Bluetooth Overview

How to configure and troubleshoot Bluetooth sensors for heart rate, power, and cadence data in Velogic Studio.

Pre-release Feature: Bluetooth sensor support is currently in pre-release. The information on this page applies to pre-release versions of Velogic Studio and may not yet be available in the shipping version. Features and functionality may change before the final release.

Velogic Studio can connect directly to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors to capture heart rate, power, and cadence data during your bike fitting sessions.

What does Bluetooth support look like in Velogic Studio?

Enabling Bluetooth Support

Before using Bluetooth sensors, ensure the Bluetooth plugin is enabled:

  1. Go to Settings (click the "SETTINGS" link in the Rider Details panel)

  2. Select the Plugins tab

  3. Ensure the Bluetooth toggle is turned on

Configuring Bluetooth Sensors

Step 1 of Velogic Studio is the configuration step. There's a BLUETOOTH section that helps you configure your Bluetooth sensors.

When Velogic Studio starts, it automatically scans for nearby Bluetooth sensors:

Bluetooth configuration section in Step 1 showing device scanning

After the scan completes, any detected sensors will be shown. You can configure which sensor types to use:

Bluetooth sensors detected showing power and cadence options with device selection

The Bluetooth section shows:

  • Service toggles - Enable or disable Heart Rate, Power, or Cadence data collection

  • Device selection - When multiple devices support the same service, you can select which device to use

  • Live data - Real-time values from connected sensors are displayed during configuration

  • Device count - Shows how many Bluetooth devices were found

  • RESCAN - Click to scan for devices again if your sensor wasn't detected

Supported Sensor Types

Velogic Studio supports the following Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) services:

Service
Description
Data Captured

Heart Rate

Heart rate monitors using the standard BLE Heart Rate Service

Heart rate (BPM)

Cycling Power

Power meters using the standard BLE Cycling Power Service

Power (W), Power Balance (L/R %)

Cycling Speed and Cadence

Cadence sensors using the standard BLE CSC Service

Cadence (RPM)

Live Data During Capture

In Step 2 (Capture), Bluetooth data is shown live in the Motion Metrics panel on the right side of the screen:

Step 2 showing Bluetooth data in the Motion Metrics panel

The Bluetooth metrics are grouped under the "Bluetooth" heading and include:

  • Cadence - Current pedaling cadence in RPM

  • Heart Rate - Current heart rate in BPM

  • Power - Current power output in watts

  • Power Balance - Left/right power distribution percentage

This data is automatically captured for each capture period, allowing you to compare sensor data alongside motion metrics and video.

Bluetooth FAQ

Q. Which Bluetooth sensors are compatible?

A. Velogic Studio supports any Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensor that implements the standard GATT profiles for Heart Rate, Cycling Power, or Cycling Speed and Cadence. This includes popular devices from manufacturers like:

  • Garmin

  • Wahoo

  • Polar

  • Favero

  • 4iiii

  • Stages

  • SRAM/Quarq

Q. Can I use ANT+ sensors instead?

A. Yes! Velogic Studio also supports ANT+ sensors. See the ANT+ Overview for details on configuring ANT+ devices. You can use ANT+ and Bluetooth sensors simultaneously if needed.

Q. Why use Bluetooth instead of ANT+?

A. Bluetooth has some advantages:

  • Built-in support - Most modern computers have Bluetooth built-in, so no additional USB dongle is required

  • Wider device support - Many newer sensors support Bluetooth in addition to (or instead of) ANT+

  • Simpler setup - No driver installation needed for the USB dongle

However, ANT+ has its own advantages (multiple simultaneous connections with a single dongle), so choose whichever works best for your setup.

Q. Can I connect multiple sensors of the same type?

A. By design, Velogic Studio connects to one device per service type. If multiple devices are found that support the same service (e.g., two power meters), you can select which one to use from the dropdown menu.

Q. Does Velogic Studio support smart trainer control?

A. Not currently. Velogic Studio can read data from your smart trainer's power and cadence sensors, but does not control trainer resistance. If trainer control would be useful for your workflow, please contact us.

Troubleshooting Bluetooth Support

Sensor not detected during scan

If your Bluetooth sensor isn't being detected:

  1. Check the sensor is powered on - Many sensors enter sleep mode when inactive. Wake them up by moving the crank (for power/cadence) or putting on the heart rate strap.

  2. Check the sensor is in pairing mode - Some sensors need to be put into pairing mode. Check your sensor's documentation.

  3. Check Bluetooth is enabled on your computer - Open Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices and ensure Bluetooth is turned on.

  4. Move closer to the sensor - Bluetooth range is typically 10 meters, but can be reduced by obstacles or interference.

  5. Try rescanning - Click the "RESCAN" button to scan for devices again.

  6. Check for interference - Other Bluetooth devices, WiFi routers, and USB 3.0 devices can cause interference. Try moving these away from your sensors.

Sensor shows as connected but no data appears

If your sensor is connected but you're not seeing data:

  1. Start pedaling - Power and cadence sensors only transmit data when there's movement.

  2. Check sensor battery - Low battery can cause intermittent connectivity or missing data.

  3. Check the service toggle - Ensure the toggle for that sensor type (Heart Rate, Power, or Cadence) is enabled in the Bluetooth configuration section.

Data appears intermittent or choppy

If data is dropping in and out:

  1. Check for interference - Move other wireless devices away from the sensor and computer.

  2. Check sensor battery - Replace the battery if it's low.

  3. Reduce distance - Move the sensor closer to the computer if possible.

Bluetooth adapter not working

If Bluetooth isn't working at all on your computer:

  1. Check Device Manager - Open Device Manager and look for "Bluetooth" in the device list. Ensure there are no warning icons.

  2. Update drivers - Right-click on your Bluetooth adapter in Device Manager and select "Update driver".

  3. Restart Bluetooth - Turn Bluetooth off and on again in Windows Settings.

  4. Try a USB Bluetooth adapter - If your built-in Bluetooth is problematic, a USB Bluetooth 4.0+ adapter can provide better compatibility.

Getting Help

If you're still having trouble with Bluetooth sensors, please contact us at [email protected] with:

  • The make and model of your Bluetooth sensor

  • A description of the problem you're experiencing

  • Screenshots of the Bluetooth configuration section in Velogic Studio

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