Troubleshooting connection issues

This article contains a list of possible solutions to device connection issues. As there are so many different smart trainers, spin bikes, speed sensors, heart rate monitors, and other sensors on the market, it is impossible for our team to test them all and know how every piece of equipment responds in FulGaz.

The solutions below range from basic to slightly more complex. You may need to take a “process of elimination” approach to solving your connection issue.

- Does your trainer or sensor broadcast data via ANT+ and/or Bluetooth?

If your device broadcast a signal over either ANT+ (Windows-only) or Bluetooth Smart, then FulGaz should be able to connect. If not, then it will not be compatible with FulGaz. Proprietary connections such as FitBit and Apple Watch are also out as they are “locked in” to their own software.

- Is your sensor turned on and are the batteries charged?

It sounds simple, but it is a common mistake and easy to make. Ensure your device is actually broadcasting a signal. Flat or low-charge heart rate monitor batteries are a common cause of connection dramas!

- Is Bluetooth turned on?

Ensure that Bluetooth on the device you are using to run FulGaz is turned on! Check under device settings that it hasn't been switched off or disabled. For ANT+ users, double check that your ANT+ USB dongle is inserted and connected properly.

- Are you riding a spin bike?

Check to see that your model of spin bike broadcasts a power signal via Bluetooth. The only way a spin bike will integrate FULLY with FulGaz is if it sends power data and also receives resistance change commands via Bluetooth. You may be able to use FulGaz with just power data broadcasts, but you will not get resistance changes. 

If you cannot see your spin bike on the FulGaz pairing screen under the list of power devices, it is likely not compatible and will not be able to connect.

- Did you allow Bluetooth connections when installing FulGaz?

Another easy one to overlook! When you first install and run FulGaz, it may ask you whether you want to allow the app to use your Bluetooth connection. It is VERY easy to accidentally hit no!

If you've just installed the app and can't see any connections on the pairing screen, this could be it. Due to the limitations on Apple TV, the only way to fix this is to delete the app and re-install FulGaz.

- Is the device connected to another app or device?

If so, it is likely that the other app is “clinging” to your Bluetooth connection. You may need to “clear” your Bluetooth so that FulGaz is able to recognise it. 

Click here for more info on freeing Bluetooth connections.

Unpair the device from the pairing screen of any other app and then exit these oter applications (Zwift, Sufferfest, Wahoo Fitness, etc). Go into your device’s settings and turn your Bluetooth off, then back on again. Restart FulGaz. Most of the time this will do the trick, allowing FulGaz to find your devices.

- Are other devices causing interference?

Like all fitness apps, FulGaz simply reads the data coming to it via the Bluetooth antenna in the device running FulGaz. FulGaz can suffer from interference a lot more than other apps because of the detail and frequency of the ride data.

Click here for more information on resolving interference issues.

Any nearby signal emitting devices (Bluetooth speakers, cycling head units, mobile phones, microwaves, wireless doorbells, etc) may interfere with these signals. Moving or turning off any other devices may result in a much smoother and enjoyable ride experience!

- Are you using ANT+ devices?

Moving the ANT+ dongle closer to the trainer can reduce signal dropouts and help FulGaz to pick up the signal during pairing. An easy way to do this is to use a USB extension cable from your PC or laptop and to position the dongle directly under or next to your trainer or ANT+ device. These can be found in various lengths from most electronics outlets or online stores. A 2-metre cable is usually enough.

A note for Apple TV users: The Apple TV unit can only communicate with two external devices at a time, plus the remote. You will encounter issues if you are trying to connect more than two (eg: your turbo trainer, heart rate monitor and separate cadence sensor). You can work around this limitation by using devices that broadcast more than one signal, for example a trainer than sends both power and cadence.