Lifesource Xl-18 Tri-axial Activity Monitor

Lifesource Xl-18 Tri-axial Activity Monitor Review

On a recent trip to Japan, a significant number of my contacts were using pedometers to measure their managing by 'walking around' metric which in a nutshell is 10,000 steps/day while on the job. I've never used a pedometer before so this is my first one. I had no comparable experience with what 10,000 steps a day means. I do now. It's a lot of walking ... say 5-6 miles a day.

Other reviewers are far more experienced then me and have comparable results and nuances with other models. The only comparison I can offer is that one of my Japanese visits was with Omron (a major sensor engineering and manufacturing company) and the competitor to this product.

So, for a newbie, I can tell you that it took me about a week to figure this sensor out. The accelerometer set-up that detects `steps' is delicate and needs careful settings:

1. Stride length - This is the only variable that you can adjust to correctly capture your actual step count. It is not a simple set-up. The manual suggests 10 steps. I followed the manual and recorded 2x the actual number of steps over a known distance. I suggest using a GPS to determine distance and calculate distance/100. I had to reset this variable about 10 times.

2. The sensor positioning on the body is VERY important. You'll get screwy results just letting it bounce around in your pocket. The unit works with the longest side held parallel to the right leg and using the lanyard to keep it held in this position in your pants pocket. This is the only configuration where I got results closely matching step count.

3. The accuracy is seems to be +/- 10%. With proper calibration and body positioning.

4. 10,000 steps/day is a bunch. I average about 6,000 steps per day. Carrying the thing does subliminally suggest more walking more. The subliminal message is probably the best component of the metric strategy.

5. For power walking or running, my IPhone GPS is still the best bet for revealing distance and time results.

6. As a personal accessory, friends may confirm that you're being anal if they haven't already figured that out. If they already know that you are, you will reinforce the stereotype. The lanyard hanging from your pants and your periodic check of the device is a dead giveaway.

Lifesource Xl-18 Tri-axial Activity Monitor Feature

• 3-axis motion detection
• Step, distance and calorie counter
• Motion indicator displays the intensity of walking or jogging
• 14-day memory

Lifesource Xl-18 Tri-axial Activity Monitor Overview

The xl-18 tri-axial activity monitor has 3-axis motion detection. it uses a digital accelerometer to track movement in all directions for an extremely accurate measure of your motion. it records your steps, distance and calories burned. the xl-18 has a motion indicator that shows the intensity of your movements as well as a 14-day memory. a detachable lanyard, internal clock, power save mode and battery life indicator also come standard. and it can be carried in your pocket, purse or bag.

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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Oct 06, 2010 17:20:11