times

It should be noted that on first use, the GPS sensor can take up to 5 minutes or even longer to establish a link with the satellites. After that the unit typically needs only one minute unless you move hundreds of kilometers away from where you last used the GPS sensor or if you leave the GPS sensor powered up indoors for long periods of time before going outdoors.

The shortest GPS lock times can be achieved by minimizing movement while the indicator light is flashing red.

How the S+D Sensor is Worn

The GPS sensor is design solely for your upper arm, although it supports a clip that can be attached to your waist. Your watch should be worn so it is always within 1 meter (3 feet) of the GPS sensor and right side up.

Any clothing worn over the GPS sensor must be dry and free of metal.

On the Upper Arm

Make sure that the belt clip is removed. To remove the belt clip, grasp clip and gently pop off. To replace clip line up tab on clip with slot on sensor and gently pop clip on to unit (illustrated left).
If the armband is not attached,slide plastic attachment with elastic strap into the slot of the S+D Sensor.
Slide the elastic strap through the open end of the attachment, and fix it in place with the hook and loop closure.
Slip the sensor and strap over your hand and onto your upper arm. Watch must be worn on same arm.
Pull armband through the adjustable end so that it fits snugly around your arm.

On the Belt

If attached,remove armband by sliding out plastic attachment.
Insert belt clip by lining up tab on belt clip with slot on Sensor and pop into place.
Wear sensor on same side of body as watch.

Timex Heart Rate Monitors

The Timex Ironman Bodylink watches support heart rate monitor devices as well as the Navman GPS sensors.

The Timex digital heart rate monitor is a combination of a heart rate sensor and a sports watch. All Timex heart rate monitor watch models features Digital, synchronized, FM transmission, providing a clear signal around exercise equipment and power lines and prevents cross talk from other gps heart rate monitor devices.

Ironman heart rate monitor watches also feature a comfortable, adjustable elastic strap, user replaceable batteries that have a 2 year battery life and water resistance to 30 meters. Please note. The heart rate sensor will not provide accurate heart rate information when under water.

How the Heart Rate Strap Is Attached

The sensor attaches to your chest and measures the electrical signals generated by the heart as it is beating.

The sensor then uses this information to calculate your heart rate and transmits it to your watch. You simply glance at the watch curing exercise/training to ensure you are in the appropriate heart rate to maintain or improve your fitness level.

How to Use the Digital Heart Rate Monitor

Wet the Heart Rate Sensor pads. THIS IS ESSENTIAL for proper operation of the Heart Rate Monitor.
Put on the chest strap. Fasten the strap snugly around your chest,just below the breasts. Be sure the transmitter is centered on the chest and is right side up so the logo can be read by someone facing you.
Start the Heart Rate Monitor: Refer to the user manual for your watch for detailed instructions on viewing heart rate data.

For more detailed information on Timex heart rate monitors view our Timex Ironman heart rate monitor comparison chart.

The Timex Data Recorder

The Timex Data Recorder is a device that can be purchased separately, that records information from the Timex Digital Heart Rate Sensor and Navman GPS Sensor devices (including altitude information) and then allows you to transfer it to PC via USB where your data can be analyzed with the Timex Trainer Software.

The data recorder has the capacity to the following data:

HRM Data Only	72 hours
Speed and Distance Data (GPS)	26 hours
HRM/GPS (non 3D) Data	14 hours
HRM/Full 3D GPS Data	7 hours

The Timex Data Recorder is actually quite small, about 3cm in diameter. It can be clipped onto your belt or slipped into your pocket. It has the capacity to record multiple workouts, has a 2 year battery life and splash-resistant case.

The Timex Trainer Software

The Timex Trainer is a software training system for the management of activity data. It allows users to track and analyze all aspects of their training both manually and with the integration of heart rate and GPS measurement data from Timex’s Fitness Sensors.

Data from the Fitness Sensors can be transferred from the Timex Data Recorder to PC and then imported into the Timex Trainer Software.

