I was thinking about upgrading my nano to the 7th generation for the built in nike+. I was wondering how well this works on a treadmill that doesn't have the iPod connector. Any information is greatly appreciated, thanks.
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iPod 7th Generation Nano Nike+
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Technically, there's is no such thing as a iPod nano 7G. The current nanos are the same as the ones that were released in late 2010. The late 2011 models are still 6G, but they come with version 1.2 of the firmware. The original 6G can be updated to 1.2 and gain all of the feature of the brand new ones.
Also, the 6G nano does not have a Nike+ receiver built in. If you want to use the foot pod, you still need to plug in the receiver/dongle. What the 1.2 firmware changed with regards to Nike+ is that it allows the use of the accelerometer to record running workouts. Prior to 1.2, the accelerometer was used just for the pedometer and the Nike+ kit was used for running.
As for using the 6G for treadmills, I can confirm that it indeed works (with or without the Nike+ kit). I will say that in my usage, the nano reports milage about 10% higher than the treadmill. Neither my nano nor my treadmill has been calibrated. For me, as long as it's consistent, I'm OK (read: I'm not a serious runner that needs to know precise results). Also note that a forum member (Sandiway) published results on his blog showing that running with the Nike+ kit vs. without the kit had very similar results. Almost negligible.
One last thing with regards to the treadmill. Using a Nike+ iPod compatible treadmill is probably the best option. If you run on an incline, your calories will be under-reported on the nano. The nano assumes you're running on flat ground. I'm in the process of buying the Nike+ kit and a Polar heart rate strap, primarily to get better results when I use the elliptical. I guessing that the availability of your heart rate may help the calorie calculation on runs ... maybe.
Hope this answers your questions.
ft
Also, the 6G nano does not have a Nike+ receiver built in. If you want to use the foot pod, you still need to plug in the receiver/dongle. What the 1.2 firmware changed with regards to Nike+ is that it allows the use of the accelerometer to record running workouts. Prior to 1.2, the accelerometer was used just for the pedometer and the Nike+ kit was used for running.
As for using the 6G for treadmills, I can confirm that it indeed works (with or without the Nike+ kit). I will say that in my usage, the nano reports milage about 10% higher than the treadmill. Neither my nano nor my treadmill has been calibrated. For me, as long as it's consistent, I'm OK (read: I'm not a serious runner that needs to know precise results). Also note that a forum member (Sandiway) published results on his blog showing that running with the Nike+ kit vs. without the kit had very similar results. Almost negligible.
One last thing with regards to the treadmill. Using a Nike+ iPod compatible treadmill is probably the best option. If you run on an incline, your calories will be under-reported on the nano. The nano assumes you're running on flat ground. I'm in the process of buying the Nike+ kit and a Polar heart rate strap, primarily to get better results when I use the elliptical. I guessing that the availability of your heart rate may help the calorie calculation on runs ... maybe.
Hope this answers your questions.
ft
thanks for all the info, that is exactly what I was wanting to know. I do not need completely accurate numbers so that should be good for me.
Thanks for the informative post. Here is my ideal setup, which I'm hoping that you can tell me if it is possible, or not. I'm planning on purchasing the latest nano (7G w/ 1.2 firmware), but run decent distances and have read else where that it can overestimate distances by 20-25% when compared to a GPS wrist band. For this reason, I would like to use my current receiver and foot transmitter, which seems like it will work just fine. My question is this: If I get the Polar heart rate strap, will it transmit to the same receiver that is used for the foot transmitter? If this works the way I'd like it to, it will then record relatively accurate, calibrated strides as well as my heart rate via the single receiver that plugs into the bottom of the ipod. Do you think this will work?
The 6G nano with/without 1.2 should work fine for what you're planning. I have the Nike+ kit on order, as well as the Polar HR strap. The HR strap is supposed to work with the Nike+ receiver and footpod simultaneously.
I am planning on posting a complete write up when I test it out. Stay tuned.
thats not correct....you do not need the nike+ kit anymore.
quote from the apple website
"The built-in accelerometer in iPod nano gives you real-time feedback on your workout, and you can upload data to the Nike+ website. There’s no need to connect a receiver or use a shoe sensor to track your steps, distance, pace, and time. Just clip on iPod nano and go"
"Grab your iPod nano and go — no accessories required. Or grab your iPod touch or iPhone 3GS or later, a pair of Nike+ shoes, and the Nike + iPod Sensor"
Vince,
I respect your reply, but you're the one who's incorrect ... although Apple's description is vague enough to cause confusion.
The iPod nano (with 1.2) is capable of uploading pedometer data and running data without the use of the Nike+ kit. However, the nano cannot utilize the foot pod sensor without the receiver dongle. Also, without the dongle, you can't use other Nike+ accessories, such as the Polar Heart Rate strap.
So to recap.
Without the Nike+ kit, you're limited to pedometer and run workouts without the foot pod. The 30-pin connector is open for using a bluetooth dongle if you want.
With the Nike+ kit, you can use the foot pod (may or may not be more accurate) and other accessories. Uses the 30-pin connector, so you can't use a BT headset.
ft
i think the guy was actually correct. you don't need the kit anymore to track your workouts.
Detact,
Vince is only correct in that you don't require the Nike+ kit anymore if all you want to do is track your runs and walking steps on Nike+. However, he was replying to my post which was talking about using other Nike+ accessories.
Specifically, I was talking about using the Polar Wearlink+ (with Nike+) heart rate monitor with the iPod nano. In order to get your heart rate attached to your runs, you need to use the Nike+ kit. Also, the types of workouts that you can use with the nano increase when you combine the Nike+ kit and the Polar strap ... for instance, you can track other workouts that don't rely on footstrikes (such as elliptical, aerobics, cycling) via your heart rate.
Also, if you want to use the footpod, you need to use the receiver as well. The nano does not have a Nike+ receiver built-in. However, it's questionable as to whether footpod is more/less accurate than the nano's internal accelerometer.
ft
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