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Polar watches/sportbands Python API (github.com/rsc-dev)
63 points by rsc-dev on May 12, 2016 | hide | past | favorite | 18 comments


Does that work on linux or does it depend on the windows polar driver? (The reason i don't have such a watch yet is exactly that)


This works on both Windows and Linux (tested).


Does the library export data from the web service or from the device itself? Also, do you know if the device can be prevented from syncing with the cloud?

PS: Thank you for your contributions. I've looked into 3rd party open source sync libraries for activity trackers before, and the state was dire.


Awesome! Thanks for creating this.


Thank you for asking, i can see more and more Linux compatibility questions like this, thanks to which i don't have to feel like an outcast anymore after more then 15 years of Linux usage.

It is also great that the answer is yes.


I know that feel. I am asking this question for years on random places and, maybe it is just me, but i get more and more (often even unexpected) yes.

What a great time to be a linux user ;)

Edit:// Also my sister has such a watch and is forced to boot into Windows each fucking time the watch decides it needs to be authentificated. Not sure if this library would solve this perse tho.


This project aims to be low level API to Polar devices. It allows to access device, download raw files and deserialize it. It is a good point to start more sophisticated applications.


That is nice to hear. Is there a model that measures heart rate from the wrist? The chest bands are cumbersome.


OT but there was no other way to contact you. Try a Scosche Rhythm + for workout heartbeat measurement. Works without flaw on Polar devices without the use of a cheststrap.


I have yet to see a device that is accurate on the wrist above about 130-150 beats per minute. The chest strap, although somewhat uncomfortable, has far better accuracy.


Here's an old project I found for the v800 but that has worked great for my m400. https://github.com/profanum429/v800_downloader

It will download recordings via usb and convert them to tcx automatically :)

It's saved the day numerous times for me when polar's sync app was acting buggy - saying it uploaded a run but not completely uploading it.

They don't give you binary's but I was able to compile it fine on my mac.


I just received my Polar A360 from UPS...came to HN and saw this post. Mind blown. Thanks for sharing this ;)


Got my GF an M400 for her birthday that arrived yesterday. Looks like she'll be having a crappy birthday!


Here was a little write-up for the code: http://rm2084.blogspot.com/2015/11/hacking-polar-loop.html


This is awesome! I've been using a Polar RS800CX for almost a decade. I keep a VM running Windows just so I can use the sync software.

Thanks so much!


If you have a Crane GPS watch from Aldi then I can recommend this project [1]. It lets you easily download the TCX files and can be run from the command line.

1. https://github.com/mru00/crane_gps_watch


I own V800, can't wait to test it!


I have a v800 and v650 and m400 will test it on all ;)




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