Through the Trainer Software users can view data imported from the Data Recorder, edit data manually as well as view a number of reports including Weekly Distance by Sport, Daily time in HR Zones, Daily Distance, Daily Activity Time, Daily Body Weight, Daily Resting HR and Daily Highest Altitude.

Please note that the Timex Trainer software is NOT compatible with a Mac computer, only Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and Vista operating systems. Although Microsoft Virtual PC on the Macintosh will recognize the Data Recorder and run the Timex Trainer software, the USB communication between the two does not work.


	T5F011	T5J985	T5G311
Size	Large Size Suitable for Male Athletes	Large Size Suitable for Male Athletes	Small Size Suitable for Female Athletes
Suitable For	This Bodylink watch is the most suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, including runners, cyclists, fell runners, triathletes, rowers and joggers.	A very technical watch and the only Bodylink watch that includes navigation features. Suitable for athletes, adventure races and trail runners.	This watch is a female version of the T5G311. It is suitable for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, runners, cyclists, fell runners, triathletes, rowers and jogger who have thinner wrists.

TIMEX BODYLINK WATCHES			T5F011, T5J985, T5G311
Training Features		Heart Rate Features		All Bodylink watches present three large digital lines of data The GPS unit takes a single AA battery and clips to your upper arm or running shorts Timex Heart Rate Monitor watches utilize digital, synchronized, FM transmission for clear signals around exercise equipment, power lines and other heart rate monitors The Timex Data Recorder collects heart rate, speed & distance data from Timex sensors and allows transfer of data to PC for analysis The Timex GPS device can be worn on the upper arm as appears in the diagram, or clipped into the shorts.
Real time display:	Can display training time, pace, average pace, speed, average speed, heart rate, distance, altitude, elevation, predicted finish	Target zones:	Allows you to configure a desired heart rate exercise zone. An alarm notifies you when you are not training within the desired zone.
Customizable screens:	3-line customizable display.	Average heart rate:	Displays your average heart rate over various periods of time.
Lap history:	100-lap memory with recall of Bodylink system data	Time in zone:	The amount of time spent within your specified target heart rate zone.
Chronograph mode:	Tracks and displays performance data.	Recovery heart rate timer:	Measures your heart rate recovery level after an exercise session.
Finish mode:	Lets you predict a time for a specified distance and set alerts if you are off pace	Auto set zones:	Target zones are calculated automatically based on your specified maximum heart rate. One zone can be manually set.
Lap data mode:	Presents stored lap information.	Speed and Distance Features
Summary mode:	Displays data recorded while the chronograph runs.	Exact speed:	Your current straight-line velocity can be calculated when using the GPS pod.
Timer mode:	Enables you to time an event that counts down from a specific time to zero.	Average speed:	Based on speed calculation over your current chrono stopwatch session.
Interval timer mode:	Allows you to set the watch up for interval workouts	Exact pace:	Pace based on speed calculation, can be displayed in mins per mi or mins per km.
Vertical mode:	Features vertical data such as ascent rate, altitude and elevation.	Average pace:	Based on speed calculation over your current chrono stopwatch session.
Alarm mode:	Manages up to five alarms.	Exact distance travelled:	The overall distance travelled over the current chrono stopwatch session.
Configure mode:	Permits you to customize watch functions to meet your needs.	Vertical ascent rate:	Measured in meters or feet per second.
Time of day mode:	Allows you to display the time, date and day of the week for two different time zones.	Altitude display:	The current height above sea level.
Navigation Features	(present only in the Trail Runner T5J985)	Elevation display:	The difference between the current altitude and the starting altitude.
Waypoints:	Allows you to save 10 different waypoints each with a distinct label.	Auto split lapping:	Automatically takes a split based on either a timer, a distance, an altitude or a time.
Navigate:	Allows you to navigate back to an individual waypoint.	Auto start/auto stop:	Automatically stops or starts the chronograph when you stop moving or resume your movement.
Track Back:	Lets you cycle through previously visited waypoints.


	T5F011	T5J985	T5G311
Heart Rate Zones	8x HR Zones: 5xAutoset 3x Custom Set	2 x Simultaneous HR zones: TZ1 and TZ2. Can be one of 5 x preset HR zones (or a manual set zone)	8x HR Zones: 5xAutoset 3x Custom Set
	Fits a male wrist	Fits a male or female wrist	Fits a female wrist
Chronograph mode
Finish mode
Lap data mode
Summary mode
Timer mode
Interval timer mode
Vertical mode
Altitude Alerts
Navigation Modes
Alarm mode
Configure mode
Time of day mode


	T5F011	T5J985 Trail Runner	T5G311	T5E701	T5E691
Heart Rate Support
External GPS Device
Exact Speed
Average Speed
Max Speed
Exact Pace
Average Pace
Max Pace
Event Distance
Odometer Distance
Total Ascent
Total Descent
Time Above Pre-Set Altitude
AutoSplit (Time/Dist)
Auto Start/Stop
Speed Alerts
Distance Alerts
Data Recorder Compatible
Watch Features	100-hour chronograph with 3-line display	100-hour chronograph with 3-line display	100-hour chronograph with 3-line display	100-hour chronograph with 3-line display	100-hour chronograph with 3-line display
	100-Lap Memory	100-Lap Memory	100-Lap Memory	100-Lap Memory	100-Lap Memory
	100-hour, 3-mode countdown	100-hour, 3-mode countdown	100-hour, 3-mode countdown	100-hour, 3-mode countdown	100-hour, 3-mode countdown
	Alarm Features	Alarm Features	Alarm Features	Alarm Features	Alarm Features
	INDIGLO Night-Light	INDIGLO Night-Light	INDIGLO Night-Light	INDIGLO Night-Light	INDIGLO Night-Light
	Night Mode INDIGLO	Night Mode INDIGLO	Night Mode INDIGLO	Night Mode INDIGLO	Night Mode INDIGLO
	Water Resistant to 50m	Water Resistant to 50m	Water Resistant to 50m	Water Resistant to 100m	Water Resistant to 100m
	2 Year Battery Life	2 Year Battery Life	2 Year Battery Life	2 Year Battery Life	2 Year Battery Life
	One-Year Warranty	One-Year Warranty	One-Year Warranty	One-Year Warranty	One-Year Warranty

Time Of Day	Allows you to display the time, date and day of the week for two different time zones.
Chronograph	Tracks and displays performance data.
Vertical	Features vertical data such as ascent rate, altitude and elevation.
Finish	Lets you predict a time for a specified distance and set alerts if you are off pace.
Interval Timer (Not present in Trail Runner)	Allows you to set the watch up for interval workouts.
Navigate	Recognizes positional, compass-type information for your location.
Waypoints	Support up to ten reference points as you travel from one location to another and uses these reference points to help you travel back to your beginning location.
Lap Data	Presents stored lap information.
Summary	Displays data recorded while the chronograph runs.
Timer	Enables you to time an event that counts down from a specific time to zero.
Alarm	Manages up to five alarms.
Configure	Permits you to customize watch functions to meet your needs.

Heart Rate	Current heart rate expressed as either percent of your maximum heart rate (PERCENT) or beats per minute (BPM)
Speed	Current velocity
Pace	Current velocity, expressed in minutes per selected distance unit, such as miles or kilometers
Distance	Distance travelled since you began operating the chronograph
Altitude	Current elevation above sea level

Heart Rate	Current heart rate
Ascent Rate	Vertical speed
Pace	Current velocity, expressed in minutes per selected distance unit, such as miles or kilometers
Speed	Current velocity
Distance	Distance travelled while you run the chronograph
Altitude	Current height above sea level
Elevation	Difference between your current altitude and the altitude when you started the chronograph

Finish Time	The predicted finish time based on your current speed and distance. The finish time will flash if your current pace will not allow you to finish within your selected target time. If you stop moving, the Watch display replaces the finish time with the word STOPPED.
Heart Rate	Current heart rate
Pace	Current velocity, expressed in minutes per selected distance unit, such as miles or kilometers
Average Pace	Average per-minute speed for the period that chronograph has been running
Speed	Current velocity
Average Speed	Average velocity for the period that you run the chronograph
Distance	Distance travelled while you run the chronograph

Longitude	East/West position expressed in degrees, minutes,and seconds from the Greenwich Meridian.
Latitude	North/South position expressed in degrees, minutes, and seconds from the equator.
Heading	The direction you are traveling.
Speed	Current velocity.
Distance	Distance traveled since the activation of the GPS Sensor.
Altitude	Current height above sea level.

Lap and Split Time	Lap time includes data for each segment of your activity, and split time shows data for the overall activity.
Lap Average Heart Rate and Time in Average Heart Rate	Average heart rate displays the average heart rate for the lap, and time in average heart rate shows how much time during the lap you spent at the average heart rate.
Lap Average Speed	Average velocity for the period that chronograph has been running
Lap Average Pace	Average per-minute speed for the period that chronograph has been running
Lap Distance	Distance travelled for the lap
Lap Altitude	Altitude displays the height above sea level at the end of your lap
Lap Elevation Change	Elevation is the net change in altitude during the lap

Average Heart Rate	Your average heart rate calculated over the period the chronograph was running.
Peak Heart Rate	The highest recorded heart rate during your activity.
Minimum Heart Rate	The lowest recorded heart rate during your activity.
Time in Zones	Taking into account your total workout time, the Watch displays how much time you spent in each of the heart rate zones during your activity, including all five preset zones, all three custom zones, and below Zone 1(sometimes referred to as “Zone 0”)
Average Heart Rate in Zones	The average heart rate in each of the heart rate zones, including all five preset zones, all three custom zones, and below Zone 1.
Recovery	Your heart rate change over a selected period of time recorded at the end of your activity

Average Speed	Your average speed calculated by dividing distance by time.
Maximum Speed	Your quickest speed.
Average Pace	Your average speed expressed as minutes per distance unit travelled.
Best Pace	Your fastest time travelled per minute.

Event Distance	Your accumulated distance traveled during the activity while the chronograph was running.
Odometer	Your accumulated distance traveled since you last manually reset the odometer. Since the odometer does not operate in conjunction with the chronograph, you can use this feature to track accumulated distance over several workouts.

HRM settings	Heart rate settings allow you to set target zones for your heart rate.
S+D settings	Speed and distance settings affect the Watch response to data received from the GPS Sensor.
Altitude settings	Altitude settings configure target altitude and set smoothing and ascent rate calculations.
Hands-free settings	Hands-free settings provide options to configure the Watch to operate automatically in conjunction with the GPS Sensor.
Watch settings	Watch settings provide options for customizing the general operation of the Watch, including hiding data or modes.
Unit settings	Unit settings allow you to determine distance (for example miles versus kilometers) and heart rate (beats versus percentage) display units.

Night-Mode® feature	When enabled, the INDIGLO® nightlight turns on when you press any button. This feature disables itself after eight hours.
Hourly chime	When enabled, the Watch will chime at the top of every hour.
Button beep	When enabled, the Watch will emit a beep when you press any button.
Mode hiding	You can choose to show or disable the following modes: Interval, Lap Data, Summary, Timer, or Alarm. For example, if you disable Lap Data Mode it will not show up at all until you enable it again from Configure Mode. You can also choose to show, hide, or disable Vertical Mode or Finish Mode.
Data hiding	You can choose to show or hide blank data from the Fitness Sensors. For instance, if you do not use the HR Sensor for your workout and you choose to hide blank HR Sensor data, you will not see any information related to heart rate since this data relies on the use of the HR Sensor.

Distance	Set the Watch to display distance in terms of miles, kilometers (KM), or nautical miles (NM).
Speed	Set the Watch to display speed in terms of miles per hour (MPH), kilometers per hour (KPH), nautical miles (NM), or auto.
Pace	Set the Watch to display pace in terms of miles (MPH), kilometers (KPH), nautical miles (NM), or auto.
Altitude	Set the Watch to display altitude in terms of feet, meters, or auto.

